An Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Transportation, Multimodal Planning Division, Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, has completed An Economic Impact Study of Bicycling in Arizona: Out‑of-State Bicycle Tourists & Exports.

The purpose of the study was to examine two key economic-related segments of bicycling:

·        The bicycle industry of Arizona, which includes manufacturers of bicycles and related products, bike shops (including repair, rentals, etc.), and other bicycle-related enterprises; AND

·        Bicycle tourism and visitor spending associated with organized tours, rides, and races in Arizona.

Annual direct and indirect/induced economic contribution of sales to out-of-state buyers is estimated at $57.6 million and 317 jobs. (The figures include effects of manufacturing/wholesaling export sales). Due to the small size of the survey sample, these numbers should be thought of as initial findings subject to supplemental verification in future years.

Annual retail sales of bicycle-related goods in Arizona, to local and out-of-state customers, in all store types and including service and rentals, are estimated to be $114 million (excluding internet sales).

The study findings related to bicycle tourism include the following:

·        At least 250 events annually attract about 14,000 participants from outside the state; these participants’ travel parties include 36,500 total visitors (including the participants) to the state, annually;

·        Compared to the typical cross-section of tourists coming to Arizona, these participants are more educated and have higher incomes; and

·        The estimated annual direct and indirect/induced economic contribution of these participants totals $30.6 million and 404 jobs.

In addition to the out-of-state visitors, another 39,000 Arizonans ride in the events inventoried for this study annually.

Final documents, including Executive Summary – Final Report, Final Report, and Final Report – Appendix, are posted on the project web site at http://mpd.azdot.gov/mpd/systems_planning/BicyclingAZ.asp.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss our conclusions and recommendations.

Thank you,

Michael N. Sanders

Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Coordinator

206 S. 17th Ave., Mail Drop 310B

Phoenix, AZ   85007

602.712.8141