MDOT report says bicycling brings community and economic benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014
CONTACT: Jeff Cranson,  MDOT Director of Communications, 517-335-3084

MDOT report says bicycling brings
community and economic benefits

Fast Facts:
- Bicycling provides an estimated $668 million per year in economic benefit to Michigan's economy.
- Statewide, 39 percent of households reported using a bicycle for transportation last year.
- Nearly 800 people are employed by bicycle-related industry in Michigan.

August 14, 2014 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) today released a new report, "Community and Economic Benefits of Bicycling in Michigan." This report is Phase I of a two-phase project that explains the economic benefit bicycling has on Michigan's local and statewide economies. The report and user friendly infographics are online at www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9615_11223_64797_69435---,00.html. 

             The new report finds that bicycling provides an estimated $668 million per year in economic benefit to Michigan's economy, including employment, retail revenue, tourism expenditure, and increased health and productivity.

             Using both quantitative and qualitative data, the report takes a unique approach to illustrate both the economic benefits of bicycling on a statewide basis, as well as broader benefits bicycling can have on communities.

             As part of Phase I of the study, five case study communities were identified across the state in an effort to measure the annual impact bicycling can have on a local economy. All of the case studies were within the limits of these cities and did not include the broader metro areas:

             - Traverse City: $5.5 million

             - Holland: $6.4 million

             - Detroit (southwest Detroit and the Conner Creek Greenway area): $20.7 million

             - Ann  Arbor: $25.4 million

             - Grand Rapids: $39.1 million

             Phase II of this project is under way and will include more specific data on the economic impact of bicycling "events," bicycle touring, and Michigan as a bicycle destination. That phase is scheduled to be complete in 2015.

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MDOT reminds drivers: Lives are in your hands - always pass cyclists at a safe distance.

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