What's the Value of Bicycling? $1.5 Billion, in Wisconsin

A new study by the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that bicycling contributes $1.5 billion to Wisconsin's economy every year.

1 minute read

January 3, 2011, 7:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur


The boost to the Wisconsin economy provided by bicycles comes from tourism, bike shops and bicycle-related businesses, and the health benefit of exercise that keeps people out of the doctor's office:

"Sparta is just one of many Wisconsin places where bicycle recreation generates more than $924 million in economic activity. Sparta welcomes 15,500 visiting bicyclists each year thanks to the Elroy Sparta bike trail. The Wisconsin department of Natural Resources reports that 100,000 people use the trail annually."

"World-renowned bicycle brands like Trek Bicycle Corporation, Saris Cycling Group, Planet Bike, Pacific Cycles, Waterford Precision Cycles reside in Wisconsin. Hundreds of locally-owned bike shops and bicycle-friendly businesses support the vitality of local economies. Wisconsin bicycle industry adds nearly $600 million annually to our state's economy."

Thanks to GOOD

Sunday, January 2, 2011 in Bicycling Federation of Wisconsin

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

MARTA train tracks run in the middle of a six lane highway with an overpass and the Buckhead city skyline of skyscrapers in the background.

How Would Project 2025 Affect America’s Transportation System?

Long story short, it would — and not in a good way.

September 29, 2024 - Marcelo Remond

Aerial view of Rancho Mirage, California with homes in foreground and snowy San Gabriel Mountains in background.

First Model Homes Revealed in Disney-Built Community

Disney’s Cotino, in the Southern California desert, is the first of the company’s ‘Storybook Living’ developments.

October 2, 2024 - Newsweek

Abandoned concrete subway station and tunnel in downtown Cincinnati..

Cincinnati Seeks to Repurpose Its Unused Subway Tunnel

City officials are looking for proposals to use Cincinnati's long-abandoned subway tunnels, but not for transit; they already tried that.

October 7, 2024 - Cincinnati Enquirer

Close-up of lead water pipe with mineral crusts

President Sets New Deadline for Replacing Lead Pipes

U.S. cities are charged with replacing dangerous lead pipes and improving drinking water quality within the next 13 years.

4 hours ago - Associated Press

Large 400-year old oak tree in Stevenson Ranch, California.

400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark

The tree’s landmark status celebrates its deep-rooted history and symbolizes the community's dedication to preserving local ecological treasures.

5 hours ago - Hoodline

Tribal leaders of Gila River Indian Community at inauguration event for solar-over-canal project.

Arizona Native Community Launches First Solar-Over-Canal Project

Covering an irrigation canal with solar panels doubles its utility, producing renewable energy while protecting canal infrastructure and reducing water evaporation.

6 hours ago - Arizona Mirror

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.