IRVINE, CA (BRAIN)—Shimano American Corporation and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have teamed up to promote mountain biking during the National Bike Summit, by releasing their study, The Economics and Benefits of Mountain Biking.
More than one in five Americans 16 years or older ride mountain bikes, and as a group contribute $26 billion annually to the economy, according to the study.
“We want legislators, policy makers and the public to understand how significant mountain biking is to both the economy and to keeping people healthy,” said Kozo Shimano, senior executive at Shimano. And he points out that 50 million Americans mountain bike, compared with the 33 million that golf.
According to the report, one recent cost benefit analysis concluded that every dollar invested in trails led to almost three dollars in direct medical benefit. And the World Health Organization recommends riding a bike to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
“From the beginning, IMBA members have embraced a stewardship ethic that benefits conservation of our natural lands and waters. This timely publication shows how a conservation mindset also gives back with economic benefits,” said Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director.
Research has shown mountain biking to be a low impact environmentally sustainable activity with no more impact on natural resources than hiking, and far less than many other recreational activities.
Copies of The Economics and Benefits of Mountain Biking can be obtained from IMBA by sending a request to info@imba.com.
