Photo: blyjak / iStock / Getty Images
(Iowa) -- A new follow-up study from the Iowa Bicycle Coalition shows that cycling and trail use good news for local economies and is widespread in all Iowa counties, including rural communities.
The new study finds 40 percent of recreational cyclists ride trails at least twice a month. Cycling activity contributes to job creation, improved quality of life, and consistent economic effects, regardless of a community's size. The study finds the small community of Adams sees over $500,000 in annual economic impact from cycling and trail use, while Polk County sees more than $150 million dollars in economic impact annually.
Counties like Dallas and Black Hawk report roughly $25 million dollars in economic impact due to cycling and trail use. The full Economic Impacts of Cycling and Trails, Phase Two will be presented at the 2025 Iowa Bike and Trails Summits on October 9th and 10th in Cedar Rapids. More information is available on the Iowa Bike and Trail Summits' website.