Bicycle Tourism: Providing Economic Development Opportunities for Montana

Bicycle tourism is gaining momentum in Montana, and not just on the downhill segment. In fact, it could be the new phenomenon in the travel industry. And it's definitely an economic boon: Multiday bicyclists take longer to get anywhere, thereby showering the communities they stop in with outside dollars. A recent study by the Institute of Tourism and Recreation Research (ITRR) at the University of Montana in cooperation with the Adventure Cycling Association found that bicycle tourism offers economic development potential for small businesses in towns throughout the state. Bicycle travelers spend an average of $75.75 per person per day and stay eight nights or more in the state. The ITRR study also discovered challenges that come with bicycle tourism. Time and time again, cyclists mentioned that road conditions made their travels in Montana difficult. Other concerns highlighted in the study related to food and lodging availability. Business opportunities catering to the cycling tourist can be part of any community with a desire to keep visitors in town.