Cycle Tourism Research - International Research
The following research reports and media articles have been compiled by Transportation Options, from international jurisdictions and sources. All are publicly available and online. Learn more about the value of cycle tourism elsewhere, marketing and development of cycle tourism, travel and trip motivations, demographics and the economic impact of this growing sector worldwide. If you have any additional research you think should be posted here, or comments on any of the research please let us know. We ask that if you use any of the information below its source is correctly cited.
Report: Traveling With a Bike/Viaggiare-con-la-bic - Italy (2025)
In Italian, report estimates there were 89 million cycling tourists in 2024, over 10% of the total visitors. Spending of cycling tourists was estimated at 9.8 billion euros with a significant increase compared to 2023.
Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking - USA (2025)
This report estimates the economic impact of U.S. mountain biking tourists spend on average $416 per visit on lodging, restaurants and at retailers. The study included 13 trail systems in the U.S. and 4 events, plus cites additional studies.
Economic and Health Impacts of Bicycling and Trails in Iowa (2025)
Home of the largest cycling event in the world, Ragbrai, it is reported that bicycle-related tourism generates $13 million annually. Cycling and trail use in Iowa contribute at least $1.4 billion annually in economic activity for the state. Study link HERE.
State of the Cycling Tour Operators Industry: In Europe and Beyond (2024)
This report includes numerous insights and key findings from a survey of cycling tour operators. While organised cycling tours represent a small segment of cycling tourism, most planning trips independently, cycling tour operators are key players of the industry.
Eurovelo.com Digital Statistics Report for 2023 (2024)
Tracking website visits and sessions, along with other digital stats, growth and demographics, this report revels that in 2023 there were 2.5 million sessions and more than more than 1.5 million visitors to site that hosts info and maps for Eurovelo cycling routes across Europe.
German National Cyclists' Federation/ADFC Cycle Tourism Report (2024)
Cycle travel analysis reporting 37.4 million people in Germany used their bikes on vacation and for excursions in 2023, with the average holiday spend around 123 euros per person per day.
WeRide Australian Cycling and eScooter Economy Report (2023)
2022 data that highlights the impact of the combined cycling and escooter market on the economy, jobs, health and social benefits, and CO2 reductions. The report also highlights the $1.9 billion direct output from cycle tourism nationally.
Economic Impact Report for Off-Road Biking in Taupo District, New Zealand (2023)
This report showed 55,000 mountain bikers spent over 80,000 nights in the district in 2022 and spent an average of $340 each during their stay.
Cycle Tourism in Italy, a Market with 31 million Admissions and 4 Billion Euros (2022)
An estimated 31 million tourist presences visited Italy for cycling activities, generating 4 billion euros for the economy. The economic impact per km of cycle path is 338 thousand euros directed to businesses and job opportunities created by the sector (cycling guides, rentals and dedicated services).
Economic Potential of the Great American Rail Trail (2022)
Spanning 3,700 miles and 12 states, currently 53% complete, it is estimated that when complete it could generate more than $229.4 million in visitor spending, $104 million in labor income, and $22.8 million in new tax revenue.
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails - Cycle Tourism Insights Research Report (2021)
Detailed research monitoring the performance of the 22 New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides and how they are impacting trail users, the communities in which the trails are located, and New Zealand as a whole.
Report for the Bicycle Association: The Economic Benefits of Local Cycling Investment, Greater London Case Study (2021)
The wider health, environmental and productivity benefits, combined with the direct value of cycling products and services and estimates of cycle tourism, contribute around £1.3-£1.4 billion per year to the London economy.
Great Allegheny Passage Economic Impact Report (2021)
This study looks at that direct and indirect impacts of the trail and on its communities. The 150 mile trail had a $121 million in economic impact in 2019 with on average over one million trail users annually.
Cycling Contributes $6.3 Billion a Year to the Australian Economy (2021)
News article and link to report completed by We Ride Australia and Ernst & Young (EY) that estimates cycling’s contribution to the Australian economy. Findings include that spending on cycle tourism and services was worth $1.2 billion in 2020.
Cyclists Love Trains (2021)
An in depth analysis on the bicycle friendliness of European railway operators. Published by the European Cyclists Federation (ECF) this research report can be used by policymakers and industry leaders alike to benchmark their performance, study examples of shortcomings and best practices, and understand where there is clear potential for continued improvement.
Impact Économique et Potentiel de Développement des Usages du Vélo en France (2020)
Extensive report on the economic impact of cycling in France, including cycle tourism, estimating 8.6 million trips involve cycling in France, and €4.6 billion generated by cycle tourism in France.
Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association Economic Impact and User Experience Survey Summary Report (2020)
Extensive survey report on value and use of CAMBA mountain biking trail system in Northwest Wisconsin, US, attributes $7.8 million annual economic benefit to trail use.
Is the Covid-19 Cycling Boom Real? The Numbers Say Yes!
Info and data summarized on how the COVID-19 crisis has impacted national, regional, and local authorities in Europe, showing the growth in cycling as a mobility solution, published by Velo-City.
Economies Benefit as Cycle Tourism Sets Records in European Countries (2020)
Sharing data presented at Cycle Summit 2020 for Hungary, France and Eurovelo Network, shows how cycle tourism has grown in 2020, in article published by UK based Cycling Industry News.
France Embraces #RestartCycleTourism With Record Cycling Usage This Summer (2020)
Documented increases in bicycle passages and bicycle trips during the summer in France, and as published by Eurovelo.
How Much is the Cycling Industry Worth? (2020)
UK based Cycling Industry News online publishers' article that summarizes a number of aspects, including cycle tourism's, economic impact in Europe.
The Benefits of Cycling: Unlocking their Potential for Europe (2018)
The European Union calculates that the global benefit of cycling at 150 billion Euro using a calculation system and estimates from 9 key issue areas, and as outlined in this ECF report.
Making Sense of the Numbers: Nelson Mountain Biking Economic Study (2018)
Research conducted by BERL illustrates the significant economic impact that mountain biking can have on a regional level. An estimated $17.1 million of new and retained spending occurs annually in the Nelson-Tasman region. This study also provides a strategic overview of future investments, partnerships and promotion that can help continue build mountain bike tourism in the region.
Economic and Health Benefits of Bicycling in Northwest Arkansas (2018)
Research conducted by BBC Research & Consulting, explores cycling behavior and the economic and health benefits of cycling in the region. Cycle tourism is proving to be a significant economic driver for the region with cycle tourists spending $27 million at local businesses each year.
A Guide to Bicycle Camping: Adventure Cyclist Association (2018)
A comprehensive guide that includes how-to’s, best practices, case studies, and examples that will provide a starting point for implementing or improving bicycle camping services, amenities, policies, and communications for communities, tourism partners and local businesses.
Best Practices Research for Businesses - Cycle Tourism (2018)
Research conducted by Ontario By Bike to highlight successful operations with outstanding products or services within the cycle tourism sector. An online scan of over 25 businesses catering to cycle tourists was conducted and report illustrates bicycle amenities, cycling-related partnerships and packages and the marketing tactics of businesses reviewed.
Transport for Quality of Life - The Value of the Cycling Sector to the British Economy (2018)
Explores the current value of the cycling industry, cycling in general and cycle tourism to the British economy. The total annual tourism spend attributable to cycling and mountain biking is £520m.
ECF - Cycle Tourism Day at ITB Berlin (2018)
Presentations and sessions coordinated by the European Cyclists Federation for ITB, the worlds largest tourism trade fair, focusing on cycle tourism with presenters from United Nations World Tourism Organization, European Travel Commission, European Cyclists' Federation (EFC), ADFC Germany. Link here for presentations: Day 1 & Day 2.
ECF - European Certification Standard Manual (2018)
This detailed manual, a handbook for route inspectors, explains the categories and criteria for monitoring the quality level of EuroVelo routes. Available in English, short or long versions.
The Value of Cycling to the Scottish Economy (2018)
Conducted by Cycling Scotland, this report incorporates impacts of mountain biking & off-road trails, as well as leisure cycling (on roads and traffic-free paths).retail, manufacturing on the Scottish economy. Cycling events and their economic importance is also illustrated.
ADFC - Travelbike Bicycle Travel Analysis (2017)
Learn more about Germany's bicycle tourism industry, the numbers, data and facts. This report is available in English, in an extended 51 page format, short version or fact sheet and is based on the 18th national survey on the bicycle travel market. Cycle tourism increased by 16% in Germany in 2016.
The Outdoor Recreation Economy (2017)
A report from the Outdoor Industry Association illustrating the economic impact of cycling participants have on the US economy, identified specifically under 'trip-related' sales. Also indicates the number of jobs created that are associated with bicycle recreation.
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail Evaluation Report (2016)
This report evaluates the impact the New Zealand Cycle Trail has had on local and national economies, as well as a cost-benefit analysis of investments to tourism dollars. Additionally, the social benefits and governance of the infrastructure are explored.
Adapting To The New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon (2014)
Research conducted by the University of Oregon, this study illustrates the economic impact of mountain bikers in a localized area and also examines the social impacts of mountain bike tourism in Oakridge. By identifying barriers and opportunities to future development, this research presents strategies to increase local spending while maintaining community value
The Economic Significance of Cycling on Oregon Scenic Bikeways (2014)
Commissioned by Travel Oregon and Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department, measuring economic impact of cycling on Oregon's 14 official Scenic Bikeways, as well as how spending directly supported job creation.
Oregon Bicycle Travel Survey (2013)
This report describes the economic significance of cycle-related travel throughout Oregon, documenting the magnitude and distribution of economic impacts to the state and its residents.
International Case Studies - How Other Destinations Developed Cycle Tourism (2012)
3 separate PDF's - Research completed by Transportation Options.
Tourism Victoria, Australia - MaineDOT, USA
Travel Oregon, USA
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