Great Allegheny Passage Bike Path Bringing Economic Growth
Cycling/Hiking Path Brings Economic Growth We've seen that cycling can reap tremendous economic rewards, for instance by by saving Australia $200 million a year in health care costs. Well, it turns out that even in car-loving, bike-averse America, the same holds true. As a case in point, The Great Allegheny Passage--"a 150-mile system of biking and hiking trails that will connect Cumberland, MD and Pittsburgh, PA when completed"--aside from being an excellent source of recreation and sightseeing, is also "generating $12.5 million in revenue and pin revenue and pouring more than $3 million in wages into trail-side communities."
In fact, one study found that "31 new businesses started as a direct result of the Great Allegheny Passage." Many of these businesses--restaurants, hotels and bike stores--are located in small towns that benefit tremendously from the economic development. And unlike the arrival of big box stores, these new businesses are helping revitalize towns all along the trails, bringing in new residents and development. Given that in 2008 alone, one million people are expected to bike, walk or hike on the Passage--up from 350,000 in 2002--this kind of smart development should continue. (more)
via:treehugger
