A “Bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley” Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) was conducted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) in conjunction with regional partners from Shenandoah County Tourism, Bryce Resort, Greater Augusta Regional Tourism, Harrisonburg Tourism, Rockingham County, Lexington & the Rockbridge Area Tourism, Massanutten Resort, and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. The study looked at current direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts of cycling within the region’s four counties and five cities, and estimated the impact of bicycle tourism on the local retail, lodging, and restaurant businesses.
In addition to spending patterns, the study was intended to provide a profile of bicyclists visiting the region as well as a profile of residents that bicycle for recreation and/or commuting. A survey aimed at both visitor and resident bicyclists was used to collect study data with over 1,500 people responding. The profiles and responses from both types of bicyclists, tourist and resident, were used to identify approaches to better promote the region’s bicycling events, routes, and activities to tourists and to improve the riding experience for all bicyclists in the Central Shenandoah Valley.
The entire report can be viewed here.