Update 9/11/08 - Alta announced the results of the Portland Economic Study Update today. The value of the bicycling-related industry to Portland’s economy has grown nearly 40 percent since 2006, and is now worth nearly $90 million. This economic sector also provides between 850 and 1150 jobs in Portland. 67 companies participated in a web survey and follow-up interviews, and results were compared to 2006 study data.
The report provides an update of the 2006 study: Bicycle-Related Industry Growth in Portland (sponsored by the Portland Office of Transportation). Study partners include Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, City of Portland, BikePortland.org, the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), and Bikes Belong.
The report only estimates direct bicycle-related business activity (gross revenues and incidental expenditures by event participants) in Portland, and does not include bicycle-related benefits to residents’ health, traffic congestion, air quality, or quality of life. It also does not include the increasing number of businesses that use bicycles as delivery vehicles (such as Courier Coffee, Soupcycle, or Hot Lips Pizza).
For more information, download the summary report
here.
The 2006 Growth in Bicycle-Related Businesses study (funded by the City of Portland) generated an unprecedented level of interest from national and local media, decisionmakers, and tourism and economic development professionals. We have seen the positive results of that attention in new partnerships, like the PDC airport installation, major tourism marketing campaigns about bicycling in Portland, national conferences and trade fairs, and new bicycle-related businesses relocating to Portland.
Mia Birk, principal of Alta Planning + Design , authored the initial 2006 study. “The economic study has opened doors for bicycling. I am asked to speak about it everywhere I go, and I believe it was an important step to demonstrating that bicycling is not a hobby and is not a fringe culture. I believe the study proved that bicycling in Portland is a mature, well-supported industry that benefits all Portland residents and is a substantial part of our economy.”
Yet those who live in Portland know that exponential growth in bicycle ridership and bicycle-related businesses has happened since 2006 and thus Alta is leading an update of the study. “Portland’s success shows other communities that change is possible, and it creates a blueprint for their evolution to bike-friendly communities. The economic study is a key part of that 'proof of concept'.” In addition, Alta is seeking statewide information, to gauge the impact of bicycling on Oregon’s economy. “Clearly, bicycle tourism and commuting are on the rise statewide, benefiting communities across the spectrum.
Downloads:
2008 Portland Bicycle-Related Economy Report
Bicycle Industry Growth Brochure.pdf (2006 study brochure)
