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Mountain Biking Economic Impact Study set to Launch in the Sea to Sky Corridor

1K views 1 reply 2 participants last post by  skihillguy 
#1 ·
North Vancouver, BC May 26, 2006 - The Mountain Bike Tourism Association, in cooperation with community partners and the Ministry of Tourism, Sport and the Arts announced the launch of a study to measure the economic impact of mountain biking in the Sea to Sky Corridor. Spending data will be gathered from mountain bikers on the North Shore as well as in Squamish and Whistler between June and September. The data will be used to generate an estimate of economic impact at the community level as well as for the Corridor as a whole. Quantifying the economic impact of mountain biking will demonstrate the value of the trails and help trail management groups in their efforts to maintain, upgrade and create trails.

Sharon Bader, president of NSMBA and North Shore Mountain Bike Events Society director commented: "This survey will provide concrete numbers and indicate how much this area is valued not only by District residents but by recreationalists from all over who wish to experience the challenge and excitement of riding on the North Shore and in the Sea to Sky corridor."

The Mountain Bike Tourism Association, formed in late 2005, is dedicated to sustainable mountain bike tourism in BC. The MBTA's vision is to have BC recognized for its world class sustainable trails and abundant mountain bike experiences that are supported by enthusiastic communities and operators offering high quality services. The Economic Impact study is a key initiative for the MBTA in its first full year of operation. This study is viewed as a pilot project and the plan is to conduct similar studies in other BC mountain biking communities in subsequent years.

"Anecdotally, we know that mountain biking is a burgeoning activity across B.C. for locals and tourists," said Tourism, Sport and Arts Minister Olga Ilich. "B.C.'s award-winning bike parks, resorts and public trails are drawing mountain biking enthusiasts from all over the world. Tracking the economic impact of this increasingly important sector will help guide future development so we can meet the growing demand in a way that is sustainable, safe and environmentally sound."

The MBTA and the study partners wish to ask mountain bikers for their cooperation in the study and thank them in advance for participating.

Part-time casual survey positions will be available. Anyone interested in these positions should email the MBTA at info@mbta.ca.

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Contact: Martin Littlejohn, Director, Mountain Bike Tourism Association 604.254.4266
 
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#2 ·
I think that it is a trememdous thing this study. Finally some concrete numbers to show just how important this sport is to local economies.

On a weekday you could just sit out on hwy 99 and observe how many vehicles are heading up and down the highway with bikes on them. I was even surprised to see so many yesterday as I went to the city and back up in the evening. And on weekends you ought to see how many vehicles roll into town with bikes packed on the back. Biking is really generating alot for the local economies.

And I look forward to seeing some great numbers.Then they really start throwing more money to promote the sport even further
 
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