Bike hols generate big bucks

As demand for domestic holidays is predicted to rise in response to personal security, global climate change and the rising price of oil, the new report presents a case for further investment in cycling. The report shows how in 2006, four cycle routes in the North East had a combined worth of over £13 million to wider regional economy.

‘The Economic Impact of Cycle Tourism in North East England’, was conducted by the Institute of Transport & Tourism at the University of Central Lancashire, Loughborough University, and Sustrans, as part of the Regional Cycle Tourism Project funded through One NorthEast’s Single Programme. It focused on economic impacts of four routes that form part of the National Cycle Network in the North East of England – the C2C (Sea to Sea) Cycle Route, the Coast and Castles Cycle Route, Hadrian’s Cycleway and the northern section of the Pennine Cycleway.

The four routes attracted over half a million trips in 2006, directly contributing £9.6 million to the North East economy. This represents a value of £13.4 million to the wider economy, almost half of which came from out-of-region visitors. The money generated from cycling activity supports 216 jobs in the areas surrounding the routes.

Professor Les Lumsdon, Director of the Institute of Transport & Tourism at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “Whilst the international tourism market is set to grow based on past trends, there is some debate as to whether this can continue in the light of climate change and rising oil prices. UK destinations providing green tourism opportunities could benefit greatly in the future from consumers looking for more environmentally-friendly holidays.”

Andy Cope, Director of Sustrans’ Research and Monitoring Unit, said: “By further supporting home-grown cycle tourism, a low-carbon form of tourism, the UK will not only realise economic benefits but will also have the opportunity to help minimise the effects of climate change – a healthy return on investment for both the UK economy and the planet.”