Nov 24 2010

Bicycle Touring Provides Economic Boost

The following information about bicycle touring and bike trails confirms what most of us already knew:

Bikers enjoy the fall colors on the
Great Allegheny Passage trail.

There is growing evidence that touring cyclists spend more time in the towns that they visit, lingering (and spending) more than the average tourist. Wisconsin released a report earlier this year that out-of-state cyclists generate more than $530 million in economic development annually. And according to a 2008 study done along the Great Allegheny Passage (a nearly 150-mile bike trail situated between Cumberland, Maryland, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), bicycle tourism has become a major economic force. Business owners reported that a quarter of their gross income comes from trail users and two-thirds of the businesses saw an increase in their revenue due to their location on the trail. Despite the economic downturn in 2008, businesses saw an increase in gross revenue attributable to the trail (from $32.6 million in 2007 to $40.6 million in 2008) and paid nearly 20% more wages as a result.


This information is especially pertinent in light of the recent attacks on bike trail funding from organizations such as AAA. This shows that an investment in bike trails will be repaid many times over in health benefits, decreased pollution, stronger families and economic benefits.


For more information about the Route 66 Adventure Cycle Route, check out Adventure Cycling’s press release.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/24/bicycle-touring-provides-economic-boost/

Nov 24 2010

Let AAA know how you feel

I was disappointed to hear that not only has the Mid-Atlantic office of AAA called for a decrease in trail funding, but now the national AAA office has sent out the same message.

I thought that we were on the same page. I thought AAA realized the importance of multi-modal transportation.

Please sign a petition asking AAA to support trails rather than try to get a decrease in funding for trails.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/24/let-aaa-know-how-you-feel/

Nov 22 2010

What do you have to be thankful for?

Strut your stuff on the nearest
trail this Thanksgiving.

Have you noticed our November survey?

During this season of Thanksgiving, what do you have to be thankful for?

Of course our poll has a wee bit of a trails slant. So take a look at the eight choices to the left of this blog and choose one or more.

Enjoy this week of giving thanks!!

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/22/what-do-you-have-to-be-thankful-for/

Nov 22 2010

Another huge rail trail fan is out there in the blogosphere.

“Rail trails are one of the great ideas of the century, in my book.” – a year of getting up blog

Great Allegheny Passage trail in Pennsylvania

It’s nice to find someone else out there who appreciates rail trails as much as I do. If you want to see some great fall color pictures on an awesome looking rail-trail, visit the AYearofForgetting blog and look for the November 14 post.


You dog lovers will also enjoy the pictures as it has one huge puppy in it.


I’m not sure what rail trail is featured in the blog post, but I don’t think it’s the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Although since I only rode the Connellsville to Cumberland portion, it may have been on part of the trail between Philly and Connellsville.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/22/another-huge-rail-trail-fan-is-out-there-in-the-blogosphere/

Nov 21 2010

History on the Little Miami Scenic Trail

You’ve all heard of the Aztec Calendars and the Stonehenge link to the solstice.

But there may be some ancient calendars much closer to home.

Trails bring history
to life.

For example, at the Fort Ancient state park, the Hopewell civilization created  their own prehistoric calendar using earthen walls.

And now for the best part. These 2,000 year old calendars are located adjacent to the Little Miami Scenic Trail, about 30 miles from the southern terminus.

The Ohio Historical Society is offering a special morning tour at 7:30 on December 19.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/21/history-on-the-little-miami-scenic-trail/

Nov 19 2010

The Waitukubuli National Trail in Dominica

I love trails (as you already know), and I love islands.

So I am particularly interested in finding great trails on … (you guessed it)… islands.

I wonder how the biking would be
on this island?

I recently found this article on the Waitukubuli National Trail in Dominica.

I also found a great hiking blog about it that includes great video and textual information.

Please send me your recommendations for great island trails. I’d also like to hear about fun, safe biking experiences on islands, even if they’re not on trails.

Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2010/11/19/the-waitukubuli-national-trail-in-dominica/