Outdoor recreation accounts for a meaningful share of national economic output, supporting businesses and jobs across the nation. Nowhere is this impact more visible than on America’s federal public lands and waters. A new report from the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable underscores this value, positioning outdoor recreation as a sustainable, appreciating national asset that generates clear and measurable returns.

“Federal lands and waters contribute $351 million in economic output every day from outdoor recreation alone. That’s like hosting eight Super Bowls a month.”

Why This Matters

At PeopleForBikes, we champion the critical link between access to recreation, increased participation, and economic growth. The latest ORR report reinforces what we consistently observe in communities and in our data: when people have accessible places to ride, including on public lands, they ride more and spend more — investing in bikes, gear, and services while strengthening the local economies and communities that support these experiences.

Where Bikes Fit In

• PeopleForBikes’ Bicycle Network Analysis and City Ratings show similar trends: expanded access and connected bike networks leads to higher ridership and stronger retail sales.
• Investments in trail systems, many located on or adjacent to federal lands, spur youth engagement, bike tourism, and outdoor employment.
• Public lands support essential biking infrastructure: singletrack, shared-use paths, and backcountry roads form the backbone of America’s riding experience.

From Public Investment to Public Benefit

The ORR report doesn’t just measure dollars — it outlines a strategy for sustained national value. Highlights include:

• $128 billion in total economic activity from federal recreation lands and waters
• $6 billion in federal tax revenue
• One-in-five outdoor recreation jobs is directly tied to these lands
• Mental and physical health benefits that ripple across every community

What Comes Next

For members of the bike industry and city leaders and advocates nationwide, this report offers a clear call to action: we must continue to protect, fund, and expand access to the public lands and trails that support more people on bikes. That means:

• Advocating for smart public land policy that keeps access open and accessible for future generations
• Supporting local and national trail development and its funding
• Telling the economic story of outdoor recreation and its importance to rural and urban communities throughout the nation

As the ORR report states, “On America’s balance sheet, outdoor recreation on federal public lands and waters is a sustainable, appreciating asset.” This value is realized only when we invest in the long-term health of these lands and ensure outdoor recreation access, allowing these lands to continue providing meaningful benefits to surrounding communities.

Read the full ORR Report: Outdoor Recreation on Federal Public Lands and Waters