At PeopleForBikes, we are firm believers that bicycles, including mountain bikes, can play a critical role in creating better communities. Now, a powerful new report from the Trust for Public Land (TPL), in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), puts numbers behind that belief: mountain biking is an economic powerhouse that transforms towns, boosts local businesses, and delivers real returns for people and places.

Released as part of TPL’s Green Paper series, the Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking makes a clear case for why mountain biking is an under-recognized force for rural revitalization, economic development, and community wellness.

Communities like Burke, Vermont, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, are seeing the results firsthand — multi-million-dollar annual impacts, surging trail use, and growing small business ecosystems around their trail systems. Communities surrounding mountain bike trail systems are benefiting from trail infrastructure that spurs tourism spending, new jobs, and more amenities for local residents.

One standout figure from the report is that the average out-of-town rider spends $416 per visit, with some areas reporting more than $1,000 per visitor for multi-day trips. But this isn’t just about dollars. Mountain biking trails contribute to healthier lifestyles (both physical and mental), higher property values and increased demand for livable neighborhoods, youth engagement and social connection, amenity migration by attracting new residents who prioritize outdoor access, and a stronger local identity.

However, the report also doesn’t shy away from the challenges associated with these benefits — housing pressure, land access, and equity in trail use are all real concerns. Thankfully, it also offers clear, practical solutions, from inclusive trail design to funding strategies and partnerships to help mitigate these challenges. For communities wondering if investing in mountain biking and multi-use trails is worth it, the message is loud and clear: Mountain biking is not just recreation — it’s smart economic and community policy. 

This study reinforces the “why” at the core of PeopleForBikes’ work: smart investments in safe and connected bike infrastructures lead to better places to live and ride. We’re excited to see clear data supporting the power of bicycles for positive change. The Economic Benefits of Mountain Biking offers strategies that local leaders, businesses, and advocates can all use to turn natural assets into long-term community wins.

At PeopleForBikes, we’ll continue supporting efforts that grow biking access, expand trail networks, and ensure that everyone — no matter their zip code, background, or income — can enjoy the benefits of trails and mountain biking.