The latest data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) confirms what riders, communities, and industry leaders have long understood: outdoor recreation is not just a pastime. It is, and continues to be, a powerful and growing economic engine in every corner of the United States.

In its newly released Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, the BEA reports that outdoor recreation generated $1.3 trillion in economic output in 2024, the largest annual estimate on record. The sector now contributes $696.7 billion to U.S. GDP (2.4%) and supports more than 5.2 million jobs nationwide.

For PeopleForBikes, this data reinforces a clear and compelling message: investing in biking, trails, and outdoor recreation is not just good policy, it is a smart economic strategy. In a previous blog supporting the America the Beautiful Act, we wrote about why investments in safe, fun places to ride directly sustain outdoor recreation experiences along with the gateway economies and communities that depend on them. The latest BEA data continues to build on our position that investing in trails and improved access is smart policy and powerful for local economies.

Diving deeper, one of the most important aspects of the BEA’s release is its state-level detail. Outdoor recreation contributes meaningfully to every state economy, representing up to 6% of GDP in some states. Outdoor recreation is not concentrated in just a handful of gateway communities or iconic destinations, it is a sustaining economic driver, supporting rural economies, urban trail systems, and everything in between.

Across the country, outdoor recreation employment grew in 36 states in 2024, reflecting continued demand and resilience even as broader economic growth softened. For states investing in trail networks, safe and connected places to ride, and outdoor access, the return on investment is becoming clear: more jobs, more spending, and stronger local economies.

To put the scale of this industry in perspective, outdoor recreation now contributes more to the U.S. economy than sectors like farming, mining, and utilities.

This sustained growth reflects a broader shift in how Americans live, travel, and recreate. People are choosing experiences, prioritizing time outside, and seeking communities that support active lifestyles.

For PeopleForBikes, all of this information offers a straightforward takeaway: the data backs up the need for continued investment in outdoor recreation, including biking.

With this new data, state and local leaders now have a powerful tool to:

• Justify investments in trails, bike networks, and safe streets
• Support outdoor recreation offices and statewide strategies
• Strengthen rural economies through destination riding and tourism
• Improve quality of life in communities of all sizes

Outdoor recreation has proven itself to be resilient, scalable, and deeply embedded in the American economy. The latest BEA data makes it clear that this is not a temporary trend. It is a long-term opportunity.

For PeopleForBikes, this moment is about turning data into action. By continuing to invest in more and better places to ride, we can strengthen local economies, support millions of jobs, and ensure that more people, in more places, can experience the joy and benefits of biking.