TOURISM
Coastal Bike Impact believes that the Crystal Coast has tremendous potential to become a bicycle tourism destination for cyclists of all abilities and to reap the economic benefits of establishing itself as such. CBI advocates for the local realization of these benefits.
In the United States, bicycle tourism is a huge industry
The Outdoor Industry Association found in its last study, The Outdoor Recreation Economy that
48 million people bicycle recreationally in the U.S.
Bicycle tourism contributes $83 billion annually to the economy
Nationally, recreational bicycling supports 848,000 jobs, generates $97 billion in retail sales, and produces $6.3 billion in state and local taxes.
Realization of the benefits of attracting this segment of the tourist market will require an investment in bicycle facilities that will then provide a significant return to the community.
Multiple studies establish that a well-planned bicycle transportation system pays dividends through job creation, tourist spending, taxes collected, health benefits, and property value increases. In fact, a study of the economic benefits of the bicycle facilities constructed on the northern Outer Banks shows an annual return of 9 times the initial investment to build the system.
The following economic impact studies of bicycle tourism in North Carolina have been completed and support this thesis:
Pathways to Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Investment in Bicycle Facilities
Evaluating the Economic Impact of Shared Use Paths in North Carolina
Economic Impact of Mountain Biking in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests
In Carteret County and its surrounding area, multi-use paths, adequate roadways, and safe bridges that are appropriate for bicycle travel exist, but these components are not connected or part of an area wide bicycle transportation network. Planning for this network, however, has taken and is taking place at NCDOT. The Croatan Regional Bicycle + Trails Plan and the Great Trails State Plan provide blueprints for targeted investment in bicycle infrastructure that can provide the economic benefits described above.
In addition to bicycle facilities, cycling events are also a way of attracting bicycle tourists to the area. Carteret County is fortunate to already have two such events both of which take place in the spring shoulder season when temperatures are more moderate and more room for tourism is available.
The Croatan Buck Fifty is a 50/100/150 mile gravel bicycle race through the Croatan National Forest held each March. In 2020, the Buck Fifty attracted over 800 riders to the area including professional level athletes and well known amateurs.
Emerald Isle puts on its annual Bike the Banks event in May of each year. It attracts riders of all ability levels and consists of three distances – 10 miles along Emerald Isle’s multi-use path, 50 miles to and from Fort Macon along Hwy. 58 on Bogue Banks, and 100 miles to Harker’s island. In 2019, Bike the Banks registered 100 riders. The race was not held in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The opportunity to further promote these existing events can help establish the Crystal Coast as a cycling destination while also helping to fill beds and restaurant tables at a slower part of the tourist season.
In addition to advocacy, CBI promotes bicycle tourism through mapping and archiving suggested, downloadable routes based on its extensive local knowledge of the area. Working with the Carteret County Department of Parks and Recreation, CBI has also developed a map of bicycle routes intended to be distributed to visitors to the Crystal Coast.