Date :
25/09/2015
People cycling on the National Cycle Network for leisure and tourism bring over £650 million to the UK economy each year, according to research from charity Sustrans.
The study investigated the average amount spent by users of the National Cycle Network. The charity conservatively estimates that day-trip users spend an average of £7 a day, and the figure is likely to be higher for people who take cycling holidays.
The cycle network also directly backs 15,262 full time jobs across the services industry, including 10,000 in the food and drink sector.
The Sustrans charity aims to enable people to make smarter travel choices and encourages travelling by foot, bike and public transport.
Jason Torrance, Policy & Partnership Director at Sustrans emphasized the positive impact of cycle tourism, he said:
“The economic benefits of quality walking and cycling routes are significant, both from tourism but also day to day, by reducing congestion, pollution and by enabling people to improve their health.”
The National Cycle Network covers 14,000 miles connecting cities, town and villages bringing tourism to communities along the Network. Diglis House Hotel in Worcester benefited from the service after the creation of a riverside loop, with a bridge centerpiece.
Steve Pirone, general manager of the Diglis House Hotel, said:
“As a result of the bridge being built and the route being part of the National Cycle Network, we have experienced a real benefit and I’m sure other businesses near the route have seen an increase in business too. There’s been at least a 20% increase in our bar and restaurant sales and we also think the new route will increase our hotel figures in the future, as it brings more walkers and cyclists to the area.”
Along with its cycle routes, Scotland has a fantastic reputation for mountain biking. Find out how to capture this market to help grow your business with our Mountain Biking intelligence guide.