Assumed by most people to be a relatively minor economic player, the report will indicate bicycling is in reality a big factor when it comes to recreational activity. It’s not inconceivable that it will challenge or exceed the impact of hunting, for which Wisconsin is well-known.
The report will be issued when graduate students working under the direction of state Rep. Spencer Black, a Madison Democrat, fine-tune their ongoing research, which covers the bicycling industry, retail, parts and accessories supply, participation, tourism and health benefits. An update on the project’s status, now in its final stages, was given recently to the Governor’s Coordinating Council on Bicycling.
“People do not realize that bicycling is a big business in Wisconsin,” said Black, a leading bicycling advocate in the Legislature. “It really is a big part of our economy, in many forms.”
The report is expected to demonstrate that the economic benefit of bicycling to the Badger State is in excess of $1.5 billion a year. In comparison, recently published figures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Department of Natural Resources pegged deer hunting at slightly less than $1 billion and $1.3 billion for all hunting on an annual basis. Of course, the methodology in arriving at those figures may not be totally comparable.
Biking industry sources say $1.6 billion a year in economic benefits would not be surprising.
Black said the only other previous attempt at determining bicycling’s impact in Wisconsin came about five years ago and that study lacked vital tourism data. He said that has now been obtained and is being factored in. So have more precise industry figures.
Wisconsin continues to emerge as the nexus of bicycle manufacturing in the United States. Not only is international giant Trek located here, but also multibrand companies like Madison-based Pacific Cycle, which distributes DYNO, GT, InSTEP, Huffy, Mongoose, Murray, Pacific Outdoors, Powerlite, Roadmaster and Schwinn through independent dealers and mass merchandisers.
Recently Dorel Industries, located in Canada, acquired Pacific and added Cannondale to its brands. Pacific also acquired PTI Sports, a leading U.S. manufacturer of bicycle parts, helmets and other accessories. Planet Bike, a major manufacturer of lights, fenders and a host of other accessories is here, too.
Also building bikes in Wisconsin is Waterford, in the Schwinn Paramount factory, re-tooled by Richard Schwinn to produce high-end steel bikes. Waterford also makes frames for the little-known Milwaukee Bicycle Co., operated out of Ben’s Cycle in Milwaukee.
Saris Cycling Group in Madison is a major producer of bicycle racks and other bicycle products. Madrax and Rudy Rack also produce bicycle racks. Hayes Disc Brake manufactures brakes for bicycles. Mt. Borah Designs produces bicycle clothing. Parts are supplied by Olympic Supply.
The list of Wisconsin-based biking-related companies goes on and on, helping fuel an economy that can no longer be viewed as token. Bucky Badger’s on a real bike ride and there’s no telling just how far he’s going to pedal. Expect at least $1.5 billion worth every year.
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