Not only does growth in bicycle ridership ease the burden on our city's infrastructure and the natural environment as well as increase the health and wellness of our citizens, the industry also contributes to our local economy. In fact, a new report released by Alta Planning + Design [1], finds that the total economic activity in Portland related to the bike industry is approximately $90 million!

 Alta's report expands on a 2006 study sponsored by the Portland Office of Transportation. The report, Alta says, only etimates DIRECT bicycle-related business activity in Portland, and does not include bicycle-related benefits to residents' health, traffic congestion, air quality, or quality of life.

 Still, the facts are impressive:

• There has been a 38% increase in the value of the bicycle-related industry sector in Portland since 2006.
• The fastest growing sector is manufacturing and distribution, currently 20% of the total.
• The total number of companies in the bicycle-related sector rose from 95 in 2006 to 143 in 2008, a growth rate of 50%. New businesses are primarily small and locally-owned, with the notable exception of Rapha Performance Roadwear [2], a national company that relocated to Portland.
• The bicycle economy provides between 850 and 1150 jobs in Portland.
• Hand0built bicycle manufacturers increased from 5 to 17 (340% growth). This sector of the economy is growing fast and gaining significant media attention.
• Portland is currently home to nearly 4000 annual races, rides, events and tours (an average of one ride every 27 minutes). This has nearly doubled since 2006, when the number of rides was 2100.

Read an overview of the report and download the summary report here [3].

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