Bicycling turning wheels of business in Montana

LAKE COUNTY – The wheels of joy are spinning for bicycle lovers in Montana. Studies show that more people in Montana are using bikes for transportation and pleasure. And that is good news for local businesses and tourism agencies, said Carol Beck-Edgar of the Flathead Convention and Visitor Bureau in Big Fork.

And the Automobile Club projected that this year’s Labor Day weekend would produce the highest volume of travel more than 50 miles from home since the economic downfall of 2008. That number equates to about 2.55 million Mountain Region travelers, according to AAA.

Local residents, businesses and enthusiasts can benefit from the news.

A University of Montana research group learned that tourism cyclists spent an average of $75 daily over eight nights and visited historical sites, participated in day hiking and visited local businesses while on their trip.

“We’re seeing more cyclists in the Flathead Valley. Not only those who are making the(ir) entire trek on bikes, but visitors who are driving with bikes in racks on their cars or RV’s.”

And those travelers who come to enjoy the beauty and peace of Flathead Lake make their way through Polson first.

“While they are not in a true sense ‘multi-day bicyclists,’ they are using their bikes as transport throughout the area once they have arrived in the Flathead or Mission Valleys,” she said.

While the study shows the economic potential for the growing bicycle-riding trend, Edgar said she is concerned that the Flathead Lake areas might struggle to keep up.

“The study points up the economic benefits of bicycle tourism, which is good.  But I do have a concern about the consumer satisfaction aspect of this new trend,” she said.

“Some cyclists are saying that some of our infrastructure is not that welcoming or conducive to a positive visitor experience.  I’m talking about roads with little or no shoulders and drivers who are not patient with two-wheeled means of transport.”

The Flathead Convention and Visitor’s Bureau is watching.

“Every year we dedicate more bike paths and trails, such as the new trails in the Polson area, which we introduced to the members of the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association in April,” Edgar said.

Those infrastructure improvements demonstrate interest in expanding the bicycle tourism market, she said.  

“So, as we discuss improvements in our infrastructure, we need to take the economic benefits of bicycle tourism into account. We want our cyclists to have a safe and enjoyable experience.  And we want them to come back again, Edgar said.

But tourists are not the only reason to focus on bicycling’s future.

“Residents of the area often cycle rather than bike during the summer months, so we do see more inter-community traffic,” she said.

Bureau records show than 60 percent of area visitor’s return at least once because of their positive visitor experiences.

“During their first trip they realize what wonderful recreational opportunities we can provide so they return after planning a new itinerary that combines both the familiar … with new experiences,” Edgar said.

The Adventure Cycling Association is a 47,000-member non-profit bicycling association dedicated to bicycling.