BikeMaine economic impact grows to $4M
Courtesy / Bicycle Coalition of Maine
One of the 2019 tent villages during September's BikeMaine tour. The event has added $4 million to the state's economy since it began in 2013, organizers say.
The cumulative economic impact of the annual BikeMaine trek through the state has now passed the $4 million mark since it began in 2013, organizers said.
The total economic impact of September's weeklong event, which is organized by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, was $906,227. Of that total, riders, many from out of state, contributed more than $677,239 in lodging, food, shopping, recreation and transportation spending.
The total impact represents a growth of more than 20% over the total impact of the 2018 ride, and brings the cumulative, eight-year impact of BikeMaine to more than $4 million.
The organization spends money on food, lodging, community relations, fees, local purchases, vehicle rentals, mobile showers, fuel, law enforcement and other rider support. A total of $7,000 also went to the Katahdin Middle-High School for its work as the event's tent and porter crew.
Rider expenditures included lodging, food/beverage, transportation, retail shopping and recreation. At each stopover, local vendors and artists are also invited to sell their wares. The 2019 event was sold out before the details of the route were announced in February, with 75% of the riders coming from out of state, Will Elting, BikeMaine ride director told Mainebiz in February.
The 2019 tour went through the lower Kennebec Valley and the mid-coast including Waterville, Hope, Damariscotta, Nobleboro, Warren, Rockland, Belfast, Winterport, Monroe and Brooks.
"BikeMaine strives to have a positive economic impact on our host communities, businesses and community organizations through riders, family members, and volunteers," the Bicycle Coaltion of Maine said in a news release.
The 2018 BikeMaine event, which toured the St. John Valley in Aroostook County, infused $742,000 into the state’s economy, a 17% increase over 2017, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine reported last year.
Registration opened in September for the 2020 trek, which will be in the Katahdin Region Sept. 12-19.
2019 Community Grant awards
The event's Community Grant program also "continues to be a key piece of BikeMaine's impact, serving as a guiding principle in our mission of economic development across the state."
Communities that host BikeMaine are eligible for the grants.
There were 15 grant applications this year, for a wide range of bicycle and pedestrian related infrastructure and education projects all across the state. Those receiving grants are below.
Fort Kent (2018 host community) was awarded $3,750, which it will use to install two flashing pedestrian crosswalk lights that will enhance the connectivity of the Fish River Greenway multi-use path.
Pittsfield (2017 host community) received $2,500 to install five bike racks throughout the town as part of a larger effort to promote new bicycle events and use by residents.
Washington County Council of Governments (2016 region) is receiving $5,000 to install signs for the 350-mile Bold Coast Scenic Bikeway, the first fully signed scenic bikeway in Maine.
Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust (2017 host community) will use its $3,750 award to help improve a section of the Hatchery Brook trail, making it suitable for mountain biking.
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