On 2018-07-16 06:29, Frank Krygowski wrote:
On 7/16/2018 1:14 AM, wrote:
On Wednesday, July 4, 2018 at 11:13:59 AM UTC-5, jbeattie wrote:

The issue was whether separated bicycle facilities have any effect on
the economy, which is probably "no."
-- Jay Beattie.

I'd dispute that. I live in a city with lots of bike paths. I use
them a lot. I probably bicycle more due to having the paths. Its so
easy to ride. I stop at convenience stores and restaurants more due
to cycling. I spend more of my money locally because I bicycle.
Without the paths, I might not ride. And I would not go to the
convenience stores or restaurants. Less of my money would be spent
locally. My money would stay in my bank account until I spend it on
stuff ordered from Amazon or invested in the stock market. It
definitely would not go to local merchants.


+1

Well said.


I don't doubt that you and Joerg use bike paths and buy things.


I do, a lot. Often I need stuff for my job, things like enclosures,
contactors, breakers, tools, et cetera. So I combine that with a valley
ride. This is why people sometimes see me cycle back up the hill with a
large box on my rack.

Needless to say, stores along bike paths will be preferred, always. The
same goes for when I pick up groceries, visit a brew pub, a restaurant,
or whatever. If it's on or close to a bike path they'll get my business
just like it is with Russell. I also know others who think and act the
same way. If not reachable via bike path, might as well buy online. One
of the result was that a pub saw a business opportunity and now offers
10% discount if you come by bike. Brilliant!



... But
that's a long, long way from saying that bike paths have any
(significant) effect on the economy.


It does for those shops.


The longest bike path in our area has obviously allowed one bike shop to
thrive. But two other bike shops opened at other locations along the
same bike path. One moved after a few years to a better location, where
they are making much more money. The other closed down maybe a week ago.
They said it was unprofitable.

The net overall effect on the economy of that path is very close to zero.


The usual "Glass-half-empty-Frank" statement.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/