"50 million Americans mountain bike"? Yeah, right. This "study" is
nothing but lies designed to promote mountain biking -- nothing new
for mountain bikers. They never write ANYTHING that isn't propaganda..

Mike


Shimano, IMBA Release MTB Economics Study

http://bbtc.org/wiki/uploads/2/27/Sh...s_Document.pdf

IRVINE, CA (BRAIN)—Shimano American Corporation and the International
Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) have teamed up to promote
mountain biking during the National Bike Summit, by releasing their
study, The Economics and Benefits of Mountain Biking.

More than one in five Americans 16 years or older ride mountain bikes,
and as a group contribute $26 billion annually to the economy,
according to the study.

“We want legislators, policy makers and the public to understand how
significant mountain biking is to both the economy and to keeping
people healthy,” said Kozo Shimano, senior executive at Shimano. And
he points out that 50 million Americans mountain bike, compared with
the 33 million that golf.

According to the report, one recent cost benefit analysis concluded
that every dollar invested in trails led to almost three dollars in
direct medical benefit. And the World Health Organization recommends
riding a bike to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

“From the beginning, IMBA members have embraced a stewardship ethic
that benefits conservation of our natural lands and waters. This
timely publication shows how a conservation mindset also gives back
with economic benefits,” said Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive
director.

Research has shown mountain biking to be a low impact environmentally
sustainable activity with no more impact on natural resources than
hiking, and far less than many other recreational activities.

Copies of The Economics and Benefits of Mountain Biking can be
obtained from IMBA by sending a request to .
--
I am working on creating wildlife habitat that is off-limits to
humans ("pure habitat"). Want to help? (I spent the previous 8
years fighting auto dependence and road construction.)

Please don't put a cell phone next to any part of your body that you are fond of!

http://home.pacbell.net/mjvande