Tuesday, 19 March 2024
InfrastructureNews

VisitScotland research attributes £106 million in economic gain to road cycling tourism

Research conducted by VisitScotland has valued the economic benefits of the country’s increasing cycle tourism trade at £106 million annually.

Suggesting that in 2015 one million day trips and 261,000 overnight trips were linked with road cycling, the study doesn’t begin to delve into the off-road benefits delivered by Scotland’s visiting mountain bikers, suggesting the benefits are in fact far greater.

The research also highlights that the activity continues to attract both men and woman and remains particularly popular with those aged 35 to 54.

Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland’s Chief Executive, said: “Scotland’s reputation as a cycling destination is growing every year thanks to the creation of new and exciting routes that show the best of our stunning landscapes.  We also have over 500 miles of traffic-free paths which make Scotland a great family-friendly cycling country.”

At the present time ultra-endurance athlete Mark Beaumont is undertaking an attempt to cycle around the world in 80 days, which if successful would be a new world record. The Scot is cycling 16 hour days, attempting to cover at least 240 miles per day. The 18,000-mile journey by the Scottish star is currently being used by Visit Scotland in marketing promotion, with Beaumont helping to raise awareness of some of the country’s best cycling routes by cycling the Hebridean Way, the North Coast 500 and across Argyll prior to setting off.

This article has now been added to our cycling advocacy resource, a deep library of data and research to help you build a case for cycling in your area.

Thinking of heading out yourself? Visit Scotland has this feature on 11 cycling routes that are a must for visitors.