has sprung up to meet the local
demand for temporary bike parking.
(Photos © J. Maus)
A local bicycle and pedestrian planning firm has announced plans to update a groundbreaking study on Portland’s bicycle-related economy.
Back in March of this year, I reported that Mia Birk, a principal with Alta Planning & Design (a local firm with offices nationwide) was interested in expanding the Growth in Bicycle Related Businesses study, which she authored in 2006.
Southeast Portland offers repair
clinics and consultations for
businesses that want to be
more bike commuter-friendly.
That study (which was funded by the City of Portland) was one of the first of its kind in the nation and it generated a great deal of interest from national and local media, from tourism and economic development professionals, and others.
In a statement released Friday by Alta, Birk says she believes that study, “Proved that bicycling in Portland is a mature, well-supported industry that benefits all Portland residents and is a substantial part of our economy.”
And since 2006, Birk realizes there has been “exponential growth in bicycle ridership and bicycle-related businesses,” and predicts her new study will show “at least 20% growth” in Portland’s bicycle-related economy. “Our exponential growth in ridership over the last two years,” she says in the statement, “is creating larger markets for bicycle products and services.”
display here at a recent show, is
one of the strongest in the country.
In addition, Alta is seeking statewide information, to gauge the impact of bicycling on Oregon’s economy. “Clearly, bicycle tourism and commuting are on the rise statewide, benefiting communities across the spectrum.”
In tandem with the launch of study update, Alta has created a new survey. If you own or represent a bicycle-related business, you can participate in the study by taking the survey below.
— Take the Portland Bicycle-related Business Survey —
The updated study is expected to be done by the end of August. Study partners include Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, City of Portland, BikePortland.org, the Initiative for Bicycle and Pedestrian Innovation (IBPI), and Bikes Belong.