A new report has found that the total economic activity generated by bike-related industry in Portland totals approximately $90 million, a 38% increase in value since 2006.
The report — which was conducted by Alta Planning and Design (whose principal Mia Birk is the former bicycle program manager for the City of Portland’s Office of Transportation) — was conducted as a follow-up to a 2006 study.
Here are some key findings from, The Value of the Bicycle-Related Industry in Portland:
- Total economic activity is approximately $90 million, with the largest segment in the retail sector (60%).
- There has been a 38% increase in the value of the bicycle-related industry sector in Portland since 2006.
- The fastest growing sector is manufacturing and distribution, currently 20% of the total.
- The total number of companies in the bicycle-related sector rose from 95 in 2006 to 143 in 2008, a growth rate of 50%. New businesses are primarily, small and locally-owned, with the notable exception of Rapha Performance Roadwear, a national company that relocated to Portland.
- The bicycle-related economy provides between 850 and 1150 jobs in Portland.
- Hand-built bicycle manufacturers increased from 5 to 17 (340% growth). This sector of the economy is growing fast and gaining significant media attention.
- Portland is currently home to nearly 4000 annual races, rides, events and tours (an average of one ride every 27 minutes). This has nearly doubled since 2006, when the number of rides was 2100.
up the largest segment of
Portland’s bike economy.
It’s important to note that according to study authors, this report only estimates direct bicycle-related business activity in Portland, and does not include bicycle-related benefits to residents’ health, traffic congestion, air quality, or quality of life.
The study also does not include the increasing number of businesses that use bicycles as delivery vehicles (such as Courier Coffee, SoupCycle, Hot Lips Pizza, and others).