Those taking the Valley by bicycle have helped the local economy, according to an economic impact analysis.

A Bicycling in the Central Shenandoah Valley Economic Impact Analysis was conducted by the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission along with regional partners from Shenandoah County Tourism, Bryce Resort, Greater Augusta Regional Tourism, Harrisonburg Tourism, Rockingham County, Lexington and the Rockbridge Area Tourism, Massanutten Resort and the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition, a release said.

The study looked at the economic impacts of cycling within the region’s four counties and five cities and estimated the impact of bicycle tourism on the local retail, lodging and restaurant businesses, the release said.

“The results of this study show just how much bicycle tourism already contributes to the local economy and provide valuable information for evaluating and exploring new ways to showcase our bicycle-friendly amenities to a larger audience and grow this sector into the future," said Brenda Black, director of Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services, in a release.

The study also provided a profile of bicyclists visiting the Valley — why they are visiting, what they are visiting and how they are visiting.

Read full story... 

Source obtained 9/1/16 via newsleader.com -
http://www.newsleader.com/story/news/local/2016/08/30/cyclists-boost-tourism-and-business-according-study/89581248/