Simsbury Continues to Raise the Bar - Safe Bike Paths and Walkways are Economic Drivers

Drivers of Economic Development Related to Cycling

Examples of the economic benefits derived from the creation of a bikeable community include stabilization or an increase in home values, revenue and taxes from bike tourism, attraction and retention of businesses and talent to our town and our businesses.

A Bicycle Friendly Community designation can influence home values. Volumes of research by realtors and towns have made it clear that people value lifestyle assets: walkability, bike-ability, and proximity to town centers and resources. In fact, many of the towns that remained relatively  unscathed by the recession-fueled drop in home prices, were towns with high walkability scores and easy access to transportation centers and a safe, active transportation network. 

A city or town that engages and supports cyclists will reap financial rewards by attracting bike tourists ...and bicyclists bring business. American Trails reports that cyclists have 3 requirements - the ride, the support and attractions. Simsbury has an 8 mile trail that runs through town, part of the 84 mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and the 2900 mile East Coast Greenway - (Calais, ME to Key West, Florida.)  Simsbury attracts visitors with its vibrant history, the Drake Hill Flower Bridge, the Vicente Garcia bike sculpture, scenic bikeways, a riverfront and 32% of town that is open space for mountain biking. These are assets not easily duplicated by other towns. 

Welcoming cycling visitors is key to increasing bike traffic and to insuring return visits. Businesses should be eager to support cyclists with maps, bike friendly lodging, bike repair stations, bike racks and wayfaring signage. Residents can encourage visiting cyclist with advice about local eateries, bike shops, historic attractions and good trail etiquette. Motorists in bike friendly communities understand the law, yield to bikers on roads and at crossings and share the road with 3 foot clearances.  Our emerging bike culture is an import contributor to our economy and our life in Simsbury.  

Communities designated as ‘bike friendly’ attract high income residents which, in turn, attract new business.  Choosing an employer or hometown is a very personal issue.  We all have preferences but research has clearly documented the preferences of today’s young home buyers and job seekers  - walkable, bikeable, vibrant town centers with businesses that encourage wellness and accommodate active lifestyles - Bike Friendly Communities and Bike Friendly Businesses! Towns and employers compete for tax dollars and talent. Simsbury’s planning work has positioned Simsbury as a top choice. 

Attaining and maintaining a bike friendly designation from the League of American Bicyclists doesn’t take more funding but rather creative choices about how we allocate funds, a clear plan, devoted /advocates, visionary town officials and a support from local businesses. Earning a BFC designation takes time and collaboration. 

You will likely be hearing more about Simsbury schools teaching children bike safety, the town adopting a Complete Streets policy, paving to encourage traffic calming, adding larger bike lanes or protected green lanes. This work will differentiate Simsbury, preserve and enhance our quality-of-life, create a safer transportation network for all our residents, invite bicycle tourism - collectively a strong draw for both new residents and new businesses. 

Interested in volunteering to promote cycling and walking in Simsbury? E-mail us at Simsburyfreebike@gmail.com

Thank you to all the Simsbury Businesses that have supported our bike programs: Bike to Work Day, Safe Routes to School, Simsbury Free Bike, CT Adaptive Cycling, Trail Clean Up Day, and more!

The links below provide context for this post and expand on the economic development potential associated with cycling and walking.   

http://bit.ly/12GALHl

http://bit.ly/14wZijl