Laserfiche WebLink
MINNESOTA MRT MARKETING TOOLBOX <br />The Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Vision <br />The University of Minnesota <br />Tourism Center identifies <br />bicycling s the state's second <br />most popular outdoor recreation <br />activity. In 2009, road bicyclists' <br />total trip spending was $337,641. <br />The MRT ties economic value to a <br />beautiful and healthy Mississippi <br />River <br />SUMMARY IVISIONI SETTING <br />toroI <br />� <br />Increases bicycle -related tourism, which has had proven <br />economic impact, even in an economic downturn. The MRT invites <br />visitors and revenue to communities across the state. Businesses <br />may develop a mutually beneficial relationship with the MRT by <br />promoting their goods and services as MRT amenities. Certain <br />businesses may find that bicyclists are a niche market waiting to be <br />tapped! <br />Enhances quality of life, serves as an attraction for residents and <br />businesses. Bicycle transportation is a key community component <br />that supports active living, and a healthier population. <br />Serves as a positive addition to a network of parks, trails, and <br />natural and cultural resources. As well as being a recreational <br />opportunity, the MRT encourages contact with other community <br />amenities, offering exploration and exercise. <br />Contributes to environmental stewardship. The MRT links fiscal <br />value to the health and condition of the river, riverside parks, and <br />adjacent natural areas. A low -impact form of transportation, it also <br />helps reduce our carbon footprint. <br />Encourages social cohesiveness. The MRT not only connects <br />diverse places, it also promotes an understanding of local and <br />regional issues. The result is increased cooperative solutions. <br />Fulfills state statutes. The MRT helps MnDOT fulfill its statutory <br />requirements to develop bikeways (Statute 160.265) to encourage <br />tourism through transportation, and promote and increase bicycling <br />and health forms of transportation (Statute 174.01). <br />The MRT is a tremendous opportunity to tie economic value to <br />environmental and social well being. We believe the MRT will add <br />value to your community, but we cannot guarantee benefits. Please <br />remember the gains from the MRT will depend on many factors, <br />including support from the local and regional communities and <br />businesses. <br />ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON BICYCLE ROUTE BENEFITS <br />Adventure Cycling Association, working with the Georgia <br />Department of Transportation, provided a compilation of bicycling <br />statistics. See four handouts on the Environmental, Economic, <br />Health and Transportation benefits of bicycle routes: <br />http://www.adventurecycling.org/routes/nbrn/resourcespage/USBR <br />S Benefits.pdf <br />MARKETING PRODUCT AUDIENCE STRATEGY PARTNERS SUPPORT <br />Minnesota Mississippi River Trail Bikeway Page 1- 2 <br />