The facts show that Americans are not only active recreators but active travelers as well. Travelers are seeking out vacations alone and with friends, but now more than ever are interested in participating in recreation with their entire family. The decision on where and when to travel is usually a joint decision involving family members or friends. The personal benefits of pleasure travel are well-documented and are very diverse, ranging from escape and relaxation, to socializing with friends and relatives. The economic benefits of travel are also well documented.
Tourism provides an economic boost in terms of sales and tax revenues, and local jobs.
Despite the increase in bicycling, total bicycle sales in the United States have remained steady, as seen in Figure 4-2, averaging about 12 million units since 1986. In 1983, mountain bike sales topped out at only 500,000, soaring to 6.7 million in 1992. The revenue brought in from unit sales and accessories appears positive for the bicycling industry. Its impact is also felt on the local level, including the approximately 60 bicycle shops in the Adirondack North Country Region. With participation on the rise, road and mountain bicycling will continue to have positive impacts on local economies.