Scotland getting on its bike to drive economy

A report commissioned by Cycling Scotland has found cycling is worth over half a billion pounds a year to the Scottish economy.

The study, done by Transform Consulting, included the value of manufacturing, retail and tourism activity, but did not factor in estimate of the environmental and congestion-busting benefits of cycling.

The research out today found that cycling made a total economic contribution to Scotland of £596 million to £774m. The related figure for Gross Value Added (GVA) of cycling was £321m-£367m.

Cycling Scotland boss Keith Irving said: “Today’s report shows that not only is cycling great for our health, environment and transport network, it also provides major direct economic benefits.

“These figures may surprise some people but the cycling boom in Scotland means that more adults are now active riding bikes than playing football.”