ABOUT US

BIKE VIRGINIA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works to make Virginia a better place through cycling initiatives. We do this through a variety of programs and services, including:

  • Events: We host the annual BIKE VIRGINIA TOUR, a six-day cycling festival and fundraiser that attracts riders from all over the country and the world. We occasionally host other events throughout the year.
  • Education: We provide cycling safety and maintenance education to people of all ages and abilities. We also work with schools and communities to develop bike-friendly infrastructure.
  • Advocacy: We work with elected officials to advocate for policies that make cycling safer and more accessible. We also support pro-cycling legislation at the state and federal level.
  • Grants: We provide grants to communities and organizations that are working to promote cycling.
  • Consulting: We offer consulting services to communities and organizations on their cycling projects.
Our Impact

Through our work, BIKE VIRGINIA has helped to make Virginia a more bike-friendly state. We have:

  • Increased the number of people who bike in Virginia.
  • Made our roads safer for cyclists.
  • Improved the economic well-being of local communities and small businesses by bringing in tourism dollars.
  • Connected people to nature and helped them to live healthier lives.
Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved with BIKE VIRGINIA. You can:

  • Sign up for our e-mail newsletter.
  • Make a tax-deductible donation.
  • Volunteer your time.
  • Ride your bike!

Together, we can make Virginia a great place to ride!

Bike Virginia Tour: Economic Impact and Direct Spending 

Executive Summary 2012

The annual Bike Virginia Tour draws up to 2,000 regional, national, and international visitors during a 6 day period each June. Participants enjoy 300–400 miles of bicycling in rural areas, enjoying the history, scenery, and geography. The event is a program of Bike Virginia, a 501(C)(3), non-profit that works to improve Virginia’s health, environment, and economy through bicycling.

The tour generates considerable tourism spending for the region as riders enjoy lodging, dining, entertainment, and retail opportunities.  Riders occupy up to 400 rooms for 5–6 nights in addition to up to 1,200 riders that camp at our headquarters.

The average age of our participants is 54; 60 percent are male, 40 percent are female. We have a large return ridership (60% or greater each year). The year 2012 will mark the 25thAnniversary of the tour.

Direct Spending and Economic Impact

  • Total participant spending for 2,000 riders over six days is estimated at $1,133,380 for lodging, food, drink, entertainment, transportation, and retail purchases.
  • Calculation of the ripple effect, secondary spending by merchants and businesses, suggests that the Tour has an additional impact of $725,363 in ripple on top of the $1,133,380 direct spending by tour participants.
  • Additional to rider purchases our organization spends $500,000 annually on services and materials to hold the event. Those dollars also generate an additional ripple of  $320,000 for the regional economy.
  • Based on formulas provided in the US Travel Association’s report for Virginia Tourism the Bike Virginia Tour generates up to $76,000 in federal tax, $45,000 in state tax, and $31,000 in local tax receipts.
  • In total, the event can generate up to $2.8 Million each year in just 6 days.
  • Riders also show a strong desire for return tourism. Last year 63 percent of surveyed riders reported a desire to revisit the host towns again.

Local participation in planning for the tour by Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, Downtown associations, and other businesses is integral in making the event a success for all. Together we can provide a memorable and enjoyable experience that will generate return visits.

This Executive Summary provides a snapshot of data from a 2011 Direct Spending Survey.  Additional information is provided in the full report.  Download the 2012 Economic Impact Report PDF.

YEAR

THEME

TOWNS

CYCLISTS

2023

Let the Good Times Roll

Staunton, Harrisonburg

0

2019

Bike-O-Rama

Woodstock, Harrisonburg

0

2018

Ride the River

Radford, Claytor Lake

0

2017

30 Years

Buena Vista, Staunton

0

2016

Shenandoah Valley Pilgrimage

Woodstock, Harrisonburg

0

2015

Highlands Expedition

Abingdon, Kingsport

0

2014

East Bound

Chesterfield (Richmond), Jamestown (Williamsburg)

0

2013

Open Air Detour

Buena Vista, Lexington, Botetourt, Roanoke

0

2012

25 Years

Winchester, Berryville, Harpers Ferry

0

2011

New River — Roll through Time

Pulaski, Radford, Blacksburg

0

2010

Knights of the Golden Wheel

Staunton, Harrisonburg

0

2009

Journey through Hallowed Ground

Charlottesville, Culpepper, Orange

0

2008

Crooked Road Tour

Bristol, Abingdon, Kingsport

0

2007

Captain John Smith Adventure

Hopewell, Williamsburg

0

2006

Tour de Love

Emporia, Lawrenceville, Roanoke Rapids, South Hill

0

2005

Valley Byways Tour

Roanoke, Lexington

0

2004

Shenandoah Odyssey

Bridgewater, Harrisonburg, New Market

0

2003

Tour de Virginias

Winchester, Martinsburg, Shepardstown

0

2002

New River Valley Odyssey

Radford, Wytheville, Hillsville

0

2001

Town & Country Odyssey

Front Royal, Warrenton, Culpeper, Luray

0

2000

Bike South

Winston-Salem, Martinsville, Roanoke, Lexinton, Staunton, Charlottesville

0

1999

James River Odyssey

Richmond, Franklin, Hampton, Williamsburg

0

1998

Civil War Odyssey III

Warrenton, Winchester, Shepardstown, Leesburg

0

1997

Civil War Odyssey II

Petersburg, Amelia Courthouse, Farmville, Lawrenceville

0

1996

Civil War Odyssey I

Manassas, Fredericksburg, Bowling Green, Culpeper

0

1995

Two State Odyssey

Roanoke, Ferrum, Danville, South Boston, Keysville

0

1994

Presidential Odyssey

Bedford, Lexington, Waynesboro, Charlottesville, Goochland

0

1993

Southwest Odyssey

Bristol, Abingdon, Marion, Wytheville, Galax, Floyd

0

1992

Chesapeake Bay Odyssey

Colonial Beach, Warsaw, Windmill Pt, Mathews, West Point, Jamestown

0

1991

Shenandoah Valley Odyssey

Lexington, Staunton, Bridgewater, Woodstock, Winchester, Berryville

0

1990

Bike Virginia III

New Market, Front Royal, Leesburg, Warrenton, Fredericksburg, Ashland

0

1989

Bike Virginia II

Natural Bridge, Lynchburg, Farmville, Emporia, Williamsburg, Richmond

0

1988

Bike Virginia I

Charlottesville, Farmville, Emporia, Williamsburg

0

virginiabikeeventassoc-4colorVirginia Bike Event Association is a group of cycling events across the state that work together for a “collaborative exchange of ideas and resources to support safe and enjoyable cycling events across Virginia so that the state may benefit from increased recreation, wellness, and tourism.

Together we can grow and learn. Together we can share more opportunities for cycling with residents and visitors. Together our voice is stronger when we ask for legislation, funding, and support from tourism agencies.

Bike Virginia is proud to be a founding member of the Virginia Bike Event Association.

As part of our commitment to financial transparency,