Adapting to the New Economy: The Impacts of Mountain Bike Tourism in Oakridge, Oregon
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Date
2014-06
Authors
Meltzer, Nicholas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Planning, Public Policy & Management, University of Oregon
Abstract
The
city
of
Oakridge,
Oregon
has
seen
a
measurable
increase
in
the
number
of
mountain
bike
visitors
over
the
last
five
years.
These
visitors
are
providing
a
needed
boost
in
their
economy,
which
was
historically
based
in
natural
resource
extraction.
While
some
literature
exists
on
the
economic
impact
of
mountain
bikers
at
larger
geographic
scales
(county,
state,
or
national
levels),
very
little
exists
at
a
community
level.
This
research
uses
existing
data
to
determine
the
economic
impact
of
mountain
bikers
in
Oakridge.
Furthermore,
as
economic
development
is
inexplicably
linked
with
community
development,
the
study
also
examines
the
social
impacts
of
mountain
bike
tourism
in
Oakridge.
Through
key
informant
interviews,
the
attitudes
and
perceptions
of
local
residents
and
business
owners
were
obtained.
By
identifying
barriers
and
opportunities
to
future
development,
this
research
presents
strategies
to
increase
local
spending
while
maintaining
community
values.
Description
Examining committee: Robert Parker, chair, Michael Hibbard