Economic impact numbers are back for Tour de Georgia, and there was a 40% increase in overall economic impact over 2007. Organizers got a later start than usual, which likely contributed to the slight decrease in spectators; nonetheless, those who came spent more. This is no surprise; we have previously noted that the impact of bicycling tourism is huge.
TdG Stage I 2008 Start in Tybee. Photo by PhotoSport International/John Pierce.
2008 Overall State Direct Economic Impact:
- $38.6 million is an increase of 40% from 2007, which generated a direct economic impact of $27.56 million
- 41% of spectators indicated they stayed more than one night during their visit to Georgia, specifically to watch the Tour Of those overnight visitors, 6% were International visitors (an overall increase of 5% from 2007)
- The average overnight visitor spent $380 per day at the Tour; 55% of that going to accommodations and transportation costs.
There are apparently no specific numbers available for Tybee and Savannah, though Bill Hubbard of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce was very upbeat about the impact for Tybee in particular. Thanks again to the Lieutenant Governor for supporting bicycling — let’s bring the Tour back to the coast next year!
This is an excellent example of what was discussed at the formational meeting for the CGG, Inc Steering Committee last night, namely that bicycling and trails are a relatively low cost way to produce tremendous economic impact for a community. If we also consider quality of life, public health and public safety, we should all wonder why more of the Coastal Georgia Greenway is not already built.
Posted on May 30th, 2008 by Drew Wade
Filed under: Latest News | No Comments »
Big things are underway for the Coastal Georgia Greenway. After a little over a year of grassroots development, the Coastal Georgia Greenway is planning the launch of its own 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Coastal Georgia Greenway, Inc. We will be meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, May 29 at 6:30pm at Holton’s Seafood Restaurant in Midway, I-95 Exit 76, @ US 84 (13711 E Oglethorpe Hwy) to identify a steering committee charged with identifying a board and bylaws for our group.
The nonprofit organization will serve to raise private sector funds that could leverage additional federal funding for development of trails here in coastal Georgia, as well as to develop priorities for acquisition and construction. Please consider attending if you have an interest in trails here in the coast! RSVP to Jo Claire Hickson, johickson [at] comcast [dot] net.
Posted on May 28th, 2008 by Drew Wade
Filed under: Bryan County, Camden County, Chatham County, Get Involved, Glynn County, Latest News, Liberty County, McIntosh County | No Comments »
Water Taxi service was operated on 3 and 4 May, 2008, with two vessels to provide local residents and guests with an optional means of attending the Annual Shrimp Festival in Fernandina Beach. Both boats operated at full capacity each day and passengers, all paying $15 for the round trip, were very pleased with the service. Kevin McCarthy, the owner/operator considered it a resounding success.
Kevin McCarthy of Amelia River Cruises. Thanks to Mike Pikula of Fernandina Beach for the photo.
Mr. McCarthy’s plan is to operate several scheduled water taxi trips per day on Fri, Sat and Sun initially through the summer months. No date yet for the scheduled service, though his new 99 passenger boat on which the service will operate has received coast guard approval, so it should be very soon.
Bicycles are permitted on all his vessels. This service will provide a crucial overwater link for the East Coast Greenway between Georgia and Florida. Further details are available from Amelia River Cruises and Charters at 904-261-9972.
Posted on May 22nd, 2008 by Drew Wade
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| July 20, 2008 |
| 5:00 pm | to | 6:00 pm |
Skidaway Island, home to oceanography and thousands of Savannahians, is the site of the July Savannnah Wheelie!
Join the Savannah Bicycle Campaign for a ride around Skidaway Island. The ride will begin at the picnic area in Skidaway Island State Park and move on through to the Landings. This 7 mile ride takes us through the woods of the state park, over a bridge through the marsh and past a few golf courses along the way. We will return to the State Park for a cookout at the end of the ride. We will do the grilling, but bring a side to share if you’re planning on eating with us. The ride and the cookout are free, but if you drive to the park, there is a $3 per car charge (of course if you come on your bike, there’s no charge). The more the merrier!
Thanks to Star Bike, Attorney Joe Steffen/Georgia Bike Law and Big H little h for their sponsorship of the July Wheelie!
Posted on May 21st, 2008 by Drew Wade
Filed under: Chatham County, Events | No Comments »
| June 14, 2008 |
| 11:00 am | to | 12:00 pm |
The third installment of the Savannah Wheelie will ride through Isle of Hope on Saturday, June 14 at 11 am. That’s the day before Father’s Day and a free day at Georgia State Parks, so we will start at Wormsloe Historic Site and ride their famous live oak lined drive and then through beautiful Isle of Hope. It’s hard to imagine anywhere prettier in Coastal Georgia. We’ll finish back at Wormsloe, which will be open for all to use, so stick around and bring a picnic!
Posted on May 21st, 2008 by Drew Wade
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| May 18, 2008 |
| 1:00 pm | to | 2:00 pm |
Electric Boogaloo.
May 18, beginning and ending at Grayson Stadium in Daffin Park. Ride Parkside, Daffin, and Police Memorial Park and stay for a discounted Sand Gnats game. See bicyclecampaign.org for more details. Thanks to Georgia Bike Law and Attorney Joe Steffen, Jr. for sponsoring the May Wheelie!
Posted on April 29th, 2008 by Drew Wade
Filed under: Chatham County, Events | No Comments »
