Quarterly Newsletter and News Articles

Bicycling in Missouri is a popular activity that is growing more popular. There are approximately 1.9 million active cyclists in Missouri who bicycle at least once a month during warm weather months. Bicyclists ride on road, on recreational trails, and on mountain biking trails.

Bicycle sales are increasing in the U.S., matching levels of bicycle sales during the bicycling boom of the 1970s. In 2005 the number of bicycles sold in the U.S., 19 million, exceeded the number of cars sold for the first time.

Local, statewide, and national Safe Routes to Schools movements are starting to increase the number of children walking and bicycling to school and create awareness of the need for more active lifestyles.

There are over 72 local bicycle shops in Missouri with about 1,000 employees. Bicycle-related sales in Missouri total about $220 million per year--$100 million from bicycle shops and $120 million from large retailers.

The DNR estimates between 300,000 and 500,000 visits to the Katy Trail State Park annually. About 300 local businesses cater to Katy Trail users. The typical Katy Trail visitor has an annual income of $75,000 or more, one or more college degrees, and spends $230 on the trip. Half of all trail visitors are from out of state.

The target audience for recreational rides and other bicycle-related events is a very good one. Cycling is the second most popular recreational activity in the world behind sport walking. It is the only one of these two that lends itself to commercial sponsorship.

Demographic characteristics of recreational cyclists:

• Median Age is 32, 87% are between the ages of 18 and 44.


• Median Household Income is $60,000+.


• 70% are College Graduates.


• 63% have professional careers.


• There are more cyclists in the US than skiers, golfers, and tennis players combined.


• Cycling is the #1 fitness and health activity among doctors and lawyers over the age of 40.


• As is the case with most professional sports, most professional bicycle racers are male. Unlike most sports, cycling has a very large female recreational and spectator base--55% male and 45% female.


• Recreational cyclists have high brand loyalty and are concerned with value & quality.

Licensed bicycle racers are a subgroup of bicyclists with these demographic characteristics:

• Number of licensed racers: 72,000


• Median Age: 34


• Median Household Income: $75,000+


• College Graduates: 81%


• Post Graduate: 27%


• Male/Female: 89%/11%

Sources of information: http://www.bikethisway.com/AdvertiseMarket.asp, http://www.tourdetoona.com/sponsor/cyc_demo.asp, http://mobikefed.org/resources.php#stats

This article is also available as a printable PDF file. permanent link to article: "Missouri Recreational Bicyclist Demographics"
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