I think it’s pretty natural that rail trails are popular destinations for cycling tourists: the riding is rarely overly difficult but you can still go off-road for extended distances. And many of the towns along the old railway lines are happy to provide services to people who travel on different wheels.

So I’m not at all surprised that you’ve found people who’ve travelled some distance to ride rail trails. Professor Beeton’s survey also found this, with visitors coming in from other states to ride the Murray-to-the-Mountains trail.

In my tours on rail trails, I’ve met other bike tourists from far and wide. Some were camping while others were staying in hotels and B&B’s but each traveler was there because of a rail trail. Naturally, other types of bike trails attract tourists too; however, abandoned rail lines are excellent candidates for spurring economic growth.

By turning a dormant rail line into a bike trail, the corridor remains intact, properties near the corridor increase in value, new businesses are started, jobs are created, and the quality of life improves. I heartily encourage leaders around the world to look upon decommissioned rail lines as the economic engines they can become.

Respectfully,
Larry Lagarde
RideTHISbike.com
Urging bicycling for recreation, commuting, health and a better future.