The seventh annual BikeMaine ride provided a $906,000 economic boost to the
Southern Kennebec Valley and Midcoast
Nov. 20, 2019 (PORTLAND, Maine) – The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) hosted its seventh annual BikeMaine cycling tour from September 7-14, 2019. The sold-out BikeMaine 2019: Coastal Connections ride traveled through the Southern Kennebec Valley and Midcoast regions.
Over the course of the 7-day tour, BikeMaine’s economic impact totaled $906,000. This included $677,000 spent by the 450 riders in addition to their event registration fees, and $228,000 spent by the BCM to produce the event, which includes most meals for the participants. The 2019 economic impact represents a 22% increase over the $741,000 generated by BikeMaine 2018. Since its inaugural ride in 2013, BikeMaine has contributed more than $4 million to Maine’s local economy.
“BikeMaine continues to fulfill its mission of using bicycle tourism as an economic development tool for Maine,” said Ride Director Will Elting. “As much as possible, food – the event’s single largest expense – is purchased from Maine farmers, lobstermen, and growers, highlighting Maine products and local services.” Food sourcing and menu creation for BikeMaine is done in partnership with the Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative. About 70% of all event food was purchased within 75 miles of the event region, providing an economic boost for producers while providing healthy and local food for riders.
In addition to its concentration on locally sourced food, BikeMaine is committed to keeping its environmental impact to a minimum. During BikeMaine 2019, approximately 3.5 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills through its partnership with Agri-Cycle, New England’s premier food waste collection service. All eating utensils, plates, and cups used during breakfast and dinner were compostable, in efforts to reduce the event’s environmental impact. BikeMaine plans to make further strides toward greater sustainability year after year.
BikeMaine is proud to have formed key partnerships with Maine businesses, such as L.L. Bean, Maine Beer Company, Agri-Cycle, Maine Farm and Sea Cooperative, and Kris-Way Trucking, in addition to various other valued sponsors and partners.