| Abstract: | This paper describes a research programme carried out on a newly created long-distance cycle route in northern England during 1996 and 1997. The survey sought to: profile users, monitor the overall number of users, describe their spatial and temporal distribution and quantify their economic impacts. This was achieved using a combination of automatic counters, field interview questionnaires, self-completion questionnaires and telephone interviews. The data showed that for 1996 between 12,000 and 15,000 people used the route spending between £1.07 and £1.85 million. Over half the service providers along the route were found to have benefited. In 1997 fewer people used the route, 11,000 cyclists, and the economic impacts have declined in proportion to the use levels. Causes of the reduction of user numbers are considered. The methodology applied is described, and associated issues are discussed. Conclusions are drawn concerning the performance of the route in terms of the cycle tourism niche market. The implications for other cycle routes with tourism potential are considered. |
