Bicycle Tourism Blueprint: A Community-Led Approach to Attracting Cyclists, Boosting Businesses, and Creating a Bicycle-Friendly Destination

Bicycle tourism is more than just an economic boost—it’s an opportunity to create lively, welcoming communities where people love to live, work, and visit. Whether it’s long-distance touring cyclists, mountain bikers, or casual riders exploring scenic backroads, communities that embrace bicycle tourism see increased business, stronger local economies, and a renewed sense of place.

This course is all about action—helping you tap into your community’s natural assets, spark creativity, engage local businesses, and create a place where cyclists want to stop, stay, and explore. From historic downtowns to rail trails, rural roads to mountain bike parks, every community has unique features that can be enhanced to attract and support cyclists.

Through hands-on exercises, success stories, and expert insights, you’ll discover what works, where to start, and how to turn small steps into big wins.

🚴‍♂️ What You’ll Learn in 4 Sessions:
Session 1: Discovering Bicycle Tourism Opportunities in Your Community
The different types of bicycle tourists and what they look for

How bicycle tourism fuels local economies and strengthens small businesses

Finding your community’s unique assets and creating memorable cycling experiences

Identifying what makes your town a great place for cyclists

Session 2: Creating a Bicycle-Friendly Destination
How to welcome and engage cyclists through local businesses, lodging, and services

Simple ways to make your town bike-friendly—no big budget required!

Strategies for getting businesses, residents, and local leaders excited and involved

Mapping out business partnerships and opportunities

Session 3: Routes, Trails & Infrastructure—Making It Easy to Ride
Mapping the best routes, trails, and riding experiences for different types of cyclists

How to connect local businesses, attractions, and services to cycling routes

Making the most of existing roads, trails, and community spaces to attract riders

Route planning for bicycle tourism

Session 4: Spreading the Word—Marketing, Events & Long-Term Success
Getting your town on the map—Ride with GPS, Strava, social media & cycling networks

Planning bike-friendly events, tours, and festivals to bring in visitors

How to expand bicycle tourism year-round and sustain momentum over time

Turning your ideas into reality — marketing & action planning for your community



🚴‍♂️ Why Join This Course?
- Think beyond trails and infrastructure—tap into the local charm, stories, and businesses that make your town special

- Learn from real-world success stories—towns and small communities that have thrived with bicycle tourism

- Get practical, doable ideas—start small and build momentum with quick wins

- Leave with a plan—concrete next steps to turn inspiration into action

No matter where your community is in its bicycle tourism journey, this course will help you take the next step—whether that’s attracting your first wave of riders or expanding an already growing cycling culture.

Join us for inspiring ideas, hands-on strategies, and the tools to make bicycle tourism work for your community.

Who is this for?
Economic development professionals & tourism agencies

Local government officials & planners

Chamber of Commerce & business alliances

Parks, trails, and recreation managers

Trail advocacy & bicycle organizations

Main Street & downtown development groups

Business owners & hospitality providers

Rural community leaders interested in outdoor recreation development

Course Instructor
Michele Archie is a principal of The Harbinger Consultancy. Her integrated approach to outdoor recreation community and economic development is built on 30 years of experience with community engagement and economic development, community-led tourism initiatives and destination stewardship in rural and outdoor recreation communities.

Session Dates and Times
Four live 90-minute weekly video conference sessions • Thursdays, June 5-26, 2025 • 9-10:30 PT/12-1:30 ET



Fees & Details
Every class will be presented live and available for replay in case you need to miss a session or want to review.

First 5 participants register for 1/2 price ($262.50)

$525 regular course fee/$425 early registration discount through April 30, 2025.

Group rates for two or more participants from the same organization or community — $425 per person regular group rate/$375 early registration discount.

Organizational and other special discount codes offer a discount in addition to early registration and group rates.

Free continuing education Learning Credits
Through a partnership with American Trails, Harbinger is offering free learning credits for this and selected other courses. Credits are available by request, at no charge beyond the course registration fee, contingent on completing the entire course and a brief post-course quiz. American Trails is a certified provider, and you may request credits for:

American Institute of Certified Planners Continuing Maintenance (AICP CM)

Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES PDH)

CEU/PDH equivalency petition for other accepting organizations

This course provides 6.00 CM | 6.00 LA CES HSW | 0.60 CEU/6.00 PDH Equivalency Petition

Location

This is a virtual training. See the event website for more details.

Trail Competencies

• Project Planning and Design
• • Stakeholder Engagement

• Program Administration
• • Education and Public Outreach
• • Partnership and Collaboration

Relevant Trail Types

• Accessible Trails
• Bicycling Trails
• Long-distance Trails
• Mountain Biking Trails
• Rail-Trails
• Rails with Trails
• Shared-Use Trails
• Urban Trails
• Utility Corridors