Riding your bike not only keeps you fit. The Michigan Department of Transportation says it also helps pump nearly $670 million into the state’s economy each year.
State transportation officials say that figure includes direct spending on bikes and related equipment of $175 annually; $256 million in reduced health care costs; and $187 million added to the economy because bicyclists take fewer sick days at work
M-DOT released a report on the financial impact of bicycling in Michigan Thursday. It looked at five cities, including Holland and Grand Rapids. M-DOT says biking generated almost $6.5 million in Holland while Grand Rapids reported just over $39 million.