From pumping money into the economies of small towns to revitalizing disinvested areas in large cities, bike racing and cycling in general are breathing economic life into many communities throughout the U.S.

The borough of West Chester is a prime example of this positive economic impact.

Last August, the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce presented the 13th annual Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic. According to a 2017 study conducted by West Chester University’s Department of Economics and Finance on the economic impact of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic, the iconic event generated as much as $166,194 in additional sales at local restaurants and shops from visitors attending the event.

What’s especially significant is that this number includes only out-of-town visitors attending the race, thus indicating that this economic impact was generated solely as a result of the event.

On a national level, communities host sport events for three core reasons: provide local entertainment for the community, enhance community image, and stimulate spending in the host community’s economy.

“This report documents what we have always felt to be the case – that the benefits of the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic extend far beyond the positive public image the borough receives and the entertainment it provides,” said Mark Yoder, President of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. “It also proves the race creates measurable, positive economic impact.”

[uam_ad id=”58459″]

Advertisement

To summarize some additional key findings:

• 56 percent of the outside-borough visitors had come to the event for the first time
• the average spending at local restaurants and shops was $21.86 per visitor
• 53 percent spent more than $25 for food and drink
• more than 50 percent of the visitors expressed an interest in each event: 52 percent showed interest in the Kids’ Zone; 50 percent were interested in the Tolsdorf Trike Challenge; 54 percent were interested in the Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium; 54 percent listed the Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s Criterium; and 56 percent were interested in the Iron Hill Pro Men’s Criterium
• 55 percent had children in their travel party

“We are especially proud to be the title sponsor of an event that has such a positive impact on the community we serve. The Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic not only builds the economy, but also brings the community together for a day of fun,” said David LaSala, President and CEO of Benchmark Federal Credit Union.

Organized and presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, the Benchmark Twilight Cycling Classic includes the Iron Hill Pro Men’s Criterium and Brumbaugh Wealth Management Pro Women’s Criterium. Both of these bike-racing spectacles are brutal contests of endurance as riders fly by at break-neck speeds, shoulder-to-shoulder and wheel-to-wheel over a streetlight-lit downtown route that challenges even the most experienced riders.

Before the pro men and women racers take to the streets, visitors enjoy an afternoon of family-fun activities that include the Tolsdorf Trike Challenge, West Chester Dental Arts Kids’ Race, Rothman Institute Amateur Criterium, My Benefit Advisor Kids’ Zone with children’s games and inflatables, and the Northwestern Mutual Community Festival, as well as great shopping opportunities throughout the historic town.

Click here for details of all the day’s activities.

[uam_ad id=”71915″]