Issue No. 53: Biking Boom in America 🚲📈
Hey, Outsiders! In Issue No. 53 of Outsider Insider, we're diving headfirst into the biking revolution that's sweeping across the United States. Biking has become more than just a mode of transportation; it's a lifestyle, a means of exploring the great outdoors, and a powerful way to reduce our carbon footprint. From the surge in bike trips since 2019 to the electric bicycle revolution, the Great American Rail-Trail, and the emergence of new biking capitals, we're exploring the many facets of this growing trend.
So, strap on your helmet, grab your handlebars, and let's hit the road to discover how biking is changing the way we move, commute, and connect with the world around us. 🚴♀️🌟
Let’s go! 🚀
— Scott Crowder
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🚴♂️ Pedaling Forward: The Surging Trend of Biking in America 🇺🇸
In recent years, the United States has witnessed a remarkable resurgence in cycling, with an ever-growing number of Americans embracing two-wheel adventures. Whether for recreation, commuting, or as an eco-friendly alternative to gas-guzzlers, bikes are becoming an integral part of the American lifestyle. Here's a deep dive into the biking boom, featuring key insights and trends shaping the future of biking in the USA.
1. 📈 The Soaring Popularity of Biking: According to a new report by Streetlight Data as reported by Bloomberg, bike trips in the U.S. have soared since 2019. This surge is attributed to a multitude of factors, including the pandemic, which encouraged people to explore outdoor activities while seeking socially distanced transportation options. The love for cycling has taken root across the nation, redefining the way Americans move and engage with their surroundings.
2. 🚲 E-Bikes: Revolutionizing Two-Wheeled Travel: People for Bikes introduces "E-Bike Smart," a new rider education program designed to promote electric bicycles as a practical and eco-conscious mode of transportation. E-bikes are making cycling accessible to a broader demographic, flattening hills and extending ranges. Their proliferation signifies a shift toward sustainable urban mobility.
3. 🛤️ The Great American Rail-Trail: Travel enthusiasts and cyclists alike are buzzing about the Great American Rail-Trail, an ambitious project aiming to create the longest bike trail in the USA. Stretching over 3,700 miles, the trail will connect the Atlantic to the Pacific, offering a scenic route through 12 states. This project reflects the country's commitment to expanding cycling infrastructure and promoting tourism on two wheels.
4. 🚵 Biking Capitals Emerging: Streetsblog shines a spotlight on Northwest Arkansas, a region poised to become the next biking capital of America. Local governments, philanthropic organizations, and businesses have been working collaboratively to transform this area into a cycling paradise. Investments in bike trails, infrastructure, and cycling events are driving this transformation.
5. 🚴♀️ Becoming More Bike-Friendly: National Geographic delves into whether the U.S. is becoming more bike-friendly. As cities across the nation implement bike lanes, bike-sharing programs, and bike-friendly policies, the U.S. is gradually evolving to accommodate and encourage cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.
6. 🌉 Something to Learn from Overseas: Bloomberg explores Norway's innovative approach to cycling infrastructure with the world's coolest bike tunnel. The Laerdal Tunnel, a marvel of engineering, offers a breathtaking underground biking experience. This project showcases the importance of forward-thinking infrastructure planning to encourage cycling.
The biking revolution is gaining momentum in the United States, driven by a mix of societal shifts, environmental consciousness, and the desire for healthier, more enjoyable modes of transportation. With more individuals hopping on bikes, cities expanding their cycling infrastructure, and transformative projects on the horizon, it's clear that biking is here to stay and shaping the way Americans travel and experience their communities. 🚴♀️🌟
Business, Industry, & Economy:
🏕️ Loge Camps Secures $16 Million Investment: Loge Camps, the outdoor recreation and adventure lodging company, has secured over $16 million in investment. This funding will fuel the expansion of Loge Camps' unique outdoor accommodations and experiences, catering to adventure enthusiasts seeking memorable stays in stunning natural settings.
🏞️ Moosejaw Store Closures: Dick's Sporting Goods' is to close 11 Moosejaw stores as part of its realignment strategy and focus on its Public Lands concept. This move highlights the challenges faced by brick-and-mortar retailers in today's competitive market, as companies assess their store portfolios to remain competitive and adapt to changing consumer trends and preferences. Dick’s Sporting Goods acquired Moosejaw from Walmart less than a year ago.
🔥 Clean Heat Solutions for Snow Sports: Ski Area Management’s exploration of clean heat alternatives in the skiing and snow sports industry reflects the broader commitment to sustainability within the outdoor recreation sector. As climate change poses challenges to winter sports, finding clean energy sources for snowmaking and resort operations becomes paramount. This article sheds light on innovative solutions that can reduce the carbon footprint of ski resorts, aligning with industry efforts to address environmental concerns.
🏕️ Camplife's Commitment: Modern Campground's coverage of Camplife's renewed commitment to private campground owners underscores the importance of strong partnerships within the outdoor and camping industry. As camping experiences continue to grow in popularity, collaboration between service providers and campground owners plays a vital role in enhancing the camper experience. Camplife's dedication to supporting private campgrounds reflects the industry's emphasis on providing high-quality outdoor experiences for enthusiasts and families alike.
🌟 CEO Philanthropy Insights: In an era where corporate social responsibility is a pivotal component of business success, Forbes' exploration of how modern CEOs are driving change through philanthropy is timely and illuminating. It highlights a shift in leadership where CEOs are not only focused on financial growth but also on addressing critical societal and environmental challenges. This shift underscores the evolving role of businesses in driving positive change, with CEOs leveraging their influence, resources, and networks to make a significant impact on the world.
💼 Financial Times on Corporate Responsibility: The Financial Times' examination of corporate responsibility reflects the increasing recognition of businesses' profound influence on society and the environment. As more companies acknowledge their responsibilities beyond profit generation, the article offers a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of corporate responsibility. It emphasizes that responsible business practices are not just ethical but also essential for long-term success, brand reputation, and investor confidence.
📈 Vista Outdoor Investor Day: Vista Outdoor's decision to host an Investor Day signals the company's commitment to transparency and engagement with its stakeholders. Such events provide a platform for investors and analysts to gain valuable insights into the company's strategy and financial outlook. It also reflects the broader trend in the outdoor industry, where investors are increasingly interested in companies that prioritize sustainability and responsible business practices.
🏔️ Ski Area Acquisition: SnowBrains reports on the sale of Echo Mountain, the closest ski area to Denver, Colorado, to a holding company. This transaction has implications for local skiing enthusiasts and underscores the ongoing changes in the ski industry as it adapts to evolving ownership structures and market dynamics.
🚦 Access Granted to Private Lands: Infinite Outdoors, a platform that operates similarly to Airbnb or an online shopping site but focuses on outdoor recreation. This innovative service provides individuals with opportunities for various outdoor activities, including elk hunting, fishing, and duck hunting. This platform represents a growing trend in the outdoor industry, offering a convenient and accessible way for people to connect with nature and engage in outdoor adventures, unlocking private land for recreational use.
🚡 Ski Gondola Maker's Response to Climate Change: Austrian company Doppelmayr, traditionally known for manufacturing ski resort gondolas, is adapting to a changing market influenced by climate change. As cities grapple with congestion and environmental concerns, Doppelmayr's cable cars have found a new role in urban transportation. These cable cars, which can be cleaner and space-saving alternatives, have been implemented in major cities like London, Mexico City, and La Paz.
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Sustainability, Conservation, & Environment:
🔥 Innovative Wildfire Tech: Bloomberg reports on wildfire tech startups in France, California, and Germany that are providing firefighters with cutting-edge tools to combat the growing threat of wildfires. These startups are developing innovative solutions to monitor, predict, and respond to wildfires more effectively, showcasing the role of technology in addressing the escalating wildfire crisis.
💧 Forever Chemicals in Water: Fast Company covers Allonnia CEO Nicole Richards' mission to remove "forever chemicals" from water sources. These persistent contaminants pose health and environmental risks, and Richards is leading efforts to develop sustainable solutions to tackle this critical issue, highlighting the intersection of science, innovation, and environmental stewardship.
🌲 Conservation Battle Near Yellowstone: East Idaho News reports on conservation groups' legal action against the federal government regarding a logging proposal near Yellowstone National Park. The lawsuit underscores the ongoing tension between resource utilization and conservation efforts in environmentally sensitive areas, shedding light on the complexities of balancing economic interests with environmental protection.
🌳 Nature's Surprise in Brazil: In a heartwarming discovery, scientists in Brazil have rekindled hope for biodiversity conservation by finding a tree species thought to be extinct for nearly two centuries. Euronews reports on this remarkable event, highlighting the importance of preserving and protecting our planet's rich natural heritage. It serves as a poignant reminder of how resilient nature can be when given the chance.
🌍 The American Climate Corps: Forbes explores the launch of the American Climate Corps, a program set to put thousands of individuals to work in building a more sustainable and resilient future. This initiative, as described in the article, not only addresses pressing climate challenges but also offers opportunities for meaningful employment. It represents a promising step towards a greener and more equitable America.
🦬 Bison Conservation in Colorado: Rocky Mountain PBS sheds light on bison conservation efforts in Colorado, emphasizing the significance of these iconic animals to both the state's history and its ecosystem. The article delves into the challenges and successes of reintroducing bison to their native habitats, highlighting the importance of preserving these majestic creatures and the role they play in maintaining a balanced environment.
Health, Wellness, & Fitness:
🏋️ Wellness Outlook 2023: Athletech News offers a glimpse into the future of wellness in 2023, highlighting key trends and innovations that will shape the industry. As the pursuit of holistic well-being continues to gain momentum, this comprehensive overview provides valuable insights for individuals and businesses looking to prioritize health and fitness in the year ahead.
🌱 Humble Growth - The RxBar and Orgain Partnership: In a strategic move, the founders of RxBar and Orgain have joined forces with renowned consumer products lawyer Nick Giannuzzi to launch Humble Growth. This collaboration, as reported by Bloomberg, promises to bring a fresh perspective to the consumer goods industry, emphasizing values such as sustainability, transparency, and innovation. It's a noteworthy development in the evolving landscape of health-conscious products.
🚶 Nordic Walking - Revolutionizing Fitness in Retirement: Royal Examiner explores the growing popularity of Nordic walking, an outdoor activity that's transforming fitness in retirement. This article delves into how this low-impact exercise, which involves walking with specially designed poles, is not only improving physical health but also fostering a sense of community among retirees. As more individuals seek active and fulfilling retirements, Nordic walking serves as an inspiring example of how outdoor activities can play a pivotal role in this journey.
🚴♂️ Whoop Partners with AI Coach: Whoop, the popular fitness wearable brand, is joining forces with AI coach ChatGPT-4 to provide users with personalized health and fitness guidance. This partnership aims to elevate the workout experience and enhance users' overall well-being through data-driven insights and expert recommendations.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion:
🏞️ Inclusivity in the Outdoors: Kay Rodriguez, founder of Outerly, sheds light on the importance of making the outdoors more inclusive in an article written for Eagle's Nest Outfitters (ENO). Rodriguez provides insights into building a more welcoming outdoor community that not only emphasizes diversity but also underlines the significance of equitable access to nature. As the outdoor industry continues its efforts to break down barriers, this approach serves as a guide for fostering a sense of belonging for everyone in the great outdoors.
🎵 Green Spaces and Hip-Hop's Rise: "City Limits" offers a unique perspective on the interplay between green spaces and the cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. This opinion piece delves into how urban parks and open areas have played a vital role in nurturing hip-hop's evolution and influence. It's a reminder that the outdoors can serve as a canvas for creativity and expression, transcending traditional outdoor narratives.
🏔️ National Ability Center's Mountain Center: The National Ability Center's Mountain Center isn't just a facility; it's a testament to the transformative power of outdoor experiences. This article underscores how organizations like the National Ability Center are making outdoor activities more accessible to individuals with disabilities, enriching lives, and expanding the definition of outdoor adventure. Their work showcases the incredible potential of outdoor spaces to empower and uplift diverse communities.
Government, Grants, & Policy:
👩🏽⚖️ Promoting Outdoor Careers: The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable's new public service announcement is a strategic move to address the growing interest in outdoor careers. With the outdoor recreation economy on the rise, this initiative not only highlights the exciting opportunities available but also aligns with the broader industry's efforts to attract talent and foster a diverse workforce.
🚲 Yamaha's Generous Gesture: Yamaha's donation to the "All Kids Bike" initiative goes beyond a simple act of charity. It reflects a commitment to promoting active lifestyles among young children, addressing concerns about sedentary behavior and the need for physical activity. Teaching kids how to ride bikes not only improves their motor skills but also encourages outdoor play, fostering a deeper connection with nature and the outdoors.
Travel, Tourism, & Hospitality:
🛌 Airbnb's Hosting Evolution: The Atlantic explores Airbnb's shifting focus from individual hosts to hotels and the impact on travelers' pocketbooks. As the platform introduces new cleaning fees and evolves its model, it raises questions about the future landscape of short-term rentals.
🥾 Loge Camps' Innovative Approach: Lodging Magazine delves into Loge Camps' unique strategy, combining outdoor adventure with lodging, and how it's driving success in the hospitality industry. This outside-the-box approach signals a potential shift in the way travelers experience their accommodations, emphasizing experiences alongside traditional lodging offerings.
🏞️🌲 Outbound Hotels' Outdoor Experience: Hospitalitynet.org introduces Outbound Hotels, a fresh concept in the hospitality industry, emphasizing locally-inspired accommodations in outdoor destinations. These properties promote disconnection from the digital world to reconnect with nature and genuine experiences, highlighting the growing trend of travelers seeking outdoor adventures and meaningful connections.
Products, Gear, & Gadgets:
👟 Step Up Your Style Game: Men's Health Sneaker Awards 2023 have landed! From fitness to fashion, this year's winners showcase the freshest kicks for all occasions, offering both comfort and style. Whether you're hitting the gym or strolling the streets, these sneakers have you covered.
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