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Discover the beauty of PA Route 6 and the PA Wilds. Explore 427 miles of scenic drive, 20 charming communities, and a scenic bikeway. Plan your next outdoor adventure and experience Pennsylvania's rich heritage.
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PA ROUTE 6 ALLIANCE UPDATE March 19, 2019
About the PA Route 6 Alliance • 427 miles including US Route 6N • 11 Counties of the Northern Tier • Links to state and national parks and forests • Tourism Regions: Pennsylvania Great Lakes, Pennsylvania Wilds, Upstate PA & Pocono Mountains
“One of America’s most scenic drive” – National Geographic Traveler“One of the top ten scenic routes in America!”- Car and Driver MagazineBestTouring Route– Harley DavidsonMost Amazing Roadtrip for Pennsylvania– The Weather Channel
4.3 million visitors • Traveling parties = 2-3 adults and 3 children * new trend* • 79% are overnight stays • 40% are from out of state • Traveling to be outdoors (30%) and visit heritage sites (27%) • Total direct visitor spending = $1.06 billion • Supports 9,641 job • (2015 Heritage Area Study)
SUPPORTED BY 9 CVB’S REPRESENTING ELEVEN COUNTIES • $3.9 Billion in Visitor Spending • $1.6 Million in Investments • 45,000 jobs • $756 million in state & federal taxes • (2017 tourism economics study)
TWELVE PENNSYLVANIA HERITAGE AREAS BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND Goals for State Heritage Areas: Cultural Conservation Recreation and Open Space Interpretation and Education Economic Development Partnerships Tourism Promotion
PA ROUTE 6 HERITAGE COMMUNITIES • Mansfield • Wyalusing • Tunkhannock • Carbondale Waymart • Honesdale • White Mills • Hawley • Milford • Conneaut Lake • Edinboro • Union City • Corry • Youngsville • Warren • Kane • Smethport • Coudersport • Austin • Galeton 20 TOTAL COMMUNITIES…
PA Route 6 & PA Wilds Façade Program • 41 Façade Projects • 10 Signage Projects • 48 Businesses impacted • $354, 590 in projects
US BIKE ROUTE 36 ADD MAP
BICYCLE TOURISM = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 2017 OUTDOOR RECREATION ECONOMY STUDY $83 BILLION – trip related sales $97 BILLION – retail spending 848,000 – jobs
BICYCLE TOURISM = ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GREAT ALLEGHENY PASSAGE (GAP) 1 Million Users62% stayed overnightSpent $124.58 per night 40% of businesses planned to expand62% attributed expansion to trail
OUR ROLE EDUCATE BUILD PARTNERSHIPS WORK WITH COMMUNITIES DEVELOP WAYFINDING SYSTEM HOSPITALITY TRAINING ENCOURAGE SUPPORT BUSINESS GROWTH PROMOTION
Community Readiness PUBLIC SPACES: Benches Restrooms Public spaces/ parks Picnic Areas - Bike racks/ repair stations
Community Readiness SAFETY Maintained sidewalks Marked crosswalks Pedestrian Signals Reasonable speed limits Wide shoulders Bike Lanes Marked bike routes Marked street signs Additional street lights
COMMUNITY READINESS OTHER ISSUES: Connectors and Networks Parking Bike racks Business hours/ services Visitor information Directional signage
COMMUNITY READINESS SIGNAGE: ends of route and in between PROMOTE!!
BUSINESS READINESS Have a basic flat repair kit Have maps Offer U-lock or bike check-in Roll into the room Have the right attitude (and Wi-fi) Laundry From “5 Easy Ways to be a Bike Friendly Business”The Path Less Pedaled blogpathlesspedaled.com
BIKE TOURISM WORKSHOP ISSUES / CONCERNS SAFETY ROAD CONDITION WAYFINDING NEEDS HOSPITALITY TRAINING BICYCLE ACCEPTANCE
BIKE TOURISM WORKSHOP POSITIVES OPPORTUNITY TO USE GRAVEL AND FOREST ROADS SERIES OF LOOPS VARIETY FOR ALL RIDERS BUNDLE SEVERAL ACTIVITIES EXISTING BRAND
BIKE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLIST 12 – PA’S RANK 6 – BIKE FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES72 BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESSES 7 – BIKE FRIENDLY UNIVERSITIES
RESOURCES LEAGUE OF AMERICAN BICYCLIST www.bikeleague.org ADVENTURE CYCLING www.adventurecycling.org
FUTURE PA ROUTE 6 SCENIC BYWAY AND SCENIC BIKEWAY Terri DennisonPA Route 6 Allianceterri.paroute6@verizon.net