Mountain biking and cycling tourism are generating millions of dollars for Kamloops and remain one of the city’s most underfunded yet high-potential visitor sectors, according to a presentation and discussion at city council this week.

Tourism Kamloops CEO Erik Fisher told council that a recent economic impact study shows 104,000 unique rider days occur annually in Kamloops, with roughly 40,000 of those visits coming from out-of-town riders. The data highlights how cycling tourism contributes not only to recreation but to accommodation, food and retail spending across the city.

“We learned how long people stay, how much they spend, and what they spend their money on when they’re here,” Fisher said. “Most of all, we learned how underfunded the sector is when it comes to maintenance crews.”

According to the study, the average visiting mountain biker is 41 years old, while the average local rider is 45, a demographic Fisher said surprised him and underscored the sector’s broad appeal. With the growing popularity of e-bikes and Kamloops’ reputation as a riding destination, demand on trail infrastructure is increasing.

To address maintenance challenges, Tourism Kamloops launched the Free Ride Fund in 2025 — a charitable fund where 100% of donations go directly to trail upkeep, with no administrative fees. Tourism Kamloops has committed $50,000 over three years to seed the fund.

Fisher also credited the City of Kamloops for its early investment in cycling infrastructure, particularly the Kamloops Bike Ranch, developed more than 20 years ago.

“That foresight was incredible,” he said. “We’re determined to help maintain that riding area, as well as many others in Kamloops, for future generations.”

Council discussion also turned to improving the visitor experience for cycling tourists, particularly those arriving by air. Councillor Stephen Middleton asked whether bike rentals are available for visitors who don’t travel with their own equipment.

Fisher said limited rental options have long been a barrier, but Tourism Kamloops took steps last year to address the gap.

“In 2025, Tourism Kamloops bought 10 mountain bikes and helped a local operator create a business doing guided mountain bike experiences,” he said. “We’re continuing to work with bike clubs and local shops to create more rentable options.”

Bike tourism was also tied to broader conversations around transportation access. Fisher noted that improved air service, including the new Edmonton–Kamloops WestJet route, could make Kamloops more accessible to cycling tourists, especially those looking to combine riding with other regional experiences such as Sun Peaks.

Tourism Kamloops works closely with Tourism Sun Peaks and regional partners to attract visitors and encourage longer stays, particularly during shoulder seasons when hotel occupancy drops significantly.

Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson and several councillors expressed support for initiatives that strengthen Kamloops’ reputation as a cycling destination, noting that bike tourism benefits residents as well as visitors.

Fisher emphasized that investment in bike tourism produces quick returns and contributes directly to local jobs and quality of life.

“If you build a place people want to visit, you build a place people want to live,” he said. “And cycling is a big part of that story in Kamloops.”