The Bikes Belong Foundation announced today the launch of a new grant program to fund research on the economic impact of bicycling facilities and events. The Bicycle Research Grant Program will award a total of $40,000 in grants to academic or non-profit research institutions in 2011. Grants will range from $5,000 to $10,000.

This new program aims to fill a crucial knowledge gap. Collecting quantitative evidence on the benefits bicycling brings to local, regional, and national economies will help encourage and guide investments in bicycling.

In 2010, Bikes Belong awarded small grants for studies currently underway on the economic impact of bicycling in Portland, OR and at the Allegrippis Trails in Raystown Lake, PA. The new dedicated research grants program will provide more opportunities to support similar studies.

The application deadline for the first round of grants is March 31, 2011.

In addition to funding economy-driven projects, Bikes Belong will consider innovative or unique research on other bike-related topics on a case-by-case basis.

To learn more about the program or to apply for a research grant, visit our Foundation page. Questions can also be directed to the grants manager or research analyst.