The first user surveys on the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold cycle trails show economic benefit is following in the tyre tracks.
Both trails opened two years ago and form part of the New Zealand cycle trail network.
The surveys, carried out in January and April this year, followed similar lines to surveys done on the Otago Central Rail Trail.
The aim was to quantify the economic benefits trail users brought to the area, to canvass views of trail users to help managers, funders and service providers meet needs and expectations, and to provide information for promotion of the districts as a cycling destination.
The economic impact of Roxburgh Gorge trail users to the Central Otago economy from January to April was estimated at $1.1 million, while the economic impact of Clutha Gold users to the Central Otago and South Otago economy from November 2014 to April 2015 was estimated at $1.9 million.
''To me, it was always about economic development and the trails have delivered some economic vibrancy to our district, which is the most positive thing,'' Roxburgh Gorge trail charitable trust chairman, Stephen Jeffery, of Roxburgh, said.
''The feedback from users is great. They think we have a world-class track, so that recognises all the volunteer effort over the years.''
He expected patronage to continue to grow in the same way the rail trail had steadily increased in popularity.
''This is still early days and history would suggest the figures of patronage will double or more, as more people hear about the trails.''
The middle section of the Roxburgh Gorge trail has not been constructed yet, so cyclists wanting to complete the entire trip take a boat trip to connect the two ends of the track.
Mr Jeffery said although the feedback said the boat trip was ''a real point of difference'' for trail users, it was still planned to construct the full length.
One portion of the land needed was still going through the tenure review process and it was hoped to finish constructing the trail after that was completed.
Clutha Gold Trail Trust chairman Rod Peirce said the survey results were great and the trustees were optimistic about the future.
Trail users scored each trail 9.2 out of 10 for their overall experience.
About 80% of trail users were New Zealanders and most were aged 50 or older.
A similar survey done on the rail trail this year showed international cyclists made up 39% of rail trailers.
The trail was estimated to add about $5.3 million to the Otago economy annually and created full-time employment for about 100 people.
The surveys on the Roxburgh Gorge and Clutha Gold trails will be considered by the Central Otago District Council at its meeting next week.
