What comes up, must come down, especially when it comes to leisure time trends. And popular at the moment are zip lines, with the number growing from only 10 nationally in 2001 to over 200 now with more being added all the time. I suppose that zip lines are the ultimate lazy adrenaline rush, in that there’s no skill or exertion required. You just go sailing along down a line at great speed. Think a cross between a bungee cord and roller coaster.

And like all leisure trends, this one will run its course. People, at least most, will move along to whatever the next fad activity is. The question is just when, and how much money is thrown into zip line construction and who gets burned. And yes, how much government money, because by their very nature zip lines have the potential to attract local government involvement. Zip lines need space, which can be pricey, and it’s preferable if the scenery is at least somewhat pretty. It can also be argued that they could serve to draw tourists.

And indeed, we already are seeing government involvement in zip lines here in North Carolina. The National Whitewater Center has one. And Buncombe County is giving money to a zip line company to expand, an action to which a rival zip line outfit has objected.

So how does this end? You know the answer: Same as always for taxpayers somewhere. And that would be with a big expensive thud as a suppose to be surefire economic development scheme involving zip lines goes bust.