Benefits of the Trail
The multi-county rail trail will bring immense social, environmental, recreational, and economic benefits to residents of the region. In the rapidly growing Houston metropolitan region, the trail will offer a safe transportation alternative to congested streets and highways for new and existing residents. The ability to travel on foot or by non-motorized vehicle improves a community’s livability and residents’ health. Reduced vehicle miles traveled also help improve air quality.
Positioned along a transect of urban, suburban, and rural land uses, the trail will bring increased tourism and purchasing power to historic and rural downtowns. An economic impact study of the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail In Damascus, Virginia, revealed that non-local trail users generated $1.6 million in economic impacts in Washington and Grayson counties in southwest Virginia and supported the equivalent of more than 27 new full-time jobs.
Local Government Corporation members want to embrace the “trail town” concept, and orient future development to entice people off the trail and into communities to stimulate the local economy. For example, biking is already a popular weekend activity along country roads in the region. A specified trail will not only improve bicyclist safety but also can be strategically planned to lead users to biker-friendly amenities in trail-adjacent towns.
Positioned along a transect of urban, suburban, and rural land uses, the trail will bring increased tourism and purchasing power to historic and rural downtowns. An economic impact study of the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail In Damascus, Virginia, revealed that non-local trail users generated $1.6 million in economic impacts in Washington and Grayson counties in southwest Virginia and supported the equivalent of more than 27 new full-time jobs.
Local Government Corporation members want to embrace the “trail town” concept, and orient future development to entice people off the trail and into communities to stimulate the local economy. For example, biking is already a popular weekend activity along country roads in the region. A specified trail will not only improve bicyclist safety but also can be strategically planned to lead users to biker-friendly amenities in trail-adjacent towns.
Benefits of Trail-Oriented Development
Trail-oriented development intentionally blurs the boundary between trails and nearby properties by creating and expanding adjacent amenities. Through strategies such as public art, outdoor furniture, and trail-themed events, trails can also prompt investment in trail-adjacent properties.
- Good for Business; Trail-oriented development projects at or near businesses can attract more foot and bicycle traffic, increasing spending, job creation and land value for properties along trails. Businesses that embrace the trails through trail-oriented development are likely to benefit from their location.
- A Healthy Path: By creating connections from a trail to adjacent properties, trail-oriented development strategies give residents and visitors more reasons to walk, jog, or bike around town. Replacing automobile trips with walking and biking reduces greenhouse gas emissions from private vehicles, and also improves air quality.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Short List of Trails Benefits
The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy lists several overall health, quality of life, and environmental benefits of trails. You can learn more on the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy website.
- Health - Safe, attractive, and accessible recreation opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages.
- Transportation/Livability - Viable transportation corridors for biking or walking from connected communities.
- Conservation/Environment - Preservation of wetlands and wildlife habitat, flood control, and water and air quality benefits.
- Economy/Revitalization - Driving economic development opportunities through trail-oriented development.
- Historic Preservation / Community Identity - Access to historic and cultural resources.
American Trails Benefits
American Trails provides resources and information on the benefits of trails including the Impact of Trails Hub and Why Trails publication.
