Sheet 3: Qualitative Benefits of Trails

Fact: Trails improve the quality of life for citizens of all ages
Trails can promote family unity as well as strengthen friendships and neighbor relations. They are places where entire families can recreate together safely and friends and neighbors can gather. With the possibility of many different activities, trails can offer something for everyone.¹

Fact: Trail activities are an inexpensive way to improve health
The beneficial impact of regular physical activity on health is far reaching, and its role in the prevention and management of coronary heart disease, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression is well established. Activity that builds muscular strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility has been shown to protect against injury and disability. Bicycling and walking are ideal forms of exercise to accomplish all of these positive outcomes, and can help contribute to the current national goal of reducing the costs of health care. Low to moderate levels of exercise, which can include bicycling and walking, have also been shown to have a positive health effect on stroke, cancer, arthritis and all causes of disease combined.² Bicycling and walking "not only improve the quality of life and individual health, but they also improve the heath of others because of reduced air pollution, noise, and impact on the earth's environment."³ A national strategy for significantly improving the health of the Nation over the coming decade, includes the objective: "to increase community availability and accessibility of hiking, biking, and fitness trail miles from 1 per 71,000 people in 1986 to 1 in 10,000 people in the year 2000."⁴ Using trails, strenuously or not, can also lead to reduced stress levels. Both physical activity and being "back to nature" or "away from it all" are often cited as ways to reduce stress.⁵

Fact: Trails improve the character of a community
Trails can improve pride in a community in different ways and at a low cost. A popular and well-managed trail can also serve as a focal point for a community, where special events and routine trail use bring neighbors together. These activities can lead to greater interaction among residents and improve the cohesion of a community.⁶ A trail that runs through a community often inspires residents and business owners to refurbish and maintain the rear entrances of their property. If you see people walking and bicycling in a neighborhood or downtown, chances are the area is a pleasant place to be. That's why many home developers and real estate agents include bicycle riders and pedestrians in their promotional materials for homes.

¹State of Indiana, Access Indiana Information Network, "Benefits of Trails," (Internet web site http://www.state,in.us/dnr.outdoor/benefits.htm, April 22, 1999.)

²U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, The National Bicycling and Walking Study: Transportation Choices for a Changing America, (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1994), 14.

³U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, The National Bicycling and Walking Study: Benefits of Bicycling and Walking to Health, (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1992), 17.

⁴U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy People 2000: National Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Objectives, (Washington, D.C.: Government Printing Office, 1991), 104.

⁵State of Indiana, op. cit. [The same page as in the preceding note.]

⁶Ibid., [The same page as in the preceding note.]