To see how trails benefit communities that they pass through, let’s take a look at articles about the benefits of trails from four extremely important trail organizations. We’ll learn from the experts at Rails to Trails Conservancy, American Trails, the National Park Service and Headwater Economics. These organizations have compiled a wealth of information regarding both the economic benefits of trails and the societal benefits of trails such as recreation, fitness and sustainable community building. For today’s post, we’ll focus on the economic benefits of trails on nearby communities.
Economic Benefits of Trails
For some folks, the economic bottom line is the only benefits that matter. Fortunately trails provide numerous economic benefits to the communities they pass through or those that are nearby. Let’s start by taking a look at how trails affect real estate values. According to the CDLandTrust.org website, “Studies in Denver, Seattle, Minnesota and other communities across the country have consistently found that that proximity to trails increases the value of homes from 1-6.5%.” Unbelievably, some people still think a trail that runs near their property will hurt the value of their home when, in fact, it helps the value.
Economic & Health Benefits of Trails
According to the American Trails website, “Per capita annual direct medical benefit of using the trails was $564.” In other words, not only do trails improve the health of a community, but they also improve the economic well-being at the same time through lower health care costs. A healthy trail community is not only a happy community, but also a wealthy and wise community.
Business Benefits of Trails in Communities
According to Headwaters Economics, “Trails can generate business impacts and create new jobs by attracting visitors, especially overnight visitors.” For those of us who spend lots of time on trails, this is a no brainer. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and other types of lodging benefit tremendously from active travelers who seek out accommodations near trails. Not only do trails provide more business for motels, they provide a high quality of responsible customers as well as demographic that has above average travel expenditures. In addition, trail travelers spend plenty of money on meals, travel supplies and souvenirs as they journey through towns.
Companies Want to Move Where Trails are Available
According to information compiled by Rails to Trails Conservancy, “The economic effects of trails and greenways are sometimes readily apparent (as in the case of trailside businesses) and are sometimes more subtle, like when a company decides to move to a particular community because of amenities like trails.” Both large corporations and small businesses want to be located in communities that provide benefits for their employees. So they want to be in communities that have abundant access to trails. Trails are good for the health and happiness of their employees as well as providing a safe and enjoyable transportation option for those who prefer environmental and healthy commuting choices. And, from an economic standpoint, trails are a logical choice for community amenities. They’re inexpensive to build, inexpensive to maintain & free to use. Trails provide one of the best economic benefits to communities worldwide.
