Making the Most of a Linear Park Hugh Morris Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

US Rail Network

S Smart Growth is… 1.Neighborhood livability 2.Better access, less traffic 3.Thriving cities, suburbs, towns 4.Shared benefits 5.Lower costs/lower taxes 6.Keeping open space open

Smart Growth is Achieved by… 1.Mixed land uses 2.Using existing community assets 3.Ensuring a range of housing options 4.Creating “walkable,” close-knit neighborhoods 5.Promoting distinctive, attractive communities 6.Preserving open space 7.Encouraging growth in exiting communities 8.Providing transportation choices 9.Making development decisions predictable, fair, cost- effective 10.Encouraging citizen/stakeholder participation in development decisions

Transportation Benefits Private benefits –Get where you need to go –Get exercise –Save money Public benefits –Save money –Reduced congestion –Improved air quality

Transportation Indicators 1.1/3 of weekday trail users are making a trip 2.This equates to ~1,500 trips per day 3.These trip makers do so 3+ times/week 4.53% of trail trip makers live within ¾-mile of the trail 5.Bicycle trip makers who use trails tend to make longer trips 6.1 vehicle trip is eliminated for every 2 bicycle commute trips

Economic Benefits 1.Trail users spend $4.00 to $11.00 per use 2.Benefit-cost ratio is 1.58:1 3.Trail in rural PA created 4.7 jobs 4.Homes near trails sell for more and sell more quickly

Health Indicators 1.55% of trail users had increased amount of walking since they began using the trail. 2.Women and people with lower incomes are more than twice as likely to increase exercise rates. 3.Trail use rates are inversely related to distance to trail.

Creating Connectivity Assess community features Inventory possible corridors Length Trail network vs. single path Land-use mix Frequent access points User facilities at terminus Trail Design

Transportation Trip Makers Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Transportation Access Points Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Transportation Signs Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Transportation Destination Infrastructure Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Transportation Transit Connection Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Recreation Multi-Use Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Recreation Parallel Tread Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Recreation Connections to Community Rec. Facilities Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Economic Enhancement Business Access Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Economic Enhancement Residential Access Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Habitat Preservation Trees Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Habitat Preservation Wild Flowers Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Habitat Preservation Buffer / Riparian Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Social Capital Gathering Places Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Social Capital Art Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Multi-Purpose Corridor Aboveground Utilities Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Multi-Purpose Corridor Belowground Utilities Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Preservation of Original Corridor Attributes History Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Preservation of Original Corridor Attributes Original Railroad Infrastructure Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

Preservation of Original Corridor Attributes Original Railroad Infrastructure Capital Crescent Trail Washington & Old Dominion Trail

What’s in it for You Subsidized trail creation Subsidized trail maintenance Subsidized law enforcement Creating connections / access to traditional parks

Staying Connected Conferences –ProBike/ProWalk – September –National Trails Symposium – November –TrailLink 2003 – June Ongoing Training –National Trails Training Partnership List Serves –