By Ryan Parzick
We love our bikes here at Cityfi! To show that love, we put our money where our mouth is by having an amazing employee benefit for each employee to purchase a bike or e-bike. This adoration of our two-wheeled (and sometimes more-wheeled!) friends, has led to some internal discussions about bicycles getting a lot of attention as an URBAN option, but it is often forgotten how vital (and joyful!) they are as small towns and as rural connectors. Time and again, research has quantified how high quality bicycle facilities increase roadway safety, support climate goals, and add economic value. That is no less true — and possibly even MORE true — in small town and rural places.
Many readers of this blog likely have heard about Transit Oriented Development (TOD), but have you all heard of Trail Oriented Development (TrOD)? TrOD is an urban planning and development strategy that focuses on integrating trails and greenways into the community to enhance livability, economic vitality, and environmental sustainability. It is similar to TOD, but centers around trails instead of transit hubs. So what does TrOD typically look like? Below are some key features of TrOD:
- Connectivity: A crucial element of TrOD is strong pedestrian and bicycle connectivity with surrounding neighborhoods and regions. This includes multiple trail crossings, dedicated pedestrian and bike bridges, and vehicular bridges with sidewalks to ensure seamless integration with the urban fabric. According to Rails to Trails Conservancy, “Greenways and trails often function as viable transportation corridors … Many areas of the country incorporate trails and similar facilities into their transit plans, relying upon trail facilities to “feed” people in to and out of transit stations in a safe and efficient manner. The ability to avoid congested streets and highways, and travel through natural areas on foot or by non-motorized means, is a large factor in a community’s ‘livability.’”
- Multi-Use Pathways and Trails: TrOD emphasizes the development of well-connected, multi-use pathways and trails that often run along natural features like drainage ways or water bodies. These trails are designed to accommodate various forms of active transportation, including walking, biking, and sometimes even e-mobility options (though, this is a whole other discussion! You can read our deep dive into the past, present, and future of shared micromobility on the Cityfi blog).
- Mixed-Use Development: TrOD encourages a mix of land uses along the trail corridors, including residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This mix can range from single-family homes to medium-scale mixed-use developments, creating vibrant, multi-functional areas.
- Public Spaces and Amenities: TrOD projects often include public spaces like plazas and parks, as well as amenities such as bike storage, repair stations, and public art installations. These features enhance the user experience and encourage greater use of the trails
Communities that are located along or adjacent to long-distance trails that support trail users with services and amenities, promote the trail, and embrace it as an asset to be celebrated and protected are commonly referred to as Trail Towns. The trail town concept aims to revitalize rural communities by leveraging the economic benefits of trail-based tourism and outdoor recreation. Not only can trail users, such as hikers and cyclists, venture off the trail into these towns and generate revenue for local businesses and the overall economy, but local residents are even bigger users of the trails. Recreational trails provide a safe, low stress, and highly pleasant way to connect to friends, neighbors, community destinations and village centers. We need more of these marvelous assets.
Alright, now that we know what TrOD and Trail Towns are, let’s look a bit further into the benefits well-thought out TrOD can have on rural and less dense areas. We’ll focus on the economic, social and community aspect, and environmental benefits — though there are many other categories of benefits that can be listed here, as well.
Economic
- Attracting Visitors and Boosting Local Businesses: Trails can draw tourists and outdoor enthusiasts to rural areas, leading to increased spending on local services such as lodging, dining, and retail. For example, in 2004 the Virginia Creeper Trail generated $1.6 million in economic impacts and supported over 27 new full-time jobs in Washington and Grayson counties. Similarly, the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) had an overall economic impact of $50 million in 2012, with 65 new businesses and 270 new jobs created between 2007 and 2015.
- Increasing Property Values: Proximity to trails can enhance property values, making rural areas more attractive for residential and commercial development. This increase in property values can lead to higher property tax revenues, which can be reinvested in community services and infrastructure. Studies indicate that homes near trails can see a value increase of 3–5%, with some areas experiencing premiums as high as 15%. This increase is attributed to the desirability of easy access to recreational amenities and the aesthetic appeal of green spaces. For instance, in the case of the Little Miami Scenic Trail in Ohio, housing prices increased by nine dollars for every foot closer to the trail entrance.
- Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: TrOD can encourage the development of trail-oriented businesses such as bike shops, cafes, and bed-and-breakfasts. Programs exist which provide support and coaching to local business owners, helping them capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by trails.
Social and Community
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Trails provide safe, accessible spaces for physical activity, which can improve public health by encouraging regular exercise. This is particularly important in rural areas where access to recreational facilities may be limited. Studies have shown that proximity to trails increases physical activity levels among residents, leading to better health outcomes and reduced medical costs.
- Fostering Community Pride and Identity: Trails can become a central feature of a community’s identity, fostering a sense of pride and ownership among residents. This can lead to greater community cohesion and engagement in local initiatives.
- Providing Safe Transportation Alternatives: Trails offer safe, non-motorized transportation options, reducing reliance on cars and enhancing connectivity within and between rural communities. This can be particularly beneficial for residents who do not have access to reliable transportation.
Environmental
- Conserving Natural Landscapes: Trails can help preserve important natural areas and wildlife habitats, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. They can also serve as green corridors that connect fragmented habitats, promoting biodiversity.
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: By encouraging walking and cycling, trails can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. This is especially relevant in rural areas where driving is often the primary mode of transportation.
We would love to help with planning, expanding, and improving TrOD near you. Cityfi has experience working with public and private entities aiding in identifying and applying for grants/financing options, building regional cohorts to help improve coordination and ideation, and facilitating strategy and policy creation. Contact us to get a conversation started.
