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Benefits of Trails
The large number of benefits of recreational trails in Central Alberta
far outweigh the perceived challenges.
The three primary benefits of trails, both urban and rural, are
recreation, fitness and alternate transportation. But there are several
other benefits including many economic spinoffs, safety, quality of
life, preservation of the environment, social interaction, educational
opportunities, and an appreciation of heritage, culture and the rural
way of life.
Economic
Benefits
- Tourism opportunities include bed and breakfasts, hotels,
restaurants, campgrounds, recreational facilities,
- Purchase of goods include bicycles, hiking gear, boots and shoes,
roller blades, energy foods, souvenirs, refreshments,
binoculars, etc.
- Properties adjacent to trails typically have a higher resale
value
- Tourism and retail sales create jobs
- Fosters eco- and agri-tourism
Health and Fitness Benefits
- Fitness is one of the most important factors influencing
lifestyle choices
- Access to regular physical activity promotes health
- Walking, biking and jogging are among the top most popular
fitness activities
- Trails encourage people to bicycle to work as well as to
recreational and educational facilities
- Increase in exercise lessens health-related problems leading to
decrease in health care costs
- Trail users experience peace of mind and relaxation reducing
stress
Safety Benefits
- Trails discourage children and adults using busy streets and
highways to bicycle and walk
- Safe and secure place for recreational activity
Environmental Benefits
- Environmental quality is one of the most important factors
influencing lifestyle choices
- Protects and preserves the environment, including watersheds
- Trail use reduces air pollution
- Green space and trails often act as natural buffers of different
land use or natural areas and developed areas
- Preservation of natural landscapes
Quality of Life Benefits
- People working
together to fulfill a common vision
- A viable alternative form of transportation
Educational Benefits
- Field trips for students studying biology, ecology, history, art,
culture
- Importance of preserving wildlife habitats, ecological systems
- Brings young and old closer to nature and historical roots
Social
Benefits
- Accessible to all income brackets and all age groups
- Trail activities are relatively inexpensive eg. bird watching,
walking, cycling, etc.
- Opportunities to promote rural way of life
- Year round use includes walking and rollerblading in summer and
snow shoeing in winter
- Slower pace provides more time to enjoy and interact with the
environment and the community
- Meet and greet other users that could lead to more friendships
- Partnerships between users, neighbouring municipalities,
residents, advocacy groups, local governments create a sense of
community and common good
- Spending quality time with friends and family
Heritage and Cultural Benefits
- Links to
historic and cultural sites
- Potential for interpretive centres, festivals, competitions and
other events
- Greater awareness of the history of a region
- Creates or enhances regional identity
- Protects rural legacy
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