Benefits of Trails and Bikeways
Numerous studies performed in other communities throughout the nation have demonstrated that trails and bikeways provide the following benefits to the public:
1. Improved air quality when people use nonmotorized transport.
2. Increased real estate value of properties located close to trails.
3. Better health through reduced obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among trail and bikeway users.
4. Increased regional economic activity through recreation and tourism.
5. Increased ability to recruit new businesses and individuals with skills.
6. Preservation of wildlife habitat and scenic, historic, recreational, and cultural assets.
7. Crime protection—Trail users are far more likely to deter and prevent crime than commit them—and they often have GPS enabled cell phones.7
In summary we believe that the development of a world class trails system in the Redding area is one of the most cost-effective ways to make this community more livable, healthy, and economically vibrant and to attract the employers and individuals most likely to contribute to positive growth. The Westside Trail is an example of how inexpensive this type of public work can be and what can be accomplished when business interests, motivated citizens, and government agencies work for a common goal.
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