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Trail use estimates

  • A Contingent Trip Model for Estimating Rail-Trail Demand

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study estimates future use on a proposed rail-trail in Georgia, while most trail studies estimate use on an existing trail. It found that the best predictors of future trail use are how close the person lives to the trail, whether they had ridden bicycles in the previous year, and whether they had used a… Read more

  • Estimating the Benefits and Costs to Mountain Bikers of Changes in Trail Characteristics, Access Fees, and Site Closures: Choice Experiments and Benefits Transfer

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that all mountain bikers, from casual to the most avid, are most likely to ride on trails without hikers or equestrians, and are willing to pay a fee to ride on these trails. While mountain bikers are more likely to use singletrack trails, only the most avid are willing to pay a… Read more

  • Rider Preferences and Economic Values for Equestrian Trails

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that equestrian trail users strongly prefer to visit trails specific to horses and are willing to pay a user fee to access them, but this preference is less pronounced for more experienced riders. Riders are also willing to pay more to ride on longer trails and on trails with scenic views. Read more

  • Recreational Demand for Equestrian Trail-Riding

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that the distance between a user’s home and the trailhead is the most important factor in determining how frequently a trail is used, though proximity alone is not enough if the trail lacks other equestrian-friendly characteristics. To provide the greatest benefit to equestrian users, land managers can look for opportunities to enhance… Read more

  • The Value of Dedicated Cyclist and Pedestrian Infrastructure on Rural Roads

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that rural communities have a high demand for dedicated cycling and pedestrian infrastructure, separate from main roadways, and users are willing to pay small fees to use these trails. These trails are most likely to be used by those living close to small towns and villages, who use the trails for recreation… Read more

  • Outdoor Recreation Net Benefits of Rail-Trails

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that trail users are willing to incur greater expenses and travel further to use rural trails, and spend more time on those trails while they are there, indicating these trails are enjoyed by both locals and non-locals. Urban trails, on the other hand, are mainly a resource for local residents, and are… Read more

  • 2002 User Survey for the Pennsylvania Allegheny Trail Alliance

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that destination trailheads for non-local users along this long-distance trail system near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are associated with the greatest spending per person. This study demonstrates that the economic impact of a trail varies along its length, depending on the types of users the trail attracts and how well the local community can… Read more

  • Assessing the Cost Effectiveness of a Community Rail-Trail in Achieving Physical Activity Gains

    Megan Lawson, Ph.D.

    This study found that a community rail-trail in West Virginia encourages new physical activity among inactive residents and greater physical activity for those who were already active, and that for many community members trail use is their only form of exercise. Trail cost per newly active resident is on the lower end of health interventions… Read more

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