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Economic Impact Analysis of The Proposed Pike2Bike Trail
Region
Year
This study estimates the economic impact of the proposed 8.5-mile Pike2Bike trail. More than 80% of Fulton and Bedford County residents expressed support for the proposed Pike2Bike trail and 32% of current and potential business owners indicated they may invest in a new business to support the trail if it were developed. Using surveys, IMPLAN,…
Citation
Fourth Economy Consulting. 2014. Economic Impact Analysis of the Proposed Pike2Bike Trail. Prepared for the Bedford County Commissioners and Fulton County Commissioners. Pittsburgh, PA: Fourth Economy Consulting.
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Erie to Pittsburgh Trail 2013 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis
The Erie Pittsburgh Trail, a network of six connected rail trails in rural northwest Pennsylvania, draw 158,507 users each year. Nine of ten trail users are from Pennsylvania and more than half of all users are riding bikes.
Citation
Tomes, P. and C. Knoch. 2014. Erie to Pittsburgh Trail (Between Titusville and Parker, Pa.) 2013 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis. Camp Hill, PA: Rails to Trails Conservancy.
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Evaluating the Impact of Rail-Trails: A Methodology for Assessing Travel Demand and Economic Impacts
This study outlines a step-by-step process for estimating trail use, breaking the process down into four primary steps. The authors illustrate how to apply the method using a simple case study on the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail in Pennsylvania.
Citation
Oswald, M., K. Burkhart, and M. Nicholson. 2014. “Evaluating the Impact of Rail-Trails: A Methodology for Assessing Travel Demand and Economic Impacts.” International Journal of Sustainable Transportation (just-accepted).
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2012 Pennsylvania Recreational Water Trails Economic Impact Study A Four-Trail Case Study
Water trails in Pennsylvania are popular with resident anglers and paddlers, as are shoreline activities like picnicking and wildlife viewing. A sample of four of the state’s 21 water trails were associated with 14,000 visitor days over a six-week period in late summer, and $537,000 in spending.
Citation
ICF Macro, Inc. 2012 Pennsylvania Recreational Water Trails Economic Impact Study A Four-Trail Case Study. Harrisburg, PA: Pennsylvania Legislative Budget and Finance Committee, 2012
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D&L Trail 2012 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis
In eastern Pennsylvania, the D&L Trail receives approximately 283,000 visits annually, nearly half of whom report using the trail at least once a week. Although the economic impact estimates likely are significantly overstated, the trail’s effect on nearby residents’ health is a substantial, valuable asset.
Citation
Tomes, P. and C. Knoch. 2012. D&L Trail 2012 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis. Camp Hill, PA: Rails to Trails Conservancy.
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Ghost Town Trail 2009 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis
Region
Year
This study found that although user spending on this long-distance Pennsylvania trail is modest, it draws a relatively large number of visitors to the small towns through which it runs. The roughly one in ten users who stay overnight spend substantially more than day visitors.
Citation
Tomes, P. and C. Knoch. 2009. Ghost Town Trail 2009 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis. Rails to Trails Conservancy and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
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Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Economic Impact Study (2007-2008)
Region
Year
This study found that many businesses near the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) have experienced increased revenue due to their proximity to the trail, and expect to expand operations to meet demand. The greatest economic impact comes from overnight trail users, who spend seven times as much as day users.
Citation
Campos, Inc. 2009. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Economic Impact Study (2007-08). The Progress Fund.
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Perkiomen Trail 2008 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis
Region
Year
This study found that the Perkiomen Trail in Pennsylvania is a benefit to locals’ quality of life more than an economic driver, as it is used most frequently by local residents. However, disagreements with adjacent landowners over rights-of-way prior to trail construction linger, and may provide a lesson on the importance of carefully managing adjacent…
Citation
Knoch, C. and P. Tomes. 2008. Perkiomen Trail 2008 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
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Pine Creek Rail Trail 2006 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis
This study found that the Pine Creek Rail Trail is a popular destination trail for cyclists in Pennsylvania, most of whom stay overnight. Although the estimates of use and economic impact are imperfect, they do show that the trail is responsible for bringing many people to the area who otherwise would not have come.
Citation
Knoch, C. and P. Tomes. 2006. Pine Creek Rail Trail 2006 User Survey and Economic Impact Analysis. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
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2002 User Survey for the Pennsylvania Allegheny Trail Alliance
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…
Citation
Farber, S., J. Argueta, S. Hughes. 2003. 2002 User Survey for the Pennsylvania Allegheny Trail Alliance. University of Pittsburgh University Center for Social and Urban Research.
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The Relationship between Convenience of Destinations and Walking Levels in Older Women
This study found that older women in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania walk more overall if they live within walking distance of a trail, and those who use trails use them at least twice per week. Proximity to trails had the strongest relationship with increased walking among 14 neighborhood destinations, including parks, retail establishments, and public services.
Citation
King W., J. Brach, S. Belle, R. Killingsworth, M. Fenton, A. Kriska. 2003. “The relationship between convenience of destinations and walking levels in older women.” American Journal of Health Promotion 18(1):74-82.