New survey: Number of people using local trails is staggering

The Miami Valley region boasts the nation’s largest paved recreation trail network: 340 miles connecting more than 40 communities in 11 counties.

And every four years since 2009, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission and other agencies have conducted a Trail User Survey and Count and put the data into a graphic presentation called Tale of the Trails.

Here are some of the key findings from the most recent survey released Friday.

The numbers: 

  • Every year, more than 91,000 unique visitors travel the trails, accounting for more than 793,000 annual trail visits.
  • 96 percent of trail users rate the cleanliness of the trails as good or excellent.
  • 93 percent of trail users rate the safety and security of the trails as good or excellent.
  • 30 percent of area residents live within a half mile of the trails network, and 45 percent of regional jobs are within a half mile of the trails.

Who uses the trail?

Credit: Chris Stewart

Credit: Chris Stewart

  • 55 percent bicyclists, 23 percent walkers, 22 percent other (jogging/running, walking pets, roller blade/skating, cross-country skiing).
  • More than 71 percent use the trails weekly during the summer.
  • Trail users are 62 percent male, 38 percent female.
  • 68 percent trail users are 46 years old or older.
  • 12 percent used the trail with children under the age of 15.

About the Author