Here's a list of bike trail benefits courtesy of the site for the Dell Rapids Trailway . Frankly, this list can also be applied to virtually any bike trail, path or route so it's worth noting here.

Benefit of bike trails:

* Safety
Allows a place to exercise that is away from motor vehicles.
* General health
Exercise from activities like walking, jogging, biking, in-line skating as well as mental health benefits from being outdoors.
* Rehabilitation programs
Provides a setting for therapy.
* Conservation
Inspires non-motorized vehicle use, conserving fuel and lessening pollution.
* Education
Historical signs, nature interpretive markers, trail guides provide an appreciation for local history & the opportunity for teaching beyond the classroom setting.
* Community cohesiveness
All generations can participate in and benefit from biking & walking.
* City economy
Trail use results creates a new draw for tourism and leads to sales of food, refreshments, activewear, sporting goods, etc.

Equally fitting is their list of beneficiaries of bike trails :

* Elderly walkers, people with physical limitations, and parents with strollers (paved surface, level walking paths, benches)
* Businesses (increased traffic from campground/ball field events)
* Nature lovers, bird watchers, hikers, picnickers, campers, fisherman, canoeists, photographers, artists (access to scenic areas)
* Tourists (additional draw to other area attractions)
* Families (free, wholesome activities)
* School children (safe pathways to schools and parks)
* School track & cross-country teams (trail available for practices)
* Exercisers (fitness & general cardiovascular health)

Larry

Labels: bike-trail-benefits , dell-rapids-trailway