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

by Larry Lagarde

An Inspirational Tale For Trail Advocates Nationwide

Linsey Duffy and Jill Schumaker are two small town moms that envisioned improving their community by building a bike trail beside the Big Sioux River. Due to their energy and can do attitude, the community of Dell Rapids, South Dakota (pop: 3000) is edging closer to turning their dream into a reality.

With little more than an idea and a trail map, the duo convinced town authorities to support the idea. Back office support from the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation quickened the pace of the project.

Already, residents of the area have donated $200,000. Once another $800,000 is cobbled together, federal & state transportation funding will cover the rest of the $4 million cost.

Though the Dell Rapids Trailway is years from being built, this story demonstrates that a good idea and a little moxie can go a long way.

Labels: dell-rapids-trailway