New survey: Number of people using local trails is staggering

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

Local News
By Chris Stewart
March 12, 2018
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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.

MORE: Dayton could get 'high line' elevated bike trail like NYC, Chicago

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.

MORE: Biking in downtown Dayton is about to get easier

Who uses the trail?

A Dayton sewer access road between Patterson and Shroyer roads has been converted into a new section of a bikeway. The section is part of work, now open, that completes a network from the University of Dayton south to I-675 in Centerville. CHRIS STEWART / STAFF

Credit: Chris Stewart

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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.

RELATED: Grant will allow bikeway to be built on Huffman Dam, officials say

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