Get Started Studio | Multiuse Path in Summit, SC

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Photo: Many communities have residents who fear multiuse trails without knowing exactly why. Here's how you convince them that trails are good things.

Description of Problem: From Summit, South Carolina: We are in the process of building a multipurpose pathway between the Towns of Summit and Gilbert (about 1 1/2 miles) to allow residents to walk and bike to school and to the athletic fields in Gilbert. I am getting some resistance and need some help and advice. Some residents do not want asphalt and they think it is too wide. Speeding is also an issue. (Submitted by Rosalyn Reeder, mayor of the town of Summit, SC.)

Some Solutions: This problem isn't unusual, particularly where trails aren't yet common. Often, people are concerned about crime or their property values, but actual problems are fairly rare with trail projects.

The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) has a wealth of information on the subject. One basic piece is their "Helpful Hints for Working with Opponents". You can get more information from RTC here. It's also worth visiting the American Trails website. They've got lots of information and an easy way to look up topics.

The concerns expressed about the Summit trail are common in areas where trails are new. Interestingly enough, once people get used to a trail, they often find themselves using it and seeing it as a benefit. For example, "house for sale" ads in areas with well-established trail networks often include phrases like "Close to the XXX trail." A study of trails in 6 Indiana cities (2) came to these conclusions:

- A majority of trail neighbors reported either no effect or a positive effect on property value and ease of selling property located adjacent to the trail
- The trail was felt to be a better neighbor than expected and to improve the quality of the neighborhood by a large majority of trail neighbors
- Trail neighbors are heavy users of the trail itself, reporting, on average, 2-3 days of trail use
- Over 70%, and as much as 95% of all trail neighbors reported using the trail during the prior 12 months
- Trail neighbors are most dissatisfied with a lack of safety patrols and parking problems in the vicinity of their property
- Those trail neighbors responding to the survey indicated illegal vehicle use and unleashed pets roaming along the trail are the most common problems

Resources

- Helpful Hints for Working with Opponents; Trails and Greenways Clearinghouse, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy | Online Resource
- The Indiana Trails Study: A Study of Trails in 6 Indiana Cities; Eppley Institute for Parks & Public Lands and Center for Urban Policy & the Environment | Online Resource

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