Trail Characteristics as Correlates of Urban Trail Use

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to identify the environmental correlates of urban trail use. Design. Three multiuse urban trails at least 15 miles in length were selected. Trails were divided into one-half-mile segments (N = 102 total segments) and marked in the field. An audit of each trail was completed identifying built environmental features. A cross-sectional count of trail users was completed at each segment estimating the type of use, age, gender. Setting. Data collection occurred on urban trails in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Subjects. Trained observers counted 17,338 users across the three trails. Measures. The SPACES for Trails instrument was used, and a trail count data collection sheet was developed. Analysis. Univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions controlling for location of trail and density of the population within 1 mile of the trail. Results. Positive associations with trail use were observed for mixed views (β = .33, p < .0001), streetlights (β = .30, p < .0001), good trail condition (β = .28, p < .0001), and the presence of cafés (β = .38, p < .0001) and other trailside facilities (β = .08, p < .0001). Negative associations were observed for litter (β = −.22, p < .0001), noise (β = −.41, p < .0001), higher vegetation density (β = −.10, p > .001), drainage features (β = −.67, p < .0003), natural areas adjacent to the trail (β = −.39, p < .0001), and tunnel present (β = −.20, p < .04). Conclusions. These correlates should be confirmed in other studies and if supported should be considered in the promotion and design of urban trails.

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