Trial 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 (beta = .33, p < .0001), streetlights (beta = .30, p < .0001), good trail condition (beta = .28, p < .0001), and the presence of cafés (beta = .38, p < .0001) and other trailside facilities (beta =.08, p < .0001). Negative associations were observed for litter (beta = -.22, p < .0001), noise (beta = -.41, p < .0001), higher vegetation density (beta = -. 10, p < .001), drainage features (beta = -.67, p < .0003), natural areas adjacent to the trail (beta = -.39, p < .0001), and tunnel present (beta = -.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.