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.
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.
Authors: Nancy Ambrose Gallagher; Kimberlee A Gretebeck; Jennifer C Robinson; Elisa R Torres; Susan L Murphy; Kristy K Martyn Journal: J Aging Phys Act Date: 2010-01 Impact factor: 1.961
Authors: Christopher Johansen; Kim D Reynolds; Jennifer Wolch; Jason Byrne; Chih-Ping Chou; Sarah Boyle; Donna Spruijt-Metz; Brianna A Lienemann; Susan Weaver; Michael Jerrett Journal: J Phys Act Health Date: 2020-05-27
Authors: Zheng Zhao; Huimin Gan; Xin Qian; Jiahui Leng; Yanbin Wang; Peipei Wu Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-27 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Stephanie L Orstad; Kristin Szuhany; Kosuke Tamura; Lorna E Thorpe; Melanie Jay Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-07-07 Impact factor: 3.390