Reasons to Promote Rail Trail Development

Below are my “Top 10 11 12 13 Reasons to Promote Rail Trail Development.”

1. Provide free access to recreational opportunities with healthy benefits
2. Stimulate economic development: retain and attract businesses, stimulate new business
3. Increase property values by making communities more desirable
4. Increase recreational tourism
5. Preserve and highlight early transportation routes
6. Provide routes for alternative transportation to work, school, or town
7. Provide a site for special activities as benefit runs, biking clinics, etc.
8. Reestablish the links between small towns that once thrived with railroad activities
9. Help build community partnerships
10. Provide environmental benefits by protecting natural resources and habitats
11. Provide educational opportunities both historical and environmental
12. Enhance the marketability of the locale
13. Rail trails are lots of fun!

For additional supporting information on the positive effects of Rail Trail development click the links below.

Rail to Trails Conservancy

York County Rail Trail Authority