Pennsylvania Studies

Pennsylvania Studies

By supporting an active lifestyle and alternative modes of transportation in Pennsylvania, multi-use trails can improve human health, minimize air pollution, stimulate positive economic investment, and connect communities to the natural environment.

Multiple studies have shown that greenways and water trails are not only some of the cheapest and best investments in active living and healthy lifestyles; they also provide the biggest "bang-for-the-buck" relative to other transportation investments. These benefits make the development of a statewide trail network a critically important infrastructure investment.

Below are a list of Pennsylvania studies that confirms the above public benefits. These reports indicate that trails make our communities more liveable; improve the economy through tourism and civic improvement; preserve and restore open space; and provide opportunities for physical activity to improve fitness and mental health.

2002 Benefits of Greenways: A Pennsylvania Study

2009 Great Allegheny Passage Economic Study

2012 Pennsylvania Recreational Water Trails Economic Impact Study

2014 Three Rivers Heritage Trail Economic Impact Analysis