Not-in-my-backyard naysayers often allege that proposed bicycle trails will ruin the quality of life in their neighborhoods and destroy property values.
But it seems that the opposite is the case in follow-up studies or polls of neighbors.
For instance, the Ithaca (NY) Journal reports that 81% of residents who live next to that city's three main trails say the bike and hike trails improved or greatly improved their neighborhoods. Only 7% of the survey's respondents believe the trails made their neighborhoods worse.
Neighbors use trails
In fact, many neighbors found the trails such an improvement that they use them regularly. The survey found 59% used the trails at least four times a week and 22 percent use them twice a week.
Ithaca sent out 137 two-page questionnaires to property owners next to three trails — South Hill Recreation Way, East Ithaca Recreation Way, and Northeast Ithaca Recreation Way. More than two-thirds returned the surveys.
It's interesting to note that the biggest problem, cited by 19%, associated with the trail were “unleased dogs.” When I ride bike trails, that usually my biggest problem too.
Propery values rise
The survey reminds me of a study of property values conducted along the 78-mile Little Miami Scenic Trail in southeastern Ohio.
The report — “The Impact of the Little Miami Scenic Trail on Single Family Residential Property Values” — found that home sale prices increased by $7.05 for every foot closer the property is located to the trail.
It was also found that some 150,000 people used the trail annually, paying an average $13.24 per visit.
Photo above from East Lake Sammamish Trail in King County, Washington, where neighbors unsuccessfully fought a rail-to-trail project
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