Columbus’ People Trail is part of a new study to gather data on trail use, health factors and economic impact.
The Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands at Indiana University’s School of Public Health is collecting statistically valid data for a week, starting Monday. The information will be used as the basis for future trail development, operations and maintenance efforts.
In addition to the People Trail in Columbus, other Indiana trails in the study include:
- Erie-Lackawanna Trail, northwest Indiana
- Rivergreenway in Fort Wayne
- Pumpkinvine Nature Trail in Elkhart and LaGrange counties
- Monon Trail in Indianapolis and Carmel
- Cardinal Greenway from Marion to Muncie to Richmond
- Nickel Plate Trail in Kokomo, Rochester and Peru
- The B-Line Trail in Bloomington
Data is being collected through surveys of trail users, a control group of non-trail users and nearby property owners. Trail counters are also in place on each trail to study and compare usage patterns across the state.
Study results will be released by spring 2018.
For more information: 812-855-7083.
