Trail Town Model for Community Development
Trails as First Attractions
Trail Town Overview A Model for Community Development
Connection
What is a Trail Town? A trail town is a community through which a trail passes that supports trail users with services, promotes the trail to its residents and embraces the trail as a resource to be protected and celebrated. Trail towns are built on a relationship between a town, the trail and its volunteers. --Adapted from North Country Trail Association’s definition
What it Means to be a Trail Town Town along a trail Town embraces the trail A “trail economy” exists Trail is an integral part of community’s identity Graphic: Cycle Forward
Trail Community Programs Throughout the U.S.
Waterway Trail Towns Helping communities along the Trent-Severn Waterway to connect to and celebrate this National Historic Site of Canada
Three Years Learning and Laying the Groundwork
Waterway Trail Towns Initiative Evolution 2016 Regional Workshop
2017 Community Assessments
Developed a Program Strategy
2018 Program Rollout
2018 Best Practices Mission
2019 Community Applications
Small Town Bike Shares
Physical Amenities (Infrastructure)
1) Bike Lanes and Markings
2) Bike Racks and Parking
3) Pedestrian Bridges & Other “Connectors”
4) Put a Bike on It
5) Art & Beautification
6) Signs
Culture of Hospitality (and of Cycling)
Hospitality is a Community-wide Job • Begins with physical signs of welcome • Can’t fake a trail culture or a cycling culture
Omotenashi “Once, I rented a bicycle from an elderly gentleman who meticulously checked every gear and cable with me before he walked me to the street, bowed deeply and wished me well. The rate: $2.50 for three days.” --Oliver Strand in his article, “At Your Service?” Fool magazine