Trail characteristics as correlates of urban trail use.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify the environmental correlates of urban trail use.


METHODS
Three multiuse urban trails at least 15 miles in length were selected. Trails were divided into one-half-mile segments (N = 102 total segments) and marked in the field. An audit of each trail was completed identifying built environmental features. A cross-sectional count of trail users was completed at each segment estimating the type of use, age, gender.


METHODS
Data collection occurred on urban trails in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles.


METHODS
Trained observers counted 17,338 users across the three trails.


METHODS
The SPACES for Trails instrument was used, and a trail count data collection sheet was developed.


METHODS
Univariate and multivariate Poisson regressions controlling for location of trail and density of the population within 1 mile of the trail.


RESULTS
Positive associations with trail use were observed for mixed views (beta = .33, p < .0001), streetlights (beta = .30, p < .0001), good trail condition (beta = .28, p < .0001), and the presence of cafés (beta = .38, p < .0001) and other trailside facilities (beta =.08, p < .0001). Negative associations were observed for litter (beta = -.22, p < .0001), noise (beta = -.41, p < .0001), higher vegetation density (beta = -. 10, p < .001), drainage features (beta = -.67, p < .0003), natural areas adjacent to the trail (beta = -.39, p < .0001), and tunnel present (beta = -.20, p < .04).


CONCLUSIONS
These correlates should be confirmed in other studies and if supported should be considered in the promotion and design of urban trails.
Reynolds
Kim D
KD
Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA. kdreynol@usc.edu
Wolch
Jennifer
J
Byrne
Jason
J
Chou
Chih-Ping
CP
Feng
Guanjun
G
Weaver
Susan
S
Jerrett
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002641:Chicago; D002958:City Planning; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D005843:Geography; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011156:Population Density; D013781:Texas; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016138:Walking / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*