Frequently Asked Questions About the Hike and Bike Trail

Do hike and bike trails attract crime and vandalism to neighborhoods?

No. There is no evidence that trails cause an increase in crime. In fact, trail development may actually decrease the risk of crime in comparison to an undeveloped road corridor. And, several studies show that people prefer living along a trail. Typically, lawful trail users serve as eyes and ears for the community.

How can trails be made as safe as possible?

Security concerns are the forefront in the planning stages and will continue through the development of the trail management plan. The design of trail segments will include safety enhancements such as landscaping that limits deep shadows and hiding areas. Various safety programs may be used once a trail opens.

How do trails affect property values?

Proximity to a network of hike and bike trails can provide a significant boost in property values of residential developments. Loveland and Symmes Township are good examples of areas where homes with easy access to the Little Miami bike trail are more desirable to many homebuyers.

What about public and private liability?

Public liability risks from trails are small relative to other public services like roads, playgrounds, and swimming pools. By taking safety concerns into account when designing and maintaining the trail, risks can be lowered. With respect to liability risks to trail neighbors, private landowners are protected by recreational-use statutes in Ohio. Under these statutes, a landowner who does not charge a trail access fee will not be held liable for injuries sustained on his/her property unless an injured person can prove "willful and wanton misconduct on the part of the landowner."

Who will pick up the litter?

Trash has not presented a problem on most trails. Some parts of the trails will have "pack out what you pack in" trash control, while others will have regular maintenance schedules to empty well placed waste and recycling receptacles. Signs along the trail and in trail brochures will help educate trial users.

Where will the money come from?

Many sources of federal, state, county, township, and private funding are available for trail construction and maintenance. Although some may say a trail is a waste of money, trails are remarkably inexpensive public facilities for the number of people they serve. The average multi-use trail costs $50,000 to $200,000 per mile to acquire and build, compared to the $10 million per mile for a suburban street and $100 million per mile for some highways. In addition, the economic benefits often outweigh the costs. For example, an analysis of economic impacts of the North Central Rail-Trail in Maryland showed that in 1993, the revenue on user purchases alone ($303,750) surpassed operating costs ($191, 893).

What about Parking?

As trails become more popular, parking can be a problem. Parking areas already exist at township parks that will be integral to the network. Ideally the network of bike lanes and routes will allow people to walk or bike instead of driving.

Will a trail cause damage to local wildlife?

Except possibly for a brief time during trail construction, most trails have a positive effect on wildlife. In fact, some rail-trails have preserved a number of endangered and threatened wildlife species. Minnesota’s Cannon Valley Trail, for example, shelters three endangered wildlife species and provides habitat for the threatened Wood Turtle. Generally, trails provide conservation areas and promote environmental education.