What are the benefits of trails?
In ever-increasing numbers, Ontarians of all ages are choosing to hike, ski, cycle, horseback ride or snowmobile along trails. The National Post newspaper acknowledged this fact in an article from May 2008, reporting that “Canadians are planning their 2008 vacations around staying fit and healthy eating.” The trails, then, are providing a venue for recreational activities that are not only pleasurable, but contribute to health and well-being- thus, every investment in trails saves dollars in health care costs. There are also economic benefits. The average long distance trail user spends $40 per day locally. The 800 kilometre Bruce Trail in Ontario supports 200 direct and 800 indirect jobs within 10 kilometres of the trail. Research from Cycling Tourism in Quebec (1999) reports that cyclists spend $105 a day; more than double that of typical tourists at $52 a day. Furthermore, nearly two million bicycles are sold annually in Canada compared to 700,000 automobiles. Over $280 million doll
