Trail Town: A Model for Community Development

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?”

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