Dayton, OH – The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission is excited to announce the release of the updated “Tale of the Trails” infographic, which highlights the principal findings of the Miami Valley Trail User Survey Report compiled at the end of 2017.  The graphic, available online at mvrpc.org/tale-of-the-trails, depicts the social, economic, health, and geographic reach of the Nation’s Largest Paved Trail Network – the Miami Valley Trails.

“The infographic illustrates the multiple aspects of the trail network,” MVRPC’s Executive Director, Brian O. Martin, stated.  “Each survey year, we learn more about how the Miami Valley Trails connect communities, improve the lives of residents, and attract visitors to the area.”

The trail user survey is conducted every four years by MVRPC in partnership with trail-managing agencies.  This data is used to plan trail programming and maintenance schedules.  MVRPC uses the demographic data to assess trail usage in relation to equity goals.  Figures represented on the infographic include:

• Over 90 percent of trail users rate the trails as Excellent or Good for cleanliness, maintenance, and safety.
• Over 70 percent of trail users report using the trails at least once per week during the outdoor seasons.
• One in six trail users are from outside the Miami Valley.
• Trail use generates an estimated $13.4 million of annual economic activity in the Region.

The Miami Valley Trails, built in phases beginning in the 1970s, now total over 340 miles of connected multi-use path across eleven counties in and around the Miami Valley Region.  Managed by a diverse group of 12 trail managing agencies, the Miami Valley Trails form a seamless regional asset for active transportation and recreation.

Established in 1964, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission promotes collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and residents to advance regional priorities.  MVRPC is a forum and resource where the Board of Directors identifies priorities, develops public policy and collaborative strategies to improve quality of life throughout the Miami Valley Region.  MVRPC performs various regional planning activities, including air quality, water quality, transportation, land use, research and GIS.  As the designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), MVRPC is responsible for transportation planning in Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties and parts of northern Warren County. MVRPC's areawide water quality planning designation encompasses five (5) counties: Darke, Preble plus the three MPO counties.

To learn more, contact MVRPC’s Director of Sustainable Solutions and Transportation Alternatives, Kim Lahman, at 937.223.6323 or klahman@mvrpc.org.

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