Multi-Use Trails
Design Principles:
1. Integrated: A multi-use trail system should be established as an integral component of the public open space system. By utilizing the open space network of natural features, public parks, and Stormwater Management facilities, as well as primary street corridors and the CN rail corridors, a trail system can provide pedestrians and cyclists with connections and recreation opportunities throughout the Region.
2. Heritage Preservation: Trails should be established as a means of linking the natural and built heritage of the Region. Existing hedgerows, farm roads, and street networks provide the primary linear framework for establishing trail connections between neighbourhoods, parks, schools, stormwater management facilities, commercial and employment areas.
3. Connected: Trails should link to core activity areas such as employment and commercial land uses, and create strong links between residential neighbourhoods, open space, and the unique natural amenities available in the Niagara Region. Connected trail networks also provide recreation and tourism opportunities.
4. Alternative Movement Options: Recreational trails may result in a significant decrease of short automobile trips as walking becomes an attractive and viable alternative to driving. They will also serve as a means of linking new residential areas with natural environments without requiring vehicular traffic to these sensitive areas.
Source: Regional Municipality of Niagara, Model Urban Design Guidelines, 2005
Additional Resources:
Region of Niagara ‘Regional Bikeways Master Plan’.Niagara Greenmap
http://www.greenmap.org
Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
http://www.conservation-niagara.on.ca/
Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans
http://www.walkinginfo.org/pp/types/local/
Economic Benefits of Bicycle and Pedestrian-based Tourism
http://www.bikewalk.org/as s/Reports/economic_impact.htm
Walkable Communities
http://www.walkable.org/
National Centre for Bicycling & Walking - Trails & High Speed Rail
http://www.bikewalk.org/ncbw_forum/highspeed.pdf
Planning and Designing Rail-Trails on Abandoned Rail Lines
http://www.usroads.com/journals/rej/9707/re970702.htm
