What are the benefits of the WaHG Trail?
Paths Provide Mobility
The WaHG Trail would provide vital mobility for those without the ability to drive themselves.
"1 in 3 people in the U.S. cannot drive. In many communities, that means limited access to housing, jobs, services, and spending far too much time and energy getting around." - America Walks
Paths Inspire
01
Healthy Community
The WaGH invites connection. It brings people in touch with communities, whether they want to meet friends, visit the library, shop at a store, go to practice, work, school or just explore. Providing safe paths for walking and bicycling increases health and equity, allowing those who can't or don't drive to reach their destinations.
30% of the population in most communities do not drive.
Active Transportation Transforms America
Increasing walkability makes communities safer and supports social cohesion.
Every $1 investment in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in direct medical benefit.
02
Economic
Benefits
The WaHG creates a mobility network that will benefit local economies. People want to live and work in areas that support their desire for outdoor recreation and trips by bike or foot. Active transportation options attract businesses, raise property values, and increase local spending.
9 of 27 existing New Hampshire public rail trails generate ~$18.7 million in economic activity annually (with ~$2.7 million in taxes, ~164 jobs).
NHTRC Rail Trail Funding Initiative
Bicyclists spend 24% more than drivers at local businesses.
Active Transportation Transforms America
Research shows that homes near trails often have higher property value, with a price premium ranging from five to ten percent in most studies.
The current ROI of active transportation infrastructure is $34.1 billion annually and has the potential to grow to $138.5 billion annually.
03
Sustainable
Future
The WaGH encourages mode shift by allowing people to reach destinations without a vehicle. Reducing vehicle travel reduces wear and spending on our roads, as well as cuts emissions, noise pollution, and microplastic pollution in our air and water from its single largest source, tire wear.
13% of commuters near shared-use paths commute use active modes of travel rather than driving.
A 5% increase in the walkability of a neighborhood is associated with a per capita 32.1% increase in active travel, 6.5% fewer miles driven, 5.6% fewer grams of nitrous oxides (NOx) emitted, and 5.5% fewer grams of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted
Journal of the American Planning Association
Paths Protect Wildlife
Paths Connect with Care
Greenways can become "gene-ways" helping wildlife travel less dangerous paths.
Paths Protect Sensitive Environs
Well-placed trails preserve sensitive nesting, denning and native plant areas.
Paths Offer a Better Way to Live with Nature
Ways for people to travel outside a vehicle results in fewer wildlife deaths, less pollution, less disruptive noise and more intact habitats.
Paths Create Jobs
Bureau of Economic Analysis of the United States Department of Commerce