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Redlands Rail Trail Project Facts
Economic Benefits
Downtown Revitalization
Tourism
Business Development
Center for the Continuing Study of California Economy (1998) found that trails were essential s for higher quality of life and attracting employers/employees to CA locales. Other attractive attributes included conservation of open space and higher density development. http://www.ccsce.com/R_P_LUCE.htm
Property Value
Trails created through or near a neighborhood raise its property
value!
A two-year study of the impact the 35-mile Iron Horse Regional
Trail on
real estate near Oakland, California found that one-third
considered the
Iron Horse Trail an important factor when they bought their
home. More than
half thought having the trail nearby would make their homes
easier to
resell.
The National Park Service found Rail-Trails to be good neighborhood
features, with most residents saying they were pleased to
be living near
them. The majority of nearby property owners in that study
reported no
problems, and said living near the trails was better than
expected and
preferred to living near an unused rail lines. They are a
valuable asset to
their communities!
 Community
Benefits
Safely connect schools, parks and downtown while we Celebrate Local History
Physical Activity
Alternative Transportation
Regional Connections
Safety
Popular urban trails are safer for cyclists, joggers, and children than streets and sidewalks. Trails can in fact promote greater neighborhood unity and help decrease crime, vandalism, litter and noise. Studies have found no increase in crime
along trails in California , a pleasing fact to adjacent property owners.
Physical Activity
A place to bike, run, walk, and stroll...
Having access to places for recreation and exercise increases the level of physical activity in a community. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services also strongly recommends creating or enhancing access to trails for physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports creating or enhancing access to such places results in a 25% increase in healthier lifestyles.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/healthtopics/physactivity.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/trails.htm
History
Rail-Trail projects highlight the valuable role the rail has played in
the community. Markers, signs, benches, and educational materials will
describe Redlands heritage dating back to our early citrus history.
Regional Connections
The Rail Trail will connect to the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) providing 110 miles of access to San Bernardino , Riverside , and Orange Counties – from the mountains to the ocean. Already, there is 3 miles of trail near I-10 and I- 215 nearing completion ending at California Street . This trail will link to the Senior Center and Reading Room in Mentone.
Environment Benefits
Health (Air Quality)
Reintroduce
landscaping
Recreation
Health (Air Quality)
A Rail-Trail plan helps implement the adopted Regional Air Quality Plan. This plan calls for a provision of bicycle and pedestrian pathways that promote non-motorized transportation and lessen dependency on private automobile use . The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report found that San Bernardino County ranked 1 st in worst ozone and 2 nd worst in particulate pollution.
Reintroduce Landscaping
By reintroducing landscaping to these areas, we can preserve open space, improve water quality, and absorb excess water through flood plains. Landscaping can provide low maintenance shade without using much water and with needing chemicals! It’s a great attraction with natives and other materials for birds, butterflies, and tourists.
Wildlife
Wildlife and open space viewing can enhance the trail experience
and the Trail
and
the Redlands Rail Trail would provide a corridor for birds,
plants, native
habitats, and provide a diverse environment connecting the
valuable open
space in the region.
Links
For more information on Rail Trails please visit:
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