http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-trails-economic-impact-20111017,0,3028584.story (http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-trails-economic-impact-20111017,0,3028584.story)
QuoteWINTER GARDEN â€" Dennis Jones moved to Winter Garden six years ago because he enjoyed using the West Orange Trail, a paved bike path that cuts through the heart of the downtown district.
The trail now provides him with a living because he and his wife own Wheel Works, a bike shop they opened three years ago in downtown. They are doubling in size because business is so good.
"It [the trail] is the reason we are here," said Jones, a prime example of the impact of the three abandoned rail corridors in Orange County transformed into bike trails during the 1990s.
The trio of paths pumps $42 million into the local economy annually and supports 516 jobs, according to a study conducted by the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council.
Video: Theme Park Rangers: Holiday season kick-off
The report comes at critical time in the public-transportation debate. There is a move in Congress to end mandatory spending of federal gas-tax dollars on trails, landscaping and mass transit in favor of building roads alone.
Right now, about 10 percent of the $32 billion raised each year through gas taxes must be spent on sidewalks and other enhancements. Last year, about $35 million of that was spent in Central Florida on bike paths, sidewalks and other endeavors such as historic preservation.
U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, chairman of the House transportation committee, said he wants to give the states more flexibility in how gas taxes are spent. Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad supports Mica.
But Prasad promised money still will be spent on extras, such as bike trails, although he stopped short of naming a specific amount.
"We're not going to build a project nobody likes," he said.
The trails have plenty of supporters.
County officials estimate 1.7 million people use them each year, including 900,000 on the West Orange Trail, which runs for 22 miles and links Winter Garden with Clermont and Apopka. The other trails are the 7.4-mile Little Econ Greenway in east Orange and the 6.5-mile Cady Way Trail in Orlando and Winter Park.
The paths are "extremely valuable to the region," said Elizabeth Rothbeind, an economic-development and communications specialist with the planning council.
On average, she said, trail users spend $19 apiece while they are out and about, frequently on a meal or beverage. The vast majority of people, the study said, take to the trails for recreation, typically by biking, running or walking.
Jones says he sells bikes that range from $145 to $7,000, though most go for $1,000 to $1,500.
Cecelia Kimball, 53, and her husband have been riding the West Orange Trail regularly for four years. The Montverde woman bikes about 30 miles each time, mostly on weekends or when she has a day off. Her husband, Mike, rides the trails at least six times a week.
She said local governments should continue investing in new trails.
"There needs to be more bicycle-friendly roads," she said. "They [urban trails] are definitely a safer way to ride."
Winter Garden City Manager Mike Bollhoefer rides the trail often, too, though he uses it to go from his home to his City Hall office, about a two-mile trip.
He credits the trail with the resurrection of Winter Garden's downtown, which was pocked with empty buildings before the first section of the path opened in 1994. Now, Bollhoefer said, there is a waiting list of businesses wanting to rent space along a vibrant main street.
Last year, the collective value of the downtown property stood at $69.3 million; in 1993, it was $22 million, according to the study.
Bollhoefer calls the trail "a marketing vehicle" for the restaurants and shops bisecting the trail.
There is another benefit that goes beyond money, Rothbeind said.
"This is one of the things that makes for a better place to live," she said.
Staff writer EloÃsa Ruano González contributed to this report. dltracy@tribune.com or 407-420-5444.
For those who don't know, the baldwin rail trail is pretty good:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/regions/north/trails/jacksonville_baldwin.htm
Also, under development (but already useable) is the palatka-lake butler trail:
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/state/palatka/default.htm
Pics:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100489189332503.3089086.5215641&l=b630091779
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
^Good point. And the same can be said of the Waterways. Pocket parks-Pocket piers. Mentioned this to Herb Hiller and Don Redman. Put a bicycle rack next to one of these Waterfront Public Access street ends or parks. Is their a bicycle rack at Goodby's Creek boat ramp? Tomahawk park? I'll check. But extending into residential and commercial density will increase usage.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:32:05 AM
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
With the completion of the Hogans Creek Greenway, you could have a bike network that ties into the S-Line Trail that could flow through Durkeeville, Springfield, Downtown and through Riverside all the way up to the new dog park about to be built at Riverside Park. This could also be tied into San Marco along the painted bike path along Hendricks.
Interestingly enough, money is available to complete the Hogans Creek portion. All that has to be done is getting the money to be spent amidst a buerocratic stalemate.
Doug, I meant to send you this link the other day.. but here is another article that might interest you.
http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/10/how-much-bike-trail-worth/382/ (http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2011/10/how-much-bike-trail-worth/382/)
QuoteHow Much is a Bike Trail Worth?
Julie Irwin Zimmerman
With budget crises a reality for local governments all over the country, recreation amenities like bike trails are often the first places to look for cuts. But according to research coming out of the University of Cincinnati, proximity to trails in urban areas increases property values, which in turn boosts the amount of property taxes filling government coffers.
The research, by planning professor Rainer vom Hofe and economics professor Olivier Parent, looked at houses along a 12-mile stretch of the Little Miami Scenic Trail, a former rail line that cuts across the northeastern portion of Cincinnati. The pair found that home buyers were willing to pay a premium of $9,000 to be within 1,000 feet of access to the trail.
"A bike trail like this has many types of returns. Residents can use it as a way to commute, and most people use it for recreation," says vom Hofe. "For local governments, you can make a strong argument that they get back some of the money invested in these public amenities in the form of higher property taxes. We see positive spillover in more densely populated urban areas as well as less densely populated, suburban areas." The study looked at 1,762 houses, worth an average of $263,517, that were located within 10,000 feet of the trail.
Although there’s no comprehensive way to track local spending on bike trails, there have been several proposals this year to cut federal funding for bike paths. Congressman John Mica of Florida called for eliminating the Transportation Enhancements and Recreational Trails programs, which fund many bike trails. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky wants to divert funds for the Transportation Enhancements program to bridge repair, while Sen. James Inhofe has said one of his top three priorities is to eliminate “frivolous spending for bike trails.â€
The bike-trail research backs up previous studies that have found links between bike paths and increased real-estate values. As vom Hofe was conducting his study, he was also on the hunt for a new house, which gave him insight into the amenities people look for when choosing where to live. And while he concedes that access to recreation isn’t as important as, say, a school district for many home buyers, he points out that trails are especially attractive in cities that are far from oceans, mountains and other natural attractions.
“Many cities don’t have the great outdoors next door,†he says. “They have to look at what they do have, and things like parks and trails and green space are all assets that people are willing to pay more to be located near.â€
"Kayak" & " Mountain Bike" tends to assume Not In Florida however Florida of course is idyllic.And why would we not be??
Florida is a major " Fat Tire" state.
The posts here re connecting Baldwin Trail and others to the core are exciting.
Cheers!
Quote from: fieldafm on November 04, 2011, 08:02:00 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:32:05 AM
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
With the completion of the Hogans Creek Greenway, you could have a bike network that ties into the S-Line Trail that could flow through Durkeeville, Springfield, Downtown and through Riverside all the way up to the new dog park about to be built at Riverside Park. This could also be tied into San Marco along the painted bike path along Hendricks.
Interestingly enough, money is available to complete the Hogans Creek portion. All that has to be done is getting the money to be spent amidst a buerocratic stalemate.
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Quote from: north miami on November 04, 2011, 09:04:10 AM
Florida is a major " Fat Tire" state.
except that I can't buy Fat Tire beer anywhere in the state! :P
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
Quote from: fieldafm on November 04, 2011, 08:02:00 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:32:05 AM
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
With the completion of the Hogans Creek Greenway, you could have a bike network that ties into the S-Line Trail that could flow through Durkeeville, Springfield, Downtown and through Riverside all the way up to the new dog park about to be built at Riverside Park. This could also be tied into San Marco along the painted bike path along Hendricks.
Interestingly enough, money is available to complete the Hogans Creek portion. All that has to be done is getting the money to be spent amidst a buerocratic stalemate.
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
And this is where matching funds will come into play to extend the trail(where it could transition from concrete to low impact alternative grading) along the creek basin south of the Matthews Bridge access ramp and towards the St Johns.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
Quote from: tufsu1 on November 04, 2011, 09:24:59 AM
except that I can't buy Fat Tire beer anywhere in the state! :P
I share your frustration!
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
Quote from: tufsu1 on November 04, 2011, 09:24:59 AM
except that I can't buy Fat Tire beer anywhere in the state! :P
I share your frustration!
It's dating back something like 6-7 years. Part of the money actually exists, but there are forces that are keeping this from breaking ground-some realistic, some less so. Expect some more details on this shortly.
Quote from: fieldafm on November 04, 2011, 12:50:22 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
Quote from: fieldafm on November 04, 2011, 08:02:00 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:32:05 AM
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
With the completion of the Hogans Creek Greenway, you could have a bike network that ties into the S-Line Trail that could flow through Durkeeville, Springfield, Downtown and through Riverside all the way up to the new dog park about to be built at Riverside Park. This could also be tied into San Marco along the painted bike path along Hendricks.
Interestingly enough, money is available to complete the Hogans Creek portion. All that has to be done is getting the money to be spent amidst a buerocratic stalemate.
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
And this is where matching funds will come into play to extend the trail(where it could transition from concrete to low impact alternative grading) along the creek basin south of the Matthews Bridge access ramp and towards the St Johns.
I like the idea but what matching funds and how would ROW be acquired? I'm a part of a Hogans Creek taskforce looking to find ways to move the trail forward. However, I was under the impression that the money for the trail was from the State and not a local source.
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
It is interesting that there is no comment on the new bike trail that twists and turns through Talbot Island State Park. I spoke to some open road bikers who said they would prefer straight flat runs to winding curves and artificial hills. I guess the new trail will be good for "family riders". I suppose it might offer better access to fishermen who are willing to pull a small trailer/cooler that far.
trails are generally better for recreational riders....most open road bikers like the road itself (hence the name)
I haven't seen the Talbot trail, but if it twists and turns so much that you can't see far enough ahead when going 20+ mph to avoid slower riders, then it is best if the road cyclists stay on the road. Even on the very straight and flat Baldwin rails-to-trails, this can be an issue.
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
When will the effects of the mobility plan be noticeable?
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 23, 2012, 01:38:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
When will the effects of the mobility plan be noticeable?
Since the City Council "temporarily" suspended the Mobility Fee for a year, it will be awhile. Especially if they continue the moratorium to "spur development".
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:32:05 AM
^The Baldwin trail is good. It could be great if it were extended into the urban core and the rest of the city. The trails in the Orlando area extend into pockets of good residential and commercial density, which increase their usage.
I'm with you. I tried the Baldwin Trail once, and while I'm glad it's there, I didnt care for it. It's just long & straight, and well, boring. But I'm not an open road cyclist, so maybe that's who it's supposed to appeal to.
I've come to learn I prefer urban trails that actually go places & are meant for connectivity, with interesting stops along the way.
Bike/Multi-use trails contribute very significantly to quality of life and are a good alternative to auto transit. That latter point will increase as more trails are created. This goes hand in hand with the 'keeping/attracting young professionals' issue.
Show me a city that has a substantial trail system, and I will show you a city that is a magnet for growth and the creative class. This is one area Jax should really go gangbusters on, IMO. Balwin is a good start, but there needs to be an urban equivalent, and bike lanes added throughout the city.
Where I live, Greenville SC, there is a 14 mile primary trail that runs through the heart of the city, including DT and it has been very popular and a magnet for new business. It terminates in a small town North of Greenville proper. The town is called approprately enough, Traveler's Rest. The 2,500 population town has re-made it's Main Street to fully embrace the trail , which runs right alongside for a considerable distance. Storefronts that were vacant are now occupied for the first time in 10-15 years. Businesses opened second entrances that open directly to the trail. What once was a deserted-looking, small town Main street that no one stopped for, is now the showplace and icon of the entire town.
It use to be that no one drove to Traveler's Rests, only through it, but that has completely changed now.
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 23, 2012, 07:13:55 AM
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 23, 2012, 01:38:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
When will the effects of the mobility plan be noticeable?
Since the City Council "temporarily" suspended the Mobility Fee for a year, it will be awhile. Especially if they continue the moratorium to "spur development".
Honestly I never saw anything wrong with the plan. Brown should tell this city council to lift the suspension. Like I said in another post, take stuff away from them (like cancelling the trip to Cincinnati) if they want to continue taking from us.
^ how would the Mayor have any ability to cancel a Chamber of Commerce trip?
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 24, 2012, 01:28:36 AM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 23, 2012, 07:13:55 AM
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 23, 2012, 01:38:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
When will the effects of the mobility plan be noticeable?
Since the City Council "temporarily" suspended the Mobility Fee for a year, it will be awhile. Especially if they continue the moratorium to "spur development".
Honestly I never saw anything wrong with the plan. Brown should tell this city council to lift the suspension.
That ain't going to happen because Council would have to lift the moratorium. And don't expect them to lift it anytime soon because City Council is owned by developer lobbyists (Builder's Association et.al.) that pushed for the moratorium in the first place.
And let me guess, after the year is up, they will resuspend the plan and keep doing so until it is dead in the water, right?
Quote from: cline on April 24, 2012, 09:02:24 AM
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 24, 2012, 01:28:36 AM
Quote from: Charles Hunter on April 23, 2012, 07:13:55 AM
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 23, 2012, 01:38:25 AM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 06:46:28 PM
Quote from: dougskiles on November 04, 2011, 01:00:41 PM
Quote from: thelakelander on November 04, 2011, 09:11:51 AM
I believe the long funded Hogans Creek Greenway will stretch from 8th Street to Liberty Street. To make the connection to the riverwalk through downtown, Liberty (4 lanes now) would need to be restripped.
Is this part of the Mobility Plan? I looked at the spreadsheet you posted a few weeks ago and couldn't tell.
No, a bike facility down Liberty Street is not in the mobility plan. However, facilities down Jefferson, Broad, Laura and Newnan/Hubbard are in the plan and would provide direct connections between the Hogans Creek Greenway, Springfield and Downtown. Nevertheless, you don't need mobility plan dollars to restripe Liberty. That can be as simple as coordinating the next asphalt repaving job with Public Works. As a matter of fact, with proper coordination, nearly every wide street in the urban core could become a bike friendly corridor via routinely scheduled Public Works street repaving projects.
When will the effects of the mobility plan be noticeable?
Since the City Council "temporarily" suspended the Mobility Fee for a year, it will be awhile. Especially if they continue the moratorium to "spur development".
Honestly I never saw anything wrong with the plan. Brown should tell this city council to lift the suspension.
That ain't going to happen because Council would have to lift the moratorium. And don't expect them to lift it anytime soon because City Council is owned by developer lobbyists (Builder's Association et.al.) that pushed for the moratorium in the first place.
If I was in charge, I'd tell that city council what it is I want done. If they didn't comply, I'd cut their pay; I'd take away some of their fringe benefits; I'd hang something over their heads that would for sure get them to lift some things, change some things, or just get some work done.
I'm with you man, but that isn't how it works unfortunately.
Quote from: Anti redneck on April 24, 2012, 08:26:14 PM
If I was in charge, I'd tell that city council what it is I want done. If they didn't comply, I'd cut their pay; I'd take away some of their fringe benefits; I'd hang something over their heads that would for sure get them to lift some things, change some things, or just get some work done.
but our governmental structure has something called separation of powers....the Mayor is in charge of the executive branch...Council is the legislative branch....I'm quite comfortable with this structure as it allows checks and balances