Trailhead Toronto 2016

Lessons From Local

DataAlexandra BrodkaProject Manager,

Hamilton Burlington Trails Council

Friday November 24th, 2016.

Outline Who is HBTC?

2015-2016 Trail Use Survey

Findings

Impact of findings on local projects

Conclusions

The Hamilton-Burlington Trails CouncilOur Mission

To serve as a trail alliance in developing and communicating a first class trail system in

the Hamilton Burlington region, which promotes the health benefits of recreational

trail use to residents and visitors while conserving our valuable natural ecosystems.

The Hamilton-Burlington Trails CouncilGoals & Objectives

• Trail development and accessibility• Communication• Advocacy• Forum for Discussion• Comprehensive and Up-to-date Trail Information and

Mapping

Trail Use Survey• 11 sites across Hamilton

and Burlington• On trail and online surveys • Multi- use paths, trails,

bikeways• July 2015- July 2016

• User demographics• Counts• User feedback

Rationale• Identify areas for trail

improvement and highlight areas of success

• Understand user patterns and needs

• Facilitate development of a regional greenway

FindingsHow People Access Trails

#1- foot#2- vehicle#3- bike

….Transit was less than 2%

Regional Greenway ProjectCreating Connectivity in and between Hamilton and Burlington

“The risk of obesity goes up 6% for every hour spent in a car each day, while the risk of obesity goes down almost 5% for every kilometer walked a day” (Transport Canada, 2011).

• Supporting safe, efficient and ACTIVE trips• Connections to transit• Making trips by vehicle LESS appealing

FindingsTrail Use

Out of 18286 Counts…..

21% Cycling 62% Walking 9% Jogging 0.05% Wheelchair users

Interactive Trail Map ProjectHelping residents and visitors find appropriate routes for their needs and activities!

FindingsUser Demographics

Out of 1124 Surveys…..

27% Age 18-34 12% Age 35-44 14% Age45-54 21% 55-64 26% 65+

Out of 18286 Counts…..

1692 children 1436 dogs

Youth Partnership ProgramInspiring youth to get outside and empowering community leaders!

FindingsTrail Use Patterns

Exclusive use of one trail

Exercise and relaxation

Commuting

Seasonal trends

FindingsQualitative Feedback

User conflicts Amenities Way Finding

Off Leash Dog TrailsActive dogs AND active owners!

Mountain Bike GroupUsers are willing to put in work, they just need the right platform!

ConclusionIt is critical to understand the needs specific to your population.

Local organizations should be teaming up to collect data that will help them collectively drive projects that work towards healthy, vibrant and well- connected communities.

Thank You!

Alexandra Brodka

admin@hamiltonburlingtontrails.cahamiltonburlingtontrails.ca@TrailsHB

ReferencesTransport Canada, (2011). Active Transportation in Canada: A Resource and Planning Guide. Retrieved from https://www.fcm.ca/Documents/tools/GMF/Transport_Canada/ActiveTranspoGuide_EN.pdf