Is the constitution of a greenway trail network associated with cycling commuter use?

Abstract

This study of the physical composition of greenway trail networks focuses on how a trail system interacts with a city, and how the city's population interacts with the trail system. Previous studies have suggested that a trail system's use and length have a symbiotic relationship, while other studies propose that a trail is used in accordance with its location within the city. Most current transportation and ecological studies focus on linkage, and present connectivity as the best condition of a linear system. Sixteen case studies are presented and critiqued according to criteria developed in the paper. Statistical analysis is employed to analyze the numeric data, and recommendations are distilled from the statistical analysis and literature review. It is proposed that the physical nature of a greenway system does not effect the city's commuter cycling levels, and a city's cycling culture is the most influential factor in commuter cycling levels.