Research and experience related to existing pedestrian pathway and greenway systems across the United States
indicate that pathways create multiple public benefits:
- Create new opportunities for recreation and for people to commute to work or shopping areas without using fossil fuels.
- Boost local economies.
- Provide transportation links to culturally or historically valuable areas.
- Tie together parks, schools, waterways and communities.
- Create opportunities for people to improve physical fitness and healthy lifestyles.
- Enhance a community's quality of life.
- Preserve open space corridors.
The 2000 Leisure Travel and Recreation Study, performed for the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, shows that hiking,
horseback riding, mountain biking and cross-country skiing are among the most important recreation pursuits by residents and
non-residents. The 2002 Idaho Outdoor Recreation Survey shows that Idaho residents enjoy hiking and biking more than any other
recreation activities. Clearly, there is strong public demand from residents and non-residents for the type of recreation
opportunities that will be accessible to the public via the Valley County Pathways System.
