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How each trail is scored and prioritized.
This study represents a multifaceted trail evaluation program, transferable from one community to the next. Divided into six sections, it considers the importance of trails as positive agents of change, examines the community's existing and proposed trail network, and presents a system-wide ranking for investment.
In communities of all sizes, trail planning can become disjointed, with multiple agencies, such as the State Department of Transportation (DOT) and Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), working in parallel to county parks departments, municipal governments, and local organizations. Though all groups aim to accomplish similar goals, rarely are all of their associated system maps and proposals integrated into a comprehensive evaluation.
This study aims to cut through the noise, evaluating every existing and proposed mile of trail against five priority topics and 17 variables drawn from the County Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP). Because scoring weights for each of these priority topics draw from CDMP policies, it is important to keep this trails analysis in sync with the latest CDMP revision.
Overall, these scoring strategies are used to inform a final, quantitative ranking of all trails. Results are grouped into three tiers (T1–T3), with those ranked 1–15 recognized as Tier 1. These include both existing and proposed trails, and represent those best positioned to deliver maximum community impact once they are constructed.
Taking this farther, the study also identifies several catalytic nodes that are well suited for trail-oriented development opportunities. This tactic can support the private financing of trail segments, as well as kickstart momentum in areas of historic disinvestment. In order to maximize community-wide trail benefits, one catalytic site is recommended per political district.
Finally, this study includes both design guidance and implementation strategies, walking the user through the next steps of trail build-out.
Topic weights are read live from the published Excel matrix.
Land Use Adjacency is an essential consideration to understand how existing and future development will shape the use and vibrancy of trails. Proposed segments with high adjacent development potential may even be able to harness private dollars to support construction.
Existing or proposed trails become much more useful when they also serve transit stations, key destinations, and link to other types of multimodal infrastructure. Connectivity considers these opportunities to recommend trails that deliver maximum mobility benefits.
This topic considers ease of implementation by examining today's right-of-way ownership, funding availability, and if each trail has been included in the local Long Range Transportation Plan or state trail program.
Trail recommendations incorporate their level of Community Benefit, such as the adjacent population density served, routes that provide trails to historically disadvantaged communities, and access to area improvement financing.
Safety and Accessibility improvements will come from investing in trails near high crash corridors to provide a safer alternative to existing pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Furthermore, alignment with municipal Vision Zero goals can raise implementation priority.
Each trail's weighted score is the sum of its topic scores multiplied by each topic's weight, producing a system-wide ranking. Results are grouped into three tiers (T1–T3); trails ranked 1–15 are Tier 1 — those best positioned to deliver maximum community impact once constructed.