October 2003

SUNY CORTLAND CONDUCTS RIVER TRAIL SURVEY:
Results Indicate Overwhelming Positive Support For Trail Initiative

An extensive study by a graduate class in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies at the State University of New York at Cortland was recently completed under the direction of SUNY professors, Dr. Sharon Todd and Dr. Lynn Anderson. The design and implementation of the study was based on sophisticated survey methodology and the results are detailed in a 54-page report available on-line on the SUNY Cortland website (www.cortland.edu/rec) or at the Cortland County BDC/IDA website (download).

The survey included extensive telephone interviews with a random sample of 358 Cortland County residents. In addition, extensive door to door interviews were conducted with 169 households who lived within a half-mile of the proposed trail in Cortland and Homer. Collectively, the survey canvassed 527 households, a statistically significant sample size. Responses were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and analysis was primarily descriptive statistics. Qualitative responses were coded for enumeration and interpretation, and data was analyzed using a constant comparison approach. In addition, two focus groups were also held with recreation and education professionals.

Highlights of the findings:

• More than 38% of local residents said they would use the trail at least once a week or more
• Nearly 92% of local residents said they would use it on a regular basis
• Only 8% of local residents said they would not use it
• More than 64% of local residents said they would attend special events along the trail
• More than 53% of local residents said they would volunteer with trail maintenance
• The average age of respondents was 45.8 years; 55.6% were female and 42.9% were male
• Of local respondents, 31% worked in business and information systems, 19% worked in human and public services; 14% worked in engineering and technology; 18% were retired
• The average number of years respondents lived in Cortland County was 27.4 years; 36% of respondents lived in Cortland more than 30 years
• More than 58% of local households had already used the Tioughnioga corridor for recreation purposes
• The main activity of interest to local respondents was walking (77%), followed by fishing (59%), biking (57%), picnicking (54%); other activities expressed by approximately 30-40% of local residents included dog walking, kayaking/ canoeing, photography, nature study, jogging and cross-country skiing/snowshoeing
• Local residents would like to see the following amenities: benches, restrooms, picnic areas, river access points and maps/guides/signage
• The most frequent concern of local residents was litter and dog clean up (82%); they were least concerned with noise, privacy, trespassing
• More than 53% of local residents would be willing to participate in a volunteer effort to maintain the trail; 87% said they would favor private donations to help with trail maintenance; 85% favored sponsorship by local businesses; 83% favored grants; 21% of local residents would support trail maintenance through local taxes

Through focus groups and additional comments, the following ideas also emerged:

• Connect local K-12 schools with the River through science programs and continued curriculum development
• Involve students in projects; get schools involved in "adopt a trail" sponsorships, cleanup programs and other special projects
• Continue to build partnerships with other organizations like the Lime Hollow Center
• Continue to educate the public about trail benefits

The study also looked at the issue of trail safety and security, and did a comparative analysis of crime statistics before and after trail development in various communities. Twenty years of studies by various states, municipalities and the National Park Service indicate that "trails do not increase crime," according to statistics quoted in the SUNY Cortland study. In 1998, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy conducted an in-depth study to document levels of crime on trails and interpret comparative crime data. Of 372 trails studied, only 3% had experienced crime. Reports from law enforcement officials "confirmed that trails do not encourage, and are more a deterrent to, crime." Additionally, the study noted that "Comparisons of crime rates on trails with national statistics in urban, suburban and rural designations show that crime on trails is very low in comparison to national crime rates for each respective zoning. Minor crimes such as graffiti and littering were reported in only one-fourth of the trails."

General conclusions:

The authors of the survey found a positive response from the vast majority of local residents and concluded that they "plan to use the trail extensively, see its benefits to themselves and their community, and want to be involved in the future of the trail."