Benefits of the Rails to Trails Projects

Rails-to-Trails projects improve communities in obvious ways like setting aside open space, but they also enrich the fabric of a community. The center for the Continuing Study of California Economy (1998) found that trails were an essential element in creating a high quality of life and a vital ingredient for attracting new employers and employees to California.

Raise Property Values

TRAILS RAISE PROPERTY VALUES: A two-year study of the impact the 35-mile Iron Horse Regional Trail on real estate near Oakland, California, found that one-third of residents considered the Trail an important factor when they bought their home. More than half thought having the trail nearby would make their homes easier to resell.

TRAILS ARE ATTRACTIVE TO BUYERS: The National Park Service found Rails-to-Trails to be good neighborhood features, with most residents saying they were a valuable asset in the community.

Improve Safety of the Community

NO COMPETITION WITH CARS: Popular urban trails are safer for cyclists, joggers, and children than doing these activities while sharing the roadways with cars and trucks.

DECREASE CRIME: Because trail can in fact promote greater neighborhood unity, they help decrease crime, vandalism, litter and noise. Studies have found no increase in crime along trails in California.

Access Exercise

ACCESS TO RECREATION EQUALS HEALTHER CITIZENS: Having access to places for recreation and exercise increases the level of physical activity in a community. The Task Force on Community Preventive Services also strongly recommends creating or enhancing access to trails for physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports creating or enhancing access to such places results in a 25 percent increase in healthier lifestyles.

Connect Redlands to the Region

REGIONAL LINKS: The Orange Blossom Trail will connect to the Santa Ana River Trail (SART), which runs more than 110 miles from the mountains of San Bernardino to the beaches of Orange County. Already, there is 3 miles of trail near I-10 and I- 215 nearing completion ending at California Street. This trail will link to the Senior Center and Reading Room in Mentone.

LOCAL POINTS OF INTEREST: The Orange Blossom Trail will connect schools, parks and downtown while through the orange groves that celebrate and honor our local history. Along the Trail markers, signs, benches and educational materials will describe Redlands heritage dating back to our early citrus history.

Improve the Environment

REDUCE AIR POLLUTION: The Orange Blossom Trail is a component of the Regional Air Quality Plan, which calls for more pathways that reduce the need for people to drive their cars. The American Lung Association’s State of the Air Report found that San Bernardino County ranked 1st in worst ozone and 2nd worst in particulate pollution.

ADD GREEN SPACE: By reintroducing landscaping to these areas, we can preserve open space, improve water quality, and absorb excess water through flood plains. Landscaping can provide low maintenance shade without using much water and with needing chemicals! It’s a great attraction with natives and other materials for birds, butterflies, and tourists.

SAVE WILDLIFE: Wildlife and open space viewing can enhance the trail experience and the Trail and the Redlands Rail Trail would provide a corridor for birds, plants, native habitats, and provide a diverse environment connecting the valuable open space in the region.