This case study explores equitable use of long-distance, shared-use trails by exploring Montgomery County’s 2020 Trail Access, Diversity, and Awareness Plan. Recognizing that Montgomery County’s population is one of the most diverse in Pennsylvania, the Planning Commission sought to understand whether this diversity was reflected in the people using its trail network.
The plan was developed using best practices applicable to any trail network, including engagement with nontraditional audiences and community organizations to understand constituents’ needs. Integral to the plan is its adaptability to a variety of communities. Concept plans for a specific urbanized area were designed to jump-start plan implementation and identify design principles and solutions. Presenters share how the adaptability of the process and findings of this plan could be applied to other communities.
Montgomery County is taking meaningful steps to implement the plan’s recommendations and incorporate trail equity considerations in all phases of trail development, from initial feasibility analysis through construction. Lessons learned offer practical approaches and solutions to a broad and evolving planning challenge.
NPC Peer Reviewers assigned this presentation a learning level of Foundational. For more on learning-level descriptions, visit our General Information Page.
Learning Objectives:
Better understand what prevents or discourages specific demographic groups from using public trails.
Identify opportunities to increase trail awareness, visibility, and ease of access in under-resourced communities.
Re-envision how to modernize trail designs to account for the changing, diverse needs of trail users, using specific examples in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, as inspiration.
