The greater DC metro area has a vast array of incredible walking/biking trails. From the scenic Mount Vernon Trail winding along the Potomac River to the leafy Capital Crescent Trail connecting Georgetown to Bethesda, there are many popular trails that provide endless recreation for cyclists and pedestrians and vital paths for commuters who bike to work.
At EYA, we create new neighborhoods where residents have easy access to transportation, employment, entertainment and recreation. We value connectedness and believe in the health, economic and environmental benefits that trails provide. As such, we are proud to sponsor the Capital Trails Coalition and their work to increase multi-use trail connectivity across the region and prioritize expanding trail access in underserved communities so that all the region's residents have equal access to a world-class trail network.
Download the Report
The Economic, Health & Environmental Benefits of
Completing The Capital Trails Network
The coalition's brand new report titled, "The Economic, Health & Environmental Benefits of Completing The Capital Trails Network," is the culmination of two years of research aimed to quantify the benefits of expanding our region’s trail network. The report states that investing in the expanded trail network could provide:
- 49 million fewer annual vehicle miles traveled
- 2.2 million gallons of gasoline saved per year
- $517 million annual public health savings
- $9.9 billion in property value premium benefits over 25 years
The report states, "According to a 2020 study by the National Association of Realtors, people with more walkable amenities near their homes were most satisfied with the quality of life in their neighborhood."
An expanded trail network would also provide environmental benefits such as reduced vehicle dependency and carbon emissions and the protection of wildlife habitats.
Click here to learn more about the Capital Trails Coalition and download the report.
