December 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 18

People for Parks
The Health Benefits of a
Bicycle-Pedestrian Trail
By Lisa L. Gezon, Emily McKendry-Smith and Anne Kristen Hunter

he connection between physical activity and health is well-established. According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studies show that physical activity reduces the risk of major health concerns, including strokes, type 2
diabetes and some forms of cancer. The closeness of our ties to our neighbors, the
strength of our personal relationships and the resources present in our communities are also
all related to health. Recent studies in neuroscience suggest that the presence of social support can even protect against the detrimental effects of chronic stress by promoting healthy
brain development and strengthening the immune system.
Parks, because of their ability to foster
physical activity and positive connections
between people are critical to public health.
Carrollton, Georgia, GreenBelt
The social aspect of good health was
brought into focus through research on the
GreenBelt, a 16-mile bicycle-pedestrian trail
that loops around the city of Carrollton,
Georgia. The Friends of Carrollton Green-

Belt, LLC, broke ground for the trail in
2011, and it is scheduled for completion at
the end of 2016. The goal of the GreenBelt
is to provide opportunities for recreation,
transportation and increased health outcomes along a conduit that connects parks,
businesses and schools.
In fall 2015, a team of researchers from
the University of West Georgia began a
research project to explore the relation-

Trail experiences, whether on foot or bike, play a role in combating stress and building strong
community relationships, both critical elements in our nation's public health.

Parks & Recreation

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ship between physical activity, perceptions of health and use of the GreenBelt.
In a mixed-method approach, researchers
asked whether and how the presence of the
trail changed users' participation in and
attitudes toward physical activity. A team
of four students handed out surveys at
four separate, high-traffic locations on the
GreenBelt and received 269 completed
surveys. After a preliminary analysis of
that data, 14 individuals were interviewed
using a targeted set of questions.
Socializing and Exercising
Analysis of the survey data confirmed
that the majority of people reported that
the GreenBelt makes it easier for them to
find time to exercise, allows them to get
more exercise than before it was available,
increases their enjoyment of doing moderate or vigorous physical activity and leaves
them feeling like they are in a better state
of health and/or physical ability than
they were before they started using the
trail. Breaking down the results by gender
revealed that women reported those outcomes more frequently than men.
Unexpectedly, researchers also discovered the importance, particularly for women, of the GreenBelt as a place to socialize and be with others. " Socializing with
friends " was the second-most important
reason cited for going on the GreenBelt;
" getting exercise " was the first. Women
reported using the trail to socialize with
friends significantly more often than men
(about 30 percent of women reported this
compared to 13 percent of men).
People who visit the GreenBelt with others were significantly more likely to report

December 2016 - Parks & Recreation

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