Bike Trails
on Google Maps
Bike Trails
on Google Maps

Illinois Prairie Path Survey

And the survey says…

Of nearly 700 trail users over the age of 18 surveyed during the summer of 2013, they told us:

  1. They’re healthy – more than 95% consider their health good or excellent
  2. They’re smart – more than 70% have a bachelor’s degree; half of those have a graduate degree
  3. They’re successful – 66% had annual incomes between $51,000 and $200,000
  4. They’re on the path a lot – 70% use the path between 1 and 3 hours per visit
  5. Many users stated the trail played a key role in their decision where to purchase their house
  6. They patronize local businesses – restaurants, grocery and convenience stores.
  7. Things they liked about the path: Safety and security; trail maintenance, route markings
  8. Things they would like to see improved: Bathrooms, drinking fountains, signs to nearby amenities
  9. There are a lot of trail users. Electronic counters were used at 5 locations. Annual usage ranged from 33,000 on the Batavia spur to more than 190,000 in the Wheaton area.

Download the full survey to read the complete study.