Month: September 2020

Connecticut and Nationwide User Increase on Trails

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Happy Monday!

 

Take a look at the Eco-Counter website for interactive maps and statistics on bike counters. At the start of the pandemic, they launched a dashboard to track the weekly impact of COVID-19 on cycling. The data was cited in the LA Times, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, PopSci and many more. In order to continue tracking macro level cycling trends by country, they have transitioned their dashboard away from a ‘COVID-19 dashboard’ towards a monthly, interactive look at how cycling trends are unfolding around the world.

Also take a look at our own trail count data and compare the results! We all know that the pandemic has pushed people outdoors, but by just how much? Check out our numbers here!

 

New Updates to Anti-Racism in the Outdoors

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Happy Friday!

The Anti-Racism in the Outdoors resource guide aims to explore ways that organizations and individuals are shining a light on historic discriminatory practices regarding green areas, and ways in which parks, natural areas, and public gardens can be made more accessible, welcoming, and safe for every person. The result is the guide, ‘Anti-racism in the Outdoors: Resources related to inclusion, diversity, equity and access of black, indigenous and people of color in parks and greenspaces.’

The resource guide is divided into seven categories: organizations, presentations and podcasts, affinity groups and resource lists, books, articles and reports, general anti-racism resources, and ways to be an effective ally. Please check out the above link and the link to their website! The resources are updated monthly with new material. Some of the new resources this month focus on racism in design and walkability, like this article “America’s Cities Were Designed to Oppress” by Bryan Lee Jr.

For more inclusionary discussions don’t forget to check out the Walk with Me podcast from the CT Trail Census. We are on Spotify and Podbean.

New Trail Impact Series from the CT Trail Census

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Would you like to know more about how trails are being used during the pandemic? Which trails are being used more than ever? How the community is benefiting from their access to great resources like their local trails? Well, as communities throughout the U.S. and the world cope with the devastating toll of COVID-19, the pandemic has brought a renewed focus on the importance of local trails. This series explores how local trails are vital assets for improving physical and mental health, building community, stimulating economies, and fostering climate resilience. The goal is to provide community leaders, trail planners, and advocates with evidence-based information on the benefits of trails, and recommendations for advancing informed design, policy and programming. The infosheets are one-page double sided downloadable printable resources. Check them out here and pass the information along to family, friends and coworkers!