Who's on the greenway: Socioeconomic,demographic, and locational characteristics of greenway users

In response to continued public concern sparked by the loss of open space and greenbelts around American cities, greenways have gained nationwide popularity as a land conservation strategy. This study examines the socioeconomic, demographic, and locational characteristics of greenway users. Three hundred twenty users on four trails of the Capital Area Greenway System in Raleigh, North Carolina, were surveyed. The Raleigh system is extensive, providing 43.7 km (27 mi) of trails, thus allowing examination of greenway use in a variety of settings. The survey findings indicated that most patrons were drawn from within an 8.05-km (5-mi) radius of the greenway. The typical Capital Area Greenway user is a white female between the age of 16 and 34 with no children. Socioeconomically, greenway users are employed, well-educated, and have above average incomes. A disproportionate share of greenway visitors belong to an environmental group.