border to boston - benefits

Border to Boston Benefits

HEALTH AND FITNESS: The US is suffering from an obesity epidemic in both adults and children, which increases risks of heart disease, diabetes and osteoarthritis. The trail encourages people of all ages to exercise safely by being able to walk, bike, jog orskate away from heavily traveled roads.

ALTERNATIVE COMMUTING OPTIONS: The trail will allow economical and environmentally friendly travel to and from work and school and also for in-town errands and visitsl. The trail will meet the Federal Safe Routes to School criteria for school children living in neighborhoods near the trail.

INCREASED TOURISM: Trails are increasingly popular destinations for individuals and families seeking a reasonably priced outdoor vacation, offering safe, confined linear parks with access to attractions in neighboring towns. Trails help stimulate economic development— trail users patronize local businesses and new businesses sprout up along trails.

PRESERVING THE RAIL CORRIDOR: Development of a rail-trail preserves the corridor for transportation use now and in the future. Trails preserve open space and provide refuge for many species of animal and plant life, allowing animals as well as people to move freely from one open space to another.