A Cost-Benefit Analysis of Physical Activity Using Bike/Pedestrian Trails

This article reports on a public health research study that featured a cost-benefit analysis of using bike/pedestrian trails in Lincoln, Nebraska. The trails were intended to reduce health care costs associated with inactivity. Data was obtained from the city’s 1998 Recreational Trails Census Report and a literature review. Per capita annual cost of using the trails was $209.28 ($59.28 for construction and maintenance, $150 for equipment and travel). Per capita annual direct medical benefit of using the trails was $546.41, resulting in a cost-benefit ratio of 2.94. The authors conclude that building trails is cost-effective from a public health perspective. They note that the most sensitive parameter affecting the cost-benefit ratios were equipment and travel costs; however, even for the highest cost, every $1 investment in trails resulted in a greater return in direct medical benefit. The current study also showed that building trails might fit in a wide range of budget situations experienced by different communities. Building trails is a cost-effective means for promoting physical activity at the community level.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/15248399
• Authors:
  • Wang, Guijing
  • Macera, Caroline A
  • Scudder-Soucie, Barbara
  • Schmid, Tom
  • Pratt, Michael
  • Buchner, David
• Publication Date: 2005-4

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: References; Tables;
• Pagination: pp 174-179
• Serial:
  • Health Promotion Practice
  • Volume: 6
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: Sage Publications, Incorporated
  • ISSN: 1524-8399
  • EISSN: 1552-6372
  • Serial URL: http://hpp.sagepub.com/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Benefit cost analysis; Bikeways; Costs; Pedestrian areas; Promotion; Public health; User benefits; Walkways
• Geographic Terms: Lincoln (Nebraska)
• Subject Areas: Finance; Highways; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors; Terminals and Facilities; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01003963
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Sep 7 2005 7:10AM