Different Views From The 606
Using multiple analytical approaches, our study showed that creation of Chicago’s 606 was associated with decreases in violent, property, and disorderly crimes between 2011 and 2015
Brandon Harris, Lincoln Larson, Scott Ogletree
Abstract
Parks and greenways provide many benefits to urban communities, but their relationship to crime is often debated. We examined the links between an elevated linear trail and crime within census block groups (CBGs)surrounding Chicago’s Bloomingdale Trail, colloquially known as The 606, using two different approaches: (a) a matched case-control comparison of crime trends in 606-proximate CBGs and similar socioeconomic status(SES) neighborhoods in other parts of the city and (b) spatially oriented hierarchical regression models of crime in 606-proximate CBGs before and after trail construction. Using this dichotomous approach, we detected a positive influence of The 606 on all types of crime (violent, property, and disorderly) when examined at a coarse scale, particularly in low SES neighborhoods (Study 1), and an inverse relationship between trail proximity and property crime on a spatially proximate scale (Study 2). Future research should continue to explore complex relationships between urban greenways and crime in diverse cities.
Attached document published February 2017
posted Aug 3, 2020
This document is a best practices manual intended to give guidance and direction on minimizing risk and liability for persons with an interest in operating and maintaining trails. Specifically, it seeks to help trail operators, managers and owners, mitigate risk and reduce liability, that can arise from trail design, trail use and maintenance operations. The techniques discussed here are intended to be applied with prudence and due consideration of the particular circumstances of each trail.
Greenways and Crime on Nearby Properties
posted Jan 30, 2020
This study investigates the question of whether the presence of a greenway increases the risk of crime occurring on the properties adjacent to the greenway.
Protection From Liability: Promoting The Use And Development Of Recreational Trails
posted May 30, 2018
The Courts and the Legislature have expressed a clear policy to permit the use of available recreational property, both public and private, in its natural condition, without placing the burden and expense of altering the property and defending claims for injuries on the landowner.
331 views • posted 01/29/2020
