Trail User Survey Workbook

RTC's guide to conducting a survey, including sample surveys and methods.

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

The purpose of this manual is to help you implement a trail user survey and determine

the economic impact that your trail has on your community. Let’s begin by looking at the steps involved in a survey project.

• Establish the goals of the project – what do you want to learn?

• Determine who you want to interview

• Choose a data collection methodology

• Create your questionnaire

• Collect the data – ask the questions

• Analyze the data

• Produce a report

About the Author


Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. RTC’s mission, and its value, is magnified in urban areas, where one mile of trail can completely redefine the livability of a community. Where trails are more than just recreational amenities, creating opportunities for active transportation and physical activity—improving our health and wellbeing—as they safely connect us to jobs, schools, businesses, parks, and cultural institutions in our own neighborhoods and beyond.

More articles by this author

More articles in this category

Benchmarking Bike Networks

posted Apr 17, 2024

This report summarizes guidance and best practices to create safer bicycle facilities and connect them into networks that allow more people to safely bike to more places within and throughout communities.

Setting Speed Limits for Health and Safety

posted Apr 17, 2024

This mini-report on setting speed limits shows the current framework for speed limit policies through a review of state laws that set speed limits.

Winter Recreation Planning

posted Nov 14, 2023

These case studies reveal a number of lessons learned that will be valuable in future winter travel management planning efforts.

TRAILS SAFE PASSING PLAN: STOP, SPEAK, and STAND BACK

posted Feb 14, 2023

Horses are prey animals and naturally can be afraid of unfamiliar people and objects. Horses have natural "flight“ survival instincts and prefer to move their feet towards an exit route. Therefore, people with horses should pass at a walk while other trail users remain STOPPED until passed.

572 views • posted 12/11/2019