Did you know that one of America’s largest trail networks is in your backyard? Greater Philadelphia is the proud home of the Circuit Trails, a vast regional network of hundreds of miles of multi-use trails that is growing in size each year. The Circuit connects our local communities, providing endless opportunities for recreating and commuting. So whether you bike it, walk it, or run it, the point is — just enjoy it.
Why Does it Matter?
When we connect the 800 miles of the Circuit Trails, Greater Philadelphia will have a trail network unlike any other in the country — connecting the urban, suburban and rural communities of one of the largest metropolitan regions in the U.S. The Circuit Trails will make our region stronger by providing a place for healthy transportation and recreation, connecting our communities to green space, and making our neighborhoods more attractive places to live and work. Once connected, the Circuit Trails will be one of the nation’s premier urban trail networks and it will provide multiple benefits to neighborhoods, communities and the region as a whole.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your most burning Circuit questions answered here.
What makes a trail a part of The Circuit?
Are all trails in the Greater Philadelphia region part of the Circuit? Not necessarily! Circuit trails are, (with some exceptions)…
1. Off-road
2. 10 feet wide or greater
3. Multi-purpose; Must be open to bicyclists and pedestrians
4. Paved
5. Connected to already approved Circuit Trails
How many people ride and walk the Circuit?
- In July of 2015, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) released the first year of data from its permanent bicycle and pedestrian counters that have been placed on 11 trails around Greater Philadelphia. The data showed increased demand for the Circuit Trail network. See usage numbers of the five most popular trails here.
- The Greater Allegheny Passage in Western Pennsylvania hosts over 800,000 trips a year and, in 2008, generated over $40 million in direct annual spending and another $7.5 million in wages.
Where do I get on the Circuit Trails?
Check out our trail itineraries providing detail on the already hundreds of miles of Circuit trail being used by thousands of regional residents and visitors.
How Long Will the Circuit be Once completed?
The Circuit Trails network will be 800 connected miles of trail once complete.
What will be the benefits of the circuit once completed?
Economic Development
- Active transportation-related infrastructure, businesses, and events were estimated to have contributed $497.46 million to the New Jersey economy in 2011.
Real Estate
- Revenues Trails add value to nearby real estate. A 2011 study found that properties along the Radnor Trail in Wayne, PA increased by over $69,000 per property versus those further away from the trail .
- Vacant land improvements resulted in surrounding housing values increasing by as much as 30% in one Philadelphia neighborhood.
Healthcare Savings
- According to a study released by the Centers for Disease Control, a $1 investment in trails for physical activity led to $2.94 in healthcare savings.
- If 10% of the nation’s sedentary population adopted a walking program, the United States would save $5.6 billion annually in medical costs associated with coronary heart disease.
Increased Activity
- According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health, 65% of Pennsylvanians are obese or overweight as of 2012. Approximately 36.6% of PA adults (18+) are considered overweight (vs. 36.2% nationally) and about 29.2% are obese (vs. 27.6 % nationally.) The Childhood Obesity Action Network documented that 29% of children 10-17 years old in Pennsylvania are obese or overweight. Pennsylvania is the 19th most obese state in the nation.
- According to the Center for Disease Control, 61% of New Jersians are either obese or overweight as of 2012; approximately 37% of NJ adults are considered overweight and 24% are obese. 24% of New Jersey adolescents are overweight and obese.
- People can burn 300 calories per hour while biking leisurely. Using a bicycle to commute incorporates exercise into a person’s daily routine and improves overall physical fitness.
Environment
- Biking can improve air quality, promoting the public health of all city residents. While an eight mile car ride adds 15 pounds of air pollution to the atmosphere, a bicycle ride creates no emissions.
Who is involved in the build out of the circuit trails?
There are many different stakeholders involved in this project. To see who, check out the Circuit Coalition member page and partner page.
How can I get involved in the circuit trails?
There are lots of ways to support the Circuit build out effort. Click here to learn more.
How can I nominate a trail to become a part of the circuit?
Email recommendation to Chris Linn at clinn@dvrpc.org.
How can a group join the circuit coalition?
Want your Trail or Conservation organization to join the Circuit Trails Coalition? To see our invitation and guidelines, click here. For the 2019 Governance Framework, click here.
