FAQs
East Branch Trail FAQs
It’s important to make informed decisions! Here are research based answers to frequently asked questions about the proposed East Branch DuPage River Trail.
How do trails impact home values?
Studies of recreational trails in many states have shown that the proximity to a path is likely to increase property values and ease of sale. (source: University of Delaware, Center for Transportation)
The National Association of Realtors agrees that “living near trails and greenways will likely raise your property value an average of 3-5% and sometimes even as high as 15%.” (Source: National Association of Realtors)
Are trails safe for the neighborhood?
Peer reviewed research also shows that trails do not increase crime in their surrounding areas. Insteard, crime rates on the trails are consistent with the surrounding neighborhoods. (source: Delaware Center for Transportation at University of Delaware
A peer reviewed study of 10 cities found that bicycling and pedestrian paths with physical separation from heavy vehicle traffic reduces crashes and decreases severe injury (source: American Journal of Public Health) The East Branch DuPage River Trail would provide a safe route to school for Glenn Westlake Middle School students who live on the east side of the IL-53. (See trail map) It would also help prevent pedestrian injuries like this incident from 2017.
How do trails impact community health?
Most American adults do not get the recommended 15-30 daily minutes of activity. The CDC recommends communities create safe and accessible walking paths and trails to encourage increased activity levels. (Source: CDC American Surgeon General's Report)
Proximity to bike lanes and trails positively impacts adolescent physical activity (source: Obesity Review).
The National Park Association confirms the positive effects of parks and trails to improve mental health and increase social interaction. (Source: National Parks Service & CDC report) The East Branch DuPage River Trail would connect residents to several parks in the Glen Ellyn Park District, Butterfield Park District and greenspaces in the DuPage County Forest Preserves.
There are other trails in DuPage County. Why do we need the East Branch DuPage River Trail?
All residents of DuPage County should have access to active transportation and recreation opportunities. The Prairie Path and Great Western Trails are east-west trails through the center of DuPage County. Residents on the east side of the County can access these trails via the Salt Creek Trail. Residents on the west side of the County can access trails via the West Branch Trail. There is a large gap in the trail network in the middle of the County.
How will the East Branch DuPage River Trail impact the environment?
A preliminary environmental field review was conducted in the pre-phase one engineering to help determine the best general route options. In the phase one engineering, a more detailed environmental survey will be conducted. (Source: DuPage County’s EBDRT website)
The East Branch DuPage River Trail will encourage residents to bicycle and walk instead of using a car for short trips. This reduces “consumption of fossil fuels and the associated pollution and other environmental damage.” (Source: US Department of Transportation)
Will Building the East Branch DuPage River Trail increase my taxes?
Trails are considered part of transportation infrastructure and as such are budgeted through departments of transportation in Illinois. Some of the taxes already paid have been budgeted for transportation and infrastructure projects. Trails can be funded 80% by federal transportation grants, but applying for these grants is very competitive because trails are so popular due to their many positive benefits. (Source: Active Transportation Alliance, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning).
View More Verified Facts in this presentation prepared about Lake County, Illinois, by Active Transportation Alliance.