Arcade Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study

Overview

The Arcade Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study will develop a cohesive set of concept-level plans and strategies, with defined priorities, to guide the Village in improving and expanding pedestrian and bicycle access within the Village of Arcade and region. The results of the study will identify opportunities to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists in Arcade and will recommend projects and strategies based on the determination of needs of area pedestrians and cyclists.
Verity Engineering, DPC, Byer Planning, and GObike Buffalo have been selected through RFP to produce the Arcade Multi-Use Trail Feasibility Study for the Village of Arcade under Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) UPWP Task #6550.

 

Background

Interest in walking, hiking, and bicycling is strong within the Village of Arcade: In 2019, a walking club was established at the Arcade Elementary School and, in 2022, the High School organized a Hiking Club. Local children often walk to school with their parents.
However, there are currently no regional trails in southwestern Wyoming County. Arcade, as the hub of a three-county region, is an ideal location for assessing trail feasibility. Potential exists to connect the village to the Genesee Valley Greenway Trail, Erie County Bureau of Forestry hiking trails in East Concord, Rushford Lake, and the Beaver Meadow Nature Center.  Development of a multi-use trail connecting these resources would help create an extensive active transportation network.

Interactive Map

Please mark up this map below with your thoughts about these proposed trail routes! Use the Red and Green flags above the map to drag and drop to the place you’d like to discuss.

 

Project Partners

Trail Benefits

Connectivity

Multi-use trails will connect Arcade residents and visitors to the natural, historic, and cultural splendor of the Western New York region.

Economy

The positive economic impacts of trails include recreation-based tourism, an increase in property values, an enhanced ability to attract new employers and employees, and the development of new industries, such as visitor services, to accommodate the increase in recreational opportunities in the area.

Health and Well-Being

Physical activity improves mental health and lowers the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and various cancers. Studies show that every $1 invested in recreation trails yields $3 in direct medical benefit.

Environment

Multi-use trails protect open space and provide corridors for wildlife. They create linear green space, thus preserving needed links between fragmented habitats and increasing available connected green space for many species.

Transportation

Trails provide transportation alternatives to those who choose not to drive or those who do not have access to a car. Completion of trail networks increase local mobility options and provide accessibility to nearby parks, playgrounds, and sports fields, increasing access to additional recreational opportunities in neighborhoods along trail corridors.

Safety

Off-road trails provide safe recreational opportunities for a variety of users. They provide a designated space for bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, and others.

Project Timeline

Take our Survey

As a local resident, you’re the expert. Knowing about your experience is critical to this project’s success.

Arcade Trails Survey

See what you missed in our last meeting:

Click the image below to view the slides discussed with those who were present, outlining the options available for Arcade residents:

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History

2016    
Genesee Transportation Council’s (GTC) Regional Trails Initiative identified a planned rail-with-trail project linking Arcade to the
Beaver Meadow Audubon Center in Java, a potential 11.4 mile trail network link.

2019
Arcade Elementary School walking club established

2022
Pioneer High School hiking club founded

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some responses to frequently asked questions on rail-to-trail projects. Have a different question? Get in touch with us!

Learn More

Bookmark this site, join our mailing list or submit a comment or question to info-at-gobikebuffalo.org.

Communication and outreach regarding the planning process will include:

  • Posting regular updates to this website.
  • Sending regular email updates.
  • Hosting a series of public meetings during the planning process and attending local events and community gatherings in the project area throughout the next three months. We’ll post event details to this website and our social media.
  • Presenting information about the project at local forums and community meetings on request.

Our project team is happy to respond to questions from adjacent landowners. The best way for property owners to contact us is by emailing ashley-at-gobikebuffalo.org.

The project team is also available to meet on-site with adjacent landowners where appropriate to share information and discuss landowner issues (adjacent landowners should include their contact information when submitting comments on the website).

Many studies have found that multi-use trails are an amenity that increases property values and improves the quality of life for nearby residents. For a sample of studies, please see our trail benefits section.

Rules will be posted informing trail users to stay on the trail and not enter the adjacent property. Trail design features, such as allowing vegetation to grow, establishing a natural boundary, and installing signage or fencing in specific locations where warranted, will reinforce trail behavior. New York State, like most states, has a Recreational Use Statute (General Obligation Law Section 9-103) that protects property owners from liability from hikers, bicyclists, and other trail activities on private property. The general experience of rail-trails across New York State is that users stay on the trails and respect adjacent private property.

Addressing concerns of adjacent landowners is a critical component of any trail planning process.

Based on experiences on other rail-trails, there typically are not significant problems with people leaving the trail and entering private property. Trail users understand that adjacent land is private property and should not to be entered without permission. 

We’re not sure yet. Typically, walkers, bicyclists, joggers, in-line skaters, cross-country skiers, dog walkers, bird watchers, parents with baby strollers, and people in wheelchairs generally use multi-use trails. In some places, equestrians and snowmobilers enjoy the trails. In trails along rivers or lakes, anglers and boaters will be present. Decisions about trail use will be reached through our public outreach process.

 

 

Trailheads, access points, parking, and other amenity locations are still to be determined. Draft plans will include recommendations on access points, amenities, and parking. 

If you have locations in-mind that would make good access points, or conversely, that would not make good access points, share those locations with our project team for review.

 

Municipal responsibilities will be defined through the feasibility study currently underway. For multi-use or rail-trails across the nation, regular maintenance needs are modest. In addition, the feasibility study will include an assessment of potential partners in trail management and maintenance, including nonprofit and user-group organizations.