Why build a bike trail?

The plan is to build, with state and federal recreation money, a 13-mile multi-use trail atop the abandoned railroad bed that parallels US 36 from the Miami County line to Urbana, starting with the section that connects Saint Paris to the trail already under construction in Miami County.

If you're one of those with a couple of dusty old bikes who hasn't ridden in 30 years, it's natural to wonder why so much effort and expense should be expended on the few spandex-clad enthusiasts who occasionally zip by.

Take a closer look. Everyone in the community will benefit from the bike trail, even those who prefer to let their old Schwinns hang in the shed.

1. We will make Saint Paris a better place to live.

There are few family bonding experiences like a bike ride, and right now there's really only one place in town -- Walnut Street -- to safely ride. The population is aging -- one quarter of us are 60 or older. There are fewer contributors to health and longevity than a thrice-weekly ride.

2. The downtown business district benefits

By catering to cyclists and off-duty adventure-seekers. The recent literature is replete with examples of towns that have revitalized their downtowns around a recreational trail. (See: Loveland, Ohio.)

3. Home ownership will rebound.

People want to live next to trails. Simple as that. The National Association of Realtors and National Homebuilders Association teamed up to interview 2,000 respondents who purchased within the past 48 months. Question: For which features would you pay more for a home? The feature most often mentioned was highway access (44%). In second place, with 36% came walking/jogging/bike trails, which beat sidewalks (28%), parks (26%) and playgrounds (21%).

4. Property values will rise

because of those who want to live near bike trails. Browse the Urbana real-estate listings and you’ll notice many advertising proximity to the Simon Kenton Trail.

5. We're serving future generations.

Time and development will make this harder as the years wear on. The time is now. Our grandchildren will thank us.

6. The schools want it.

In fact, the Graham staff is already working on Safe Routes to Schools funding to connect the bike trail to their buildings.

7. This puts Saint Paris on the map.

By completing the three-mile stretch to the Miami County line, we’ll connect to nation’s largest paved trail network: 350 miles of trails through 40 communities in eleven counties, traveled by 91,000 visitors a year.

8. Local governments will reap the benefits of enhanced tax revenues.

Which is what you get with more homeowners, an uptick in residential construction and higher property values.