June 15, 2020
DVRPC's permanent trail count data from May 2020 shows yet another month of increased trail use in the region from 2019. DVRPC has monitored trail use during the pandemic, recently reporting on trail increases in both March and April of this year compared to last year. In fact, data shows it's been up since January 2020. The following graphic shows this uptick from 2019 to 2020 of bicycle and pedestrian trail use on four trails in the region: Chester Valley Trail, Delaware River Trail at Port Richmond, Schuylkill River Trail at Spring Mill and Wissahickon Trail.
In May, trail use was up slightly over the three-day Memorial Day weekend, despite this year's stormy Saturday. Combined data from the Schuylkill Banks, Chester Valley Trail, Washington Crossing, Port Richmond, and the Wissahickon counters show usage up during the three days by 9%. Sunday showed the biggest increase in use on the trails with usage up 52% from 2019.
As we’ve previously reported, trail use on typically less used trails is realizing significant increases. Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, for example, the Delaware River trail at Port Richmond trail saw a 132% in use. Washington Crossing saw a 9% increase over the three-day weekend with a 68% increase on Sunday alone.
Explore DVRPC's Permanent Bicycle and Pedestrian Count web page for more count data!