Mapping and Exploring the Conditions and Purpose of Using Trail Paths in a Medium-Sized Suburban Environment

Abstract

The current paper presents the results of a questionnaire survey which examines the trail path usage conditions on Peranthi Hill in Arta, a medium-sized city in northwestern Greece. The key element of the survey is the detailed mapping of the suburban trail path network of the city, and it focuses on questions about the types of activities of people who walk or bike on the trail paths and the day, time, duration and distance of their trips, as well as their equipment (bicycles, clothes, shoes, etc.). Further questions focus on maintenance and safety issues (e.g., security, guarding, cleanliness) and infrastructures which are considered necessary in order to improve the trail paths’ environment and their use. Taking into consideration that several routes are being developed on Peranthi Hill, with distinct differences in their layouts, the preferred layout is explored in relation to each activity selected by the users. The results of the questionnaire survey, and the cluster analysis specifically, aim to address these issues and assist stakeholders and policymakers in improving the trail paths in terms of their utility and usability level.