From: Bonnie Waninger [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2000 6:18 PM
Subject: [trails-and-greenways] Re: comfort stations
While preparing a "Guide to Services" for the Trail, we asked every business along the trail about the types of amenities and services they provided to trail users. We used a checklist form to document each business' decision. A sample form is included below. We were pleasantly surprised to find that 80% of businesses permitted trail users access to restrooms and drinking water. The survey was the best investment of time and resources we've made. We had one-on-one contact with business owners/managers; we don't have to provide comfort stations; the businesses were great resources for trail needs; we can focus our limited budget on services that are truly needed; and cyclists know which business provides what service. No fees are charged for the listing and no money is paid to the business for the services. The business has the option to opt out of the service with each edition of the Guide. You may want to know that the Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail in Vermont crosses through dairy farm country with some village areas of 2,500-5,000 people. The longest stretch of trail without services is approximately 3.5 miles.
Bonnie Waninger-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date of Interview: ______/______/______
Business Name: _________________________________________
Person Contacted: _______________________________________
Business Location: ______________________________________
Business Address: _______________________________________
Telephone: _____________________________________________
Would you like to be included in the Guide? ___ Y ___ N
If Yes, what services and amenities does your business provide?
___Restrooms (restrictions?...by request, etc.__________________________________)
___Public parking (restrictions? ____________________________________________)
___Public telephone
___Drinking water to fill bottles
___Bicycle racks
___Picnic tables/area
___Restaurant, eat first
___Restaurant, pay first
___Deli
___Lodging
___Camping
___Cremees/Ice Cream
___Convenience store
___Gas
___Air
___Equipment or repair shop . . . ___ snowmobile ___ skis ___ bikes
___ other
___Boat/canoe rentals
___River access
___Travel information
___Travel maps for purchase
___Other
Would you like copies of the Guide to distribute in your business? ___ Y ___ N
[posted with permission of Bonnie Waninger <[email protected]> January 14, 2000 4:39 PM]Note that a list of services could also be assembled from the Recreational and Cultural Interest Signs at the Manual of Traffic Signs Web Site by Richard C. Moeur.
Kenyon F. Karl <[email protected]>.