Our goal
This project group wants the value of trails for the physical and mental health of the population to be recognized and used. We gather the evidence and develop concrete recommendations, so that health insurers, public health bodies and policy makers see trails as part of health promotion.
Why this matters
Trails are free to use, open all year and close to home for many people. Walking, hiking or cycling on a trail is one of the easiest ways to stay active and to recover from everyday stress. Nevertheless, trails hardly play a role in health policy, and their maintenance is almost never financed with health in mind. Health and trails are handled by different authorities that rarely talk to each other.
To change this, trail organizations need clear answers: how much exercise on trails keeps people healthy, and what is this worth for society?
Why now
Lack of exercise and mental strain have become everyday topics in Europe, at work, in schools and in families. Health systems are under growing cost pressure and are looking for prevention that works. At EU level, the European Commission is preparing a strategic vision for sport in Europe. Trails offer health promotion that already exists, costs little and reaches people of all ages and incomes. This is the moment to bring them into the discussion.
Goals of the Project Group
- Research and prepare existing studies on health promotion through physical exercise.
- Conduct further studies in collaboration with medical professionals and research institutes.
- Determine the minimum amount of exercise on trails needed to maintain physical and mental fitness, as a basis for health insurance bonus programs.
- Identify and quantify the economic value of maintaining the health of trail users, for political communication.
Granted Funding Projects
Submitted Funding Projects, pending approval
Funding Ideas
Rejected Projects
Do you want to join the Project Group?
Just fill the form and we will get in touch with you!
Project Ideas
Do you have a trail project idea?
Fill in the project outline and find like-minded project partners!