b'4.6 Miles of Bike/Walking PathsIncrease path infrastructure to promote active livingWhy is this important? The opportunity to walk or bike for everyday travel, known as2009 Proportion of Bike Trail and Path Miles to Road MilesActive Transportation,65can provide numerous health benefits to community members. Living in a community where people can walk or bike to school, work, shopping or public transportation promotes a lifestyle of increased physical activity which in turn reduces the chances of becoming overweight or obese and suffering from chronic disease. If walk- 116 Bike path milesing or biking activities replace some automobile use then additional benefits will also1,732 Road milesinclude reduced commuting times, lower carbon emissions and fewer motor vehicle accidents. Significant research has also been completed on the economic value of active transportation, with benefits that include increases in residential and commercial 22 Bike path milesproperty values, decreased commercial vacancy rates, and increases in commercial and182 Road milesstate revenues.66 0 20 40 60 80 100 %Where we stand now:There are 22 miles of bike paths and trails in Keene and 116 bikeCheshire CountyKeene Percent of Roadspath miles in all of Cheshire County.Cheshire Countys goal: We will continually increase the miles of bike paths and trails in our region.4.7 Acres of Parks and Public Lands 2009 Percent of Total Acres ConservedIncrease green spaces for active living opportunities and Acresper 1,000 Persons0 5 10 15 20 25 3035% Why is this important?Parks and public lands such as forests, fields, and waterways are traditionally valued as places for recreation and aesthetic beauty. As such they alsoPercent of Acres Conservedcontribute to community health, especially when they are considered as fundamental to22% Acres Conservedpromoting physical activity such as walking, running, and bicycling. The benefitsof green and open spaces regarding health and healing are well researched. The1,330 Acres per 1,000 personsopportunity to visit and enjoy green space can result in reduced stress and anxiety, and is also highly restorative.67 29% Acres ConservedWhere we stand now:In Cheshire County 22% of acres are conserved for public use.1,307 Acres per 1,000 personsCheshire Countys goal:Our goal is to continually conserve land for public use.0 300 600 900 1200 1500Cheshire CountyNew HampshireAcres per 1,000 persons42 Engaging Our Community In Health88222_CMC2.indd 44 2/1/10 12:27 PMPCP 120'