What is a primary health benefit of trails and greenways?

Trails and greenways serve as vital resources for promoting physical activity, particularly because they create safe environments for exercise. This is significant for community health, as they provide accessible spaces for walking, running, cycling, and other forms of physical activity that help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle. By encouraging regular physical activity, these spaces can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental wellness, and enhancing overall community well-being.

Additionally, while many trails and greenways may attract wildlife or contribute to local ecology, their primary health benefit is their role in promoting safe and accessible exercise opportunities for the public. The other options, such as increasing traffic congestion or being paid facilities, do not align with the primary benefits related to health and physical activity that trails and greenways are intended to provide.