Author(s):
Dave Lemberg* - Western Michigan University
Abstract:
Tri-Modal Leisure Corridors (TMLC's) link water trails on rivers, canals, or shorelines with parallel motorized and non-motorized routes on land. On first impression, TMLC's seem sustainable, using existing infrastructure to promote recreation and tourism. Two of the three transportation modes offered are non-motorized. The level of sustainability in practice however is dependent upon the modal split between paddling, hiking, biking, driving, and mass transit options. The higher the percentage of the driving component, the less sustainable the TMLC is in reality. The operational sustainability of the TMLC is therefore a function of use patterns and marketing strategies. This presentation will cover some of the principles of planning a TMLC and lay out a template for maximizing best sustainable practices based upon the experience in planning and developing the Lake Michigan TMLC. The Lake Michigan TMLC is a 1,600 mile loop packaging the Lake Michigan Circle Tour (a four-state highway route) with developing U.S. Bike Routes and a Lake Michigan National Recreation Water Trail.
