STATISTICS recently released on the number of users of the Great Victorian Rail Trail have seen some surprising outcomes.
From the latest stats it appears that many locals in ‘lockdown’ due to the COVID-19 restrictions have indeed used the rail trail for their exercise regime.
The statistics released go back to 2015 when counters on the trail were first placed at points along the way recording mainly cyclists but cannot discount some walkers stopping on the counter tapes.
Over the first four months in that year the Mansfield section of the trail recorded some 23,200 users.
In that year the overall 12 month total recorded was almost 100,000 (actual 98,467), a tremendous number in just one year.
From these statistics it appears that the Mansfield end of the trail – stretching from Mansfield to the top of Merton Gap was the most popular.
The 2019 year saw figures very similar to the previous four years.
And despite a fairly hot and dry summer with bushfires, drought and then the coronavirus lockdown, the first four months of 2020 has seen the trail still retaining good figures.
Mansfield recorded more than 3000 users in each of January and February while March saw a spike to 4938 and April (with many using the trail for their ‘exercise’ during lockdown) up to 6387 bringing the total to date for this area to 17,932.
Murrindindi and Mitchell shires also indicated their community members were taking advantage of the rail trail during this period too.
“It's wonderful to see more of our community members utilising the Great Victorian Rail Trail during this period,” said economic development officer – tourism and events Nicole Nye.
“The rail trail allows exercising in a safe, open environment while enjoying the natural landscape which appeals to all ages, including our four-legged family members.”
For further information on the Great Victoria Rail Trail call into the Mansfield Visitor Information Centre – at the former Railway Station site.
