In July, the Journal Star had this to say about plans to convert the Kellar Branch rail line to a bike trail:

By conservative estimates, the Kellar Branch would attract at least 2,500 hikers, bikers, runners and walkers a week.

At least 2,500 hikers, bikers, runners and walkers a week! I don’t know where they got those numbers, but one would imagine they based them at least in part on current trail use. So imagine my surprise when I read this letter to the editor today:

Peoria’s riverfront path empty
Thursday, October 13, 2005

Many people are missing out on one of Peoria’s best features, the walking and biking path along the riverfront in Downtown Peoria. I’ve used the path since it opened and often I’m walking alone, with only an occasional jogger passing me by.

The views of the Illinois River and the boats and barges sailing by, the wooded path with stretches of prairie, the many animals one sees along the walk and the beautiful urban views of the bridge and the Downtown buildings are special. This is a true gem right in the middle of an urban center. Too bad more Peorians don’t enjoy it.

Harry Gunn
Peoria

How is that possible? Where are the crowds? At 2,500 people per week, that’s 357 people per day. Even if those people were evenly distributed over 24 hours a day, Mr. Gunn should be passing about 15 people every hour!

I think it’s just more evidence that trail usage numbers are exaggerated.