Different trail users have different needs. Hikers, cyclists, equestrians, mountain bikers, and ATV riders all put different demands on a trail surface — and good design accounts for that from day one.
The Rails to Trails Conservancy offers an excellent toolbox for designing trails matched to specific user types, covering everything from surface width to sight lines to grade requirements.
Understanding your intended users before breaking ground saves money and prevents the kind of user conflicts that lead to trail damage and safety issues.