Over the past few weeks, the Student Government Association has been communicating with the administration to not only update the current exercise trails on campus, but also to create new paths throughout the University. The paths, known as the Crimson Trails, should be completed by the fall semester.

“This network of walking and running trails will promote a healthy lifestyle on campus,” said Meg McCrummen, SGA chief of staff. “We want students to get outside and enjoy our beautiful campus in a way that is healthy and safe.”

Although students may be familiar with the markers currently placed around the Quad and the Student Recreation Center, the new Crimson Trails will offer safer options, especially for students who choose to exercise at night.

“By marking these particular routes, we identify places on campus that students may walk or run in safety,” said Peyton Falkenburg, SGA deputy chief of staff. “Crimson Trails are well lit and have good sidewalks.  Of course, one should always use caution and common sense when outdoors, but our hope is that students will feel comfortable and confident while on these trails.”

While the SGA hopes students will embrace the safer features provided by the new Crimson Trails, they also anticipate that students will appreciate the wider variety of trails that will be installed as well as the benefits they will provide.

“Mile markers will help students keep track of distances, and multiple routes will allow all students to pick a route that suits them,” McCrummen said. “Moreover, the 5K route can be used by organizations sponsoring a run, which reduces stress on [the University of Alabama Police Department] and University administrators and delineates expectations for a 5K run.”

By installing the new trails, the SGA hopes students will have more motives to participate in healthier lifestyles and activities.

“The goal of the Crimson Trails initiative is to provide students with well-lit exercise routes to promote a healthy lifestyle,” said James Fowler, SGA president. “Whether a student uses the trails for biking, running or walking, the Crimson Trails will allow students to know they are safe, as well as what distance they are traveling.”

The new routes will include a 5K that will begin and end at the Recreation Center, a Quad Loop equaling .77 miles, a Residential Route also beginning and ending at the Recreation Center equaling 3.8 miles and a Rec Loop that will be 1.56 miles.