The AVA has conducted a survey of people who no longer participate in volkssporting. The results provide clubs with some interesting feedback -- and challenges.
The survey results are summarized below. There were 398 surveys mailed and 102 returned.
Why are you no longer participating? 44.6% Don't know where events are being held 39.2% Health 35.1% Lack of time 20.3% Lost walking partner 17.6% Work schedule 16.2% Distance to events 12.2% Length of trails -- too long 9.5% Took up another hobby/activity 8.1% Moved and don't know where clubs are located 6.8% Children's schedule 6.8% Difficulty of trails -- too difficult 6.8% Don't know anyone 6.8% Took up another walking/hiking/running activity 4.1% Cost 1.4% Location of trails 1.4% Awards Program
Some specific comments: - We went to all monthly meetings and several events but never felt part of the group. - We had done all local walks, usually more than once, so interest waned. - My children too young to walk that distance - Looking for short trails to do on Saturday or Sundays - What to do with all these awards? They, and book mileage, made it too organized.
There were a number of comments on being "too busy" or scheduling issues. Some just "lost interest." Age and health problems common. Some respondees lived in states with too few clubs or walks.
What did you like about volkssporting? 97.3% Exercise 85.1% Chance to see new places 79.7% Being outdoors 62.2% Non-competitive sport 51.4% Location of events 36.5% Social aspect 33.8% Awards program 23.0% Length of trails 13.5% Cost 1.4% Other
What we can do: We in Washington State have plentiful walks and clubs to choose from. But continuing to add variety every year is important.
We also do a good job of publicizing events with Pathfinder and our ESVA and club websites. But ways we could improve might be to mail event brochures and/or Pathfinders to club members we haven't seen for awhile. Continuing to get these publications out to libraries, health clubs and other public forums is important, too.
Offer shorter trails and more weekend dates. Most events in Washington offer a shorter (5K or 6K) trail. This is important to a number of walkers. Offering Saturday and Sunday events helps give more people a chance to attend.
Provide walking partners. Some people join clubs looking for new friends to walk with. Many clubs have meetings and work events but don't provide opportunities to walk together.
New membership. There will always be attrition when people get older, have health problems or simply move on to new things. The only way to combat this is new blood. We need to do more to reach new walkers.
What did you dislike about volkssporting? 33.8% Not being able to find out about events 25.7% Too few walks in my area 25.7% Start locations too far from home 14.9% Saturday only events not convenient 14.9% Sunday only events not convenient 12.2% Difficulty getting to events 12.2% Event locations 9.5% Walking on city streets, sidewalks 6.8% Time provided by club for event too short 6.8% Cost 4.1% No social aspects to events 4.1% Difficulty of trails -- too hard 2.7% Clubs were too political 2.7% Too much emphasis put on selling "trophies" 2.7% Weekend events were not convenient 1.4% Trails 1.4% Length of trails -- too long 8.1% Other
What would it take to get your to participate again? 41.2% Being able to find out where events are located 35.1% Mailings from clubs about event locations 33.8% More walks in area 15.2% Shorter distance trails 9.5% Easier trails
