Celebrate National Trails Day by Kicking Gas Costs to the Curb: 
Try a Trail Today

Every year, the onset of summer and the lure of vacations kick off a season of high gas use across America. This year is no different—but it can be. With gas prices approaching (and in some cases exceeding) $4 a gallon, many Americans are exploring methods of reducing their summer gas use and the associated costs by giving trails, walking and biking a try.

At Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC), we call this trifecta of gas-free travel "active transportation." Walking to the pool, biking to the park, making a long-distance rail-trail your summer vacation—these are all ways you can turn your back and your wallet on the gas pump while having a great time with family and friends.

"With gas prices at an unprecedented high, vacationers need alternative ways to travel, and rail-trails are a fun, healthy and affordable way to see different parts of the country," says RTC President Keith Laughlin.

Another way to reacquaint yourself with your local rail-trail system is to take part in National Trails Day on Saturday, June 7, sponsored by our friends at the American Hiking Society. National Trails Day, a nationwide celebration with more than 1,000 registered events, brings awareness to trails and thanks the many people and organizations who work to make trails a reality. Plus, it's loads of inexpensive summer fun and a great way to kick-start a less car-dependent lifestyle.

These fun, gas-free options—that have the significant side-benefit of helping people and communities stay active and healthy—don't happen without a lot of help. RTC has worked for the last 22 years to secure and protect funding for active transportation. Research shows that by funding more active transportation programs and projects nationally, we can increase the number of people who walk, bike and use trails to get where they're going. And in doing so, we're creating more than just healthier people; we're creating a healthier planet.

You can become a part of the movement, too. With the help of members and supporters like you, RTC recently scored a major victory on Capitol Hill, likely saving between $100 and $200 million nationally for trails, walking and biking. And we are leading the charge on a bold and ambitious campaign to double federal funding for active transportation.

To add your voice to ours and make known your desire for more places to walk and bike—without paying at the pump—take the Burn Calories, Not Carbon!™ pledge. Together, let's make this summer a trend-setter for less gas use and more trail use.