Trail Advocacy

No matter how much America loves rail-trails, a lot of political struggles are involved in the trail and active transportation movements. Laws govern abandoned rail lines for trail use, but these laws shouldn't be taken for granted. Trails need support from neighbors, public servants and local civic and business leaders. Laws also fund trail projects, foster public support, build political will and protect abandoned corridors. Make sure your trail gets built. Learn the options here.

The Campaign for Active Transportation: RTC's multi-year campaign that aims to build off of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program. Part of a larger effort to double the federal investment in trails, walking and bicycling, the campaign's goal is to provide focused, targeted investments to dozens of communities around the country to promote active transportation.

Active Transportation for America: RTC's groundbreaking report that, for the first time, quantifies the benefits our nation would see with increased walking and bicycling.

Action Alerts: When the opportunity to speak up on urgent issues that are relevant to the trails, walking and bicycling movements comes up, RTC sends out action alerts to the RTC Online e-mail list, encouraging our online supporters to take action. Not part of RTC Online yet? Register (for free) now!

Railbanking: the federal legislation that allows for a voluntary agreement to take place between a railroad company and a trail agency to use an out-of-service rail corridor as a trail until some railroad might need the corridor again for rail service.

Federal transportation legislation: The federal government plays a critical role in funding our nation's transportation infrastructure. This includes funding for trail and other active transportation infrastructure. A key part of such funding is the Transportation Enhancements (TE) program, the nation's largest funding source for trails, walking and biking. RTC is the nation's leading defender of the TE program, which includes housing the National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse (NTEC). RTC also actively engages our decision-makers to improve the level of funding for trails and active transportation in our federal transportation bills.