What is Active Transportation?
Active transportation is travel powered by human energy, and walking and biking are the most common means of active transportation. To encourage more walking and biking, communities must create active transportation systems—seamless networks of accessible trails, sidewalks and on-road bike facilities.

At a time when 40 percent of trips made in America are two miles or less, and the vast majority of these short trips are taken by automobile, the practicality of making biking and walking mainstream transportation options is undeniable. Especially when connected with mass transit, a new host of mobility choices are opened up to Americans.

Increased mobility, improved public health, economic development, cleaner environment and enhanced community are benefits of active transportation systems. Engaging people from across the country to champion integrated networks to achieve these benefits for their communities is the spirit of the active transportation movement.

How is Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Promoting Active Transportation?
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy aims to make trails, biking and walking mainstream transportation options by organizing a popular grassroots movement and advocating policies to ensure the creation of adequate infrastructure and programs to support active transportation. Rail-trails often serve as the spine of active transportation systems. 

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is working to make trail systems ubiquitous and active transportation routine in communities throughout America.