“We should be exposing our students to lifelong physical activity and should be helping them develop the skills and confidence to enjoy those activities,” said Jack Hatert, principal of McKinney Middle School. “Our schools are the heartbeat of a cycling community, and we have to pass the passion on to our students.”

The Great American Rail-Trail® and its hosts trails connect to many places of learning, history and culture where students can take a break from the grind of classwork and explore. Here are some of our favorites.

Family, work and life combined with the Great American Rail-Trail announcement to push me toward a commitment to a long-distance bike trip.

On or about Sept. 29, 2022, Norfolk Southern Railway Company filed for the abandonment of 0.24 miles of track in the City of Evansville in Vanderburgh County, Indiana.

For me, the positive impact that going car-free has on air quality, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing traffic congestion far outweighs the benefits of owning a car.

Over the past two decades, the Greenway of Greater Grand Forks has attracted more and more uses, and Greendahl said she often gets requests for new features, such as more river access points.

Brandi Horton sat down with Indiana State Rep. Carey Hamilton, the 2022 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion, to chat about her passion for trails and efforts to help lead the build-out of Indiana’s statewide trail network.

Kaw Point Park is one of the many highlights on Kansas City’s 15-mile Riverfront Heritage Trail. Along the way, the bike/pedestrian pathway takes in not just the two rivers, but two states, three counties, three cities, countless neighborhoods, bustling retail centers and vast industrial areas.

I decided to purchase my own e-bike and conquer my own fears of biking in the city. That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

RTC is urging all our supporters to once again weigh in with FHWA to say that trails matter, and that state DOTs should set goals and show if they are making progress toward a more sustainable transportation system by funding trails, walking and bicycling.