Join Rails to Trails’ Changemaker for Trails campaign for a training on “Preparing for the Next Transportation Bill: How Federal Transportation Decisions Affect Walking, Biking and Trails.” During this training, we discussed the federal legislation that makes trails possible and how you can directly influence the creation of this legislation. More specifically, we discussed Rails […]

View the impact of Celebrate Trails Day 2025 in this infographic of participation statistics, direct impact and why people use trails. 2025 By The Numbers: “Trails bring people together and recognize the importance of not only exercise, but the culture and history of a location.” —2025 Participant, Abingdon, MD Direct Impact: Ways People Rely on […]

Trail-Oriented Development (TrOD) is an innovative planning approach that integrates multiuse trails with residential and commercial development to create walkable, bike-friendly communities that enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles, and strengthen local economies. Similar to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), TrOD clusters businesses, housing, and other amenities around trails to foster vibrant, connected neighborhoods. Join the TrailNation Collaborative, […]

April 15, 2025Secretary Sean DuffyU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWashington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Duffy, As you review the Department’s programs, policies and grants, we are writing to share with you the many ways that active transportation infrastructure is essential to the success of America. Investments made in walking and biking directly support […]

As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, trails are playing an increasingly vital role in planning, recovery, and resiliency. From serving as alternative evacuation routes to critical drivers of economic recovery, trails are emerging as essential infrastructure in times of crisis. In this session, attendees heard real-world examples of trails serving as critical infrastructure […]

As we work to shape federal transportation priorities, RTC has put forth a policy framework for the next reauthorization of the federal surface transportation bill focused on ensuring a robust ecosystem of policies and programs that prioritize connected walking and biking routes, making it safer and easier for Americans to move around the regions where […]

This is a crucial moment for the walking, biking and trails movement, and through our collective advocacy, we can ensure that trails have the robust support and funding they need to remain safe and vibrant pillars of our community! During this training, RTC panelists discussed how recent federal decisions could affect the way trails are […]

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) to learn more about successful collaborations between agencies and organizations to secure funding for trails and active transportation. This session highlighted the importance of collaborative relationships to accelerate trail network development and provides tools to build successful partnerships in your community.   RTC was joined by Audra Koester Thomas and […]

During the webinar, Brandi Horton, RTC’s vice president of communications, and Suzanne Matyas, RTC’s social media and engagement strategist, will provide an overview of Celebrate Trails Day; share ways to engage; go over the tools and materials RTC provides to help our partners plan, promote and participate in the celebration; and answer any of your […]

Join Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) for an interactive discussion exploring how to advocate for improved Transportation Alternatives (TA) program implementation. During this highly interactive 60-minute session, attendees heard from RTC’s Kevin Mills, Vice President of Policy and Kim Chesser, State Agency Advocacy Specialist, as they explored opportunities to accelerate progress on trail and active […]