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  • Build Trails
  • Trail-Building Toolbox

Trail-Building Toolbox

Here you’ll get all the basics for creating a vibrant rail-trail for your community, including technical tips and tried-and-true methods for generating neighborhood, political and funding support for your project.

Basics

Topics in this section:

  • Trail-Building Basics
    Trail-Building Basics
  • Rail-with-Trail
    Rail-with-Trail
  • Utilities
    Utilities

Organizing

Topics in this section:

  • Working with Opposition and Neighbors
    Working with Opposition and Neighbors
  • Building Relationships with Public Agencies and Officials
    Building Relationships with Public Agencies and Officials
  • Building Community Support
    Building Community Support

Acquisition

Topics in this section:

  • Corridor Research
    Corridor Research
  • Railbanking
    Railbanking
  • How to Railbank
  • Negotiating with the Railroad
    Negotiating with the Railroad
  • Corridor Valuation
    Corridor Valuation
  • Acquisition strategy
    Acquisition Strategy
  • Environmental Contaminants
    Environmental Contaminants

Funding

Topics in this section:

  • Acquisition Funding
    Acquisition Funding
  • Maintenance Funding
    Maintenance Funding

Planning

Topics in this section:

  • Planning Basics
    Planning Basics
  • Comprehensive Regional Planning
    Comprehensive Regional Planning
  • Developing Trails in Sensitive Areas
    Developing Trails in Sensitive Areas
  • Working with Metropolitan Planning Organizations
    Working with Metropolitan Planning Organizations
  • Trail Towns
    Trail Towns

Design

Topics in this section:

  • Designing for User Type
    Designing for User Type
  • Accessibility
    Accessibility
  • Surfaces
    Surfaces
  • Signage and Surface Markings
    Signage and Surface Markings
  • Crossings
    Crossings
  • Bridges
    Bridges
  • Tunnels and Underpasses
    Tunnels and Underpasses
  • Lighting
    Lighting
  • Gardens
    Gardens
  • Public Art
    Public Art
  • Trailheads

Management and Maintenance

Topics in this section:

  • Management Basics
    Management Basics
  • Liability and Trail Insurance
    Liability and Trail Insurance
  • Trail Conflicts and User Speeds
    Trail Conflicts and User Speeds
  • Trail Conflicts and User Speeds
    E-Bikes
  • Trail User Surveys and Counting
    Trail User Surveys and Counting
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Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

National Headquarters:
2121 Ward Court, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, DC 20037
Phone: 202.331.9696

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