Skip to content

Policy


Blog
Connectivity Evolution: Examining a Decade of Rails-to-Trails’ Impact, 2010–2020
December 31, 2019
Here’s a look at RTC and a decade of rail-trails—their power and their impact. As the 2010s built momentum, opportunities to maximize the power of these essential community assets became clear.
Photo courtesy RTC
Blog
New Research Finds Public Investment in Trails, Walking and Biking Infrastructure Delivers Potential Economic Benefits of $138.5 Billion Annually
October 15, 2019
RTC's newest study, “Active Transportation Transforms America,” provides nation’s most comprehensive analysis of trails.
Bicyclist near Capitol Building - Photo courtesy D.C. Department of Transportation
Blog
California Invests Big in Trails, Demonstrates Growing Statewide Demand for Walking and Biking Infrastructure
March 29, 2019
The California Transportation Commission (CTC) recently approved more than $280 million in Active Transportation Program (ATP) funding (Cycle 4) to support 59 trail, walking and biking projects throughout the state, with about half—some $139 million—going to trails and separated bikeway projects (hereafter collectively referred to as “trails”).
Skunk Train passing on Willits Rail-Trail | Photo by Laura Cohen
Blog
Trail Networks and Spines: Key Components As Congress Discusses America’s Mobility Future
March 14, 2019
As Congress considers how it can meet the transportation needs of 21st-century America, RTC encourages them to consider the positive impacts active transportation can have on communities and how connected trail networks and spines are a significant part of the answer.
A two-way cycle track in the median of Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, D.C. - Photo by Elvert Barnes courtesy pedbikeimages.org
Blog
Developing Trail in Lincoln Celebrates Nebraska’s Tallgrass Prairie Legacy
February 13, 2019
Welcome to Nebraska’s tallgrass prairie, a rapidly disappearing ecosystem that Nebraskans are racing to preserve—and they hope to do just that with a new corridor and trail: the Prairie Corridor on Haines Branch.
Photo courtesy Prairie Corridor Foundation
Blog
Protecting Trails in 2018: Five Ways We Mobilized in Communities This Year
November 15, 2018
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and the national trail community put itself on the front lines to protect and defend trails in 2018. Here are five ways we mobilized in communities this year.
Baltimore, Maryland | Photo by Side A Photography
Blog
Trail Caucus Kicks Off to Connect Wisconsin as New Projects Build Momentum
October 10, 2018
An active and enthusiastic crowd of trail advocates gathered to kick off the state’s newly formed Legislative Trails Caucus.
Dave Schlabowske, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bike Fed, discusses the value of building a Trails Caucus | Photo by Brian Housh, courtesy RTC
Blog
Central Author of Historic Trail Legislation Named 2018 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion
September 27, 2018
One of the most important moments in the history of the rail-trail movement happened behind the scenes, with little fanfare or notice, when National Park Service (NPS) staffer Peter Raynor drafted an invaluable piece of legislation in just a few words.
2018 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champions Award ceremony | Photo by Hung Tran
Blog
Ohio Senators Steve Wilson and Sean O’Brien on Creating a Statewide Trail System
May 11, 2018
In May 2017, the Ohio Legislative Trails Caucus, a bipartisan group of state-elected officials, committed to an Ohio Statewide Trail System.
Left to Right- Senators Sean O’Brien and Steve Wilson | Photo by Brian Housh
Blog
Trail Geek Terminology (A Cheat-Sheet to Satisfy Your Inner Wonk)
January 29, 2018
RTC's put together this little trail-geek cheat sheet so that we can all bone up on our trail and active-transportation policy speak.
Photo Courtesy RTC