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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
Bright Horizons: Florida’s Miami LOOP
January 12, 2018
Approximately 54 percent complete to date, the Miami LOOP is a 225-mile trail vision to expand transportation options, make biking and walking safer and more equitable.
The Atlantic Greenway in South Beach is part of Florida’s 225-mile developing Miami LOOP. | Photo by Lee Smith
Blog
A View From … The National Trails System
January 03, 2018
In 2018, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System Act, which provided an incredible legacy for all Americans. Five of these iconic American experiences are listed below along with rail-trails that weave in and around them.
Great Shasta Rail Trail | Photo by Christina Schmidlin with Hellikon, courtesy Great Shasta Rail Trail Association
Blog
10 Trails Named After Influential Women
March 08, 2017
For Women’s History Month, we honor this visionary woman and others who have made extraordinary impacts in their own communities and for the nation. In some cases, their legacy lives on in the names of trails that are used and loved by communities.
Sacagawea statue | Photo courtesy Charles Dawley | CC by 2.0
Blog
Honoring the Legacy of African-American Cycling Legend Major Taylor
February 16, 2017
In the late 1890s, an African-American dynamo exploded onto the bicycle racing scene at record-breaking speeds: Marshall “Major” Taylor.
Taylor on the chainless bicycle on which he won the world championship and broke world records in 1899. Uncredited photo, Taylor scrapbook. | Courtesy Major Taylor Association, Inc.
Blog
Former Congressman Tom Petri Named RTC’s 2016 Rail-Trail Champion
December 06, 2016
RTC is pleased to name former U.S. Congressman Tom Petri as the 2016 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion in recognition of his decades of support for rail-trails and active transportation infrastructure.
A nostalgic image of former Congressman Tom Petri biking with his daughter Alexandra (now a columnist with the Washington Post) and wife Ann (DeDe) Petri | Photo courtesy Tom Petri
Blog
Pathway to Prosperity: Missouri’s Katy Trail Is a Beautiful Model for Commerce
December 02, 2016
Missouri’s Katy Trail supports small businesses across the state and serves as a model for other rail-trail projects nationwide.
Trail's End Monument in Sedalia, 35 miles east of the Katy Trail's western end in Clinton, celebrating Sedalia's history as the first cow town | Photo by Danielle Taylor
Blog
Former R.E.M. Tour Manager Creates Rural Connections in Washington
November 07, 2016
It may be a no-brainer that Seattle-born Bobby Whittaker has always loved the outdoors, having been raised by the first American to summit Mt. Everest.
Bobby Whittaker, president of Ferry County Rail Trail Partners, with 770-foot trestle over Curlew Lake in background | Photo by Rich Landers
Blog
10 More Game-Changing Rail-Trails
June 10, 2016
Here are 10 more game-changing rail-trails (in no particular order) that have had an impact, as destinations, recreation magnets, economic drivers or transportation connectors, in the U.S.
Martin Olav Sabo Bridge over Hiawatha Avenue along the Midtown Greenway in Minnesota | Photo courtesy Tony Webster | CC by 2.0
Blog
How May T. Watts Inspired the Illinois Prairie Path and U.S. Rail-Trail Movement
March 14, 2016
May Theilgaard Watts was a writer, illustrator, naturalist, scientist and teacher. Her determination that Americans stay connected to their natural landscape in a time of increasing urbanization was the catalyst that led to the formation of the Illinois Prairie Path,
Illinois Prairie Path | Trail photo courtesy David Wilson | CC by 2.0 | Photo of Watts by Isabel Wasson