Bridges serve as the gateways and centerpieces of communities, providing connectivity that has a major impact on active transportation.

Across the country, bridges are literally serving as gateways for communities to achieve critical strides in active transportation, conservation and economic development. Here, we take a look at 20 iconic bridges and trestles in the United States (in no particular order) that have played—or are playing—transformative connectivity roles in their regions.

The Richmond Greenway in California’s Bay Area is serving as a catalyst for activation and revitalization.

As California’s Napa Valley Vine Trail grows to reach its ultimate 47-mile potential, community members and visitors realize the beauty of connectivity and accessibility.

Traveling by bike allows you see snapshots of people’s daily lives and interact with them. “Traveling lets you see a thousand lives you might have lived.”

This vision is becoming a reality with nearly 60% of the 2,590-mile Bay Area regional trail network complete. Leading the charge is the Bay Area Trails Collaborative, a group of more than 50 businesses, agencies and organizations that is chaired by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC).

As we look ahead, we see opportunity and potential in the work and in the inspiration provided by the partners, friends and advocates with whom we share our collective vision.

A year of positive momentum. That’s how we’d describe 2021, which—despite many challenges and much uncertainty—still came with so much hope and progress for trails and those who made them happen.

D.C. has a lot treasures to discover including its rail-trails and multiuse pathways. Check out our favorite trails in Washington, DC.

Local and national trail advocates gathered virtually for the inaugural WV TRAIL Conference, Nov. 16–18, 2021.