Trails are an important contributor to the growing outdoor recreation economy, and a powerful asset that attracts people seeking outdoor-oriented destinations. Across the country, trail-based tourism presents incredible opportunities for communities of all sizes. During this webinar, we talk with community leaders from the Ecusta Trail in North Carolina, and the Cowboy Trail (Nebraska) along […]

How to Prepare Active Transportation Infrastructure for Future Successes Prepared for REI Cooperative Action Fund, March 2026 Authored by: Overview In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)—also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)—was hailed as being transformative by its supporters, both for its size ($1.2 trillion, with a total of $550 billion […]

Estimating the cost of a trail is rarely as simple as a price per mile—material types, site conditions, prevailing wage and inflation all shape what a project will cost. This Bay Area Trails Collaborative (BATC) Trail Talk featured a trail manager, designer and contractor who utilized two case studies to share their perspectives on cost […]

Better Transportation Alternatives Implementation Key to Narrowing Gap of Unmet Demand for Safe Routes to Walk and Bike LESSONS FROM FY 2025 More Funding Represents More Progress But Still Falls Short of Demand IIJA provides states with a nearly 70% increase to the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) on average over five years beginning in FY […]

Join RTC for National Safety Month to learn the important role connected trail networks play in advancing safe outcomes for all road users. During this session, attendees hear from communities across the country that are prioritizing trail infrastructure to address safety concerns in their larger transportation networks.   RTC’s Scott Goldstein, Senior Director of Government Relations […]

Executive Summary THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from across the country. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

In May, the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee took the first step towards passing a new federal transportation law when it announced a bipartisan agreement entitled the BUILD America 250 Act – Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for America’s 250th Act. While the bill continues legacy active transportation programs, it fails to prioritize […]

This webinar explains the growing challenges and policy responses surrounding micromobility, especially the confusion between e-bikes and faster, more powerful e-motos. Speakers emphasize that safety, clear definitions, and proper regulation are essential to maintaining accessible and inclusive multi-use trails. They outline federal, state, and local efforts—along with industry-led solutions—to clarify rules, improve enforcement, and educate […]

Dear Chairmen Capito and Graves, and Ranking Members Whitehouse and Larsen: We write in strong support of the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), and request that you extend and strengthen this program in the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization. ATIIP was authorized in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) with bipartisan support. It is […]

This webinar explored the growing social connection crisis in North America and positioned trails as critical social infrastructure, not just transportation or recreation assets. Speakers from Rails to Trails Conservancy, the U.S. Chamber of Connection, and Toronto’s Bentway shared research, real-world examples, and strategies showing how thoughtfully designed and programmed trails can rebuild trust, belonging, and well-being. The conversation […]