Updated Nov. 30, 2020 The Approach This strategic plan contains a set of principles, analyses and strategies that will guide Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) in its mission to build a nation connected by trails during a time of unprecedented challenge and opportunity. This plan seeks to evaluate the opportunities of the current moment and anticipate the […]

This is a collection of terms relating to the work of equity within the trails movement. The document provides definitions of terms like equity, equality, diversity, inclusion, cultural competence and equitable development. The definitions have been compiled from different cited sources.

The Accessibility Toolkit for Land Managers is an informative document meant to help land managers design and maintain with equity and inclusion as a priority. The toolkit dives into what equity and access look like, who we’re talking about with examples of demographics, commonly used equipment, and desired recreation. We discuss shifting the lens and […]

New England Rail-Trail Spine Network The New England Rail-Trail Spine Network initiative was launched in March 2019 during a two-day regional meeting on multiuse trail development and policy in New Hampshire. Held at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Cardigan Mountain Lodge in Alexandria, the regional meeting included 12 New England experts on bicycle/pedestrian issues and multipurpose […]

FY 2019 TrADE Report Key findings of our FY 2019 report: Executive Summary The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) is the largest dedicated source of funding for trails, walking and biking in the United States. Since 1991, this program, formerly known as Transportation Enhancements (TE), has transformed the landscape of the country. Under the program, states […]

Join trail professionals from around the United States for an in-depth discussion around data collection along trails. Panelists share how they have developed trail traffic monitoring programs, on the local, regional and national level, as well as how they are collecting more detailed information about who is using their trails. The discussion includes a focus […]

The Montgomery County Trail Access, Diversity and Awareness Plan provides detailed descriptions of the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown and Pottstown, as well as the portion of the Pennypack Trail located in Montgomery County, PA. Analyzing how a trail looks and functions is the first step to determining which factors may prevent people from using a trail. This […]

Analysis of California’s Active Transportation Program on Trails, Walking and Biking: 2013–2018 By Laura Cohen and Whitney Ericson California’s Active Transportation Program (ATP) was created in 2013 to increase the safety and mobility of active transportation users and increase bicycling and walking mode shares. Originally funded at $123 million per year through the merging of several […]

Executive Summary The small towns and cities between Cleveland and Pittsburgh are home to some of America’s richest industrial heritage and history. Innovations in 19th-century transportation unlocked the region’s potential, delivering new people and new economies, and fueling westward development and a booming industrial market nationwide. As these economies took hold, the “industrial heartland” emerged—from the coal mines of West […]

The most important legal protections available to trails are the Recreational Use Statutes enacted in some form by all 50 states. These statutes typically limit the liability of landowners and managers who invite the public onto their land for recreational uses and do not charge a fee. Where a Recreational Use Statute is applicable, the […]