Across the United States, communities are facing increasing risks and effects from extreme weather events, which can cause significant damage to trail infrastructure. However, disaster recovery and reconstruction also present an opportunity to build back better.  This National Preparedness Month, Rails to Trails Conservancy turned to the spotlight to communities that are designing resilience into […]

Trail users are becoming more discerning and have high expectations about their trail experience, which means that quality infrastructure and services and marketing and promotion activities are becoming increasingly important and the user experience is central to each element of trail design and management. These guidelines have been prepared to provide a comprehensive and coordinated […]

Overview This webinar from Rails to Trails Conservancy focused on understanding trail project costs using a hypothetical multi-use trail project to illustrate common budgeting, design, permitting, and construction challenges. The panel, representing project ownership, design, and construction-cost expertise, emphasized that the biggest cost risks often come from uncertainty, particularly around right-of-way issues, subsurface conditions, environmental […]

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 […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the third in a series of deep […]

Join us for a new TrailNation Spotlight series highlighting innovative trail network development across the country and foster peer-to-peer learning. These concise, high-impact sessions offer a unique opportunity to hear from trail network innovators, explore successful strategies, and build momentum for this infrastructure across the country. This is the second in a series of deep […]

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 […]

Trail-Oriented Development (TrOD) is an innovative planning approach that integrates multiuse trails with residential and commercial development to create walkable, bike-friendly communities that enhance mobility, promote healthier lifestyles, and strengthen local economies. Similar to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), TrOD clusters businesses, housing, and other amenities around trails to foster vibrant, connected neighborhoods. Join the TrailNation Collaborative, […]

As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, trails are playing an increasingly vital role in planning, recovery, and resiliency. From serving as alternative evacuation routes to critical drivers of economic recovery, trails are emerging as essential infrastructure in times of crisis. In this session, attendees heard real-world examples of trails serving as critical infrastructure […]

Author: Surface Transportation Board