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 […]

Micromobility has transformed how Americans move through their communities, including on multiuse trails. Personal and shared mobility options such as electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) and e-scooters (scooters)  are now common in all types of communities. Rails to Trails Conservancy offers the perspectives in this document to assist communities, trail managers and policymakers in making decisions about […]

This survey tool was developed and utilized to create a report to summarize the business impact of the Mon River Trails System (MRTS) ‐ a network of 48 miles of trails in north central West Virginia.The findings from the work are applicable for many audiences, including trail advocates, elected officials, economic development entities, and business owners. Author: RTC […]

Bicycles are a useful mode of transportation for short trips (one to three miles) beyond walkable distance but accessible without an automobile. Municipalities across North America are developing strategies to facilitate biking as a mode of transportation with a place-based mix of on-street facilities and bike-friendly policies. As these same communities leverage public transit assets […]

The Virginia Creeper Trail is a critical economic asset in Southwest Virginia, serving as a powerful engine for tourism, small business activity, and economic resilience across Washington, Grayson, Smyth, and Russell counties. This 34-mile trail saw over 348,400 single uses in 2023, representing more than 112,600 visitors coming to the region to use the Virginia […]

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 […]

April 15, 2025Secretary Sean DuffyU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWashington, D.C. 20590 Dear Secretary Duffy, As you review the Department’s programs, policies and grants, we are writing to share with you the many ways that active transportation infrastructure is essential to the success of America. Investments made in walking and biking directly support […]

This guidebook demonstrates how trails are part of resilient transportation infrastructure, how trails can be planned and designed to be resilient and sustainable, and how trails have a role in emergency planning and response. Trails of all kinds are places for recreation, exercise, and active transportation. Trails are also a crucial tool for making communities […]

As we work to shape federal transportation priorities, RTC has put forth a policy framework for the next reauthorization of the federal surface transportation bill focused on ensuring a robust ecosystem of policies and programs that prioritize connected walking and biking routes, making it safer and easier for Americans to move around the regions where […]