Metrics matter. In the world of transportation, mode share and trip data drive planning, policy priorities and funding. This is important not only for motorized travel, but for biking and walking. We ought to be able to answer questions like: Are we investing in the right projects in the right places? How are our investments […]

For the past three decades of rail-trail development, maintenance costs have generally been seen as being expensive. These expenses, however, have remained largely untracked on a state or national basis. Further, a comprehensive breakdown and ranking of maintenance priorities did not exist. To better understand this issue, RTC conducted a comprehensive survey of trail maintenance […]

The 24-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail extends along the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers in one of America’s most storied cities, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The trail has been developed by Friends of the Riverfront, which has worked for more than 24 years to turn a riparian brownfield into a world class trail network. […]

This National Trail Surfaces Study provides the results of the longitudinal study of the firmness and stability of trail surface materials located at Bradford Woods, at Indiana University. It also provides the national survey results of trail managers administered by Oklahoma State University on the types and characteristics of trail surfaces currently being used around […]

In 2013, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) conducted a study of six connected trails (the Trails) that make up the central leg of the developing 270-mile Erie to Pittsburgh Trail (EPT) and are located in northwest Pennsylvania. The Trails are connected by geography, history and marketing. Owned, operated and maintained by several trail organizations and municipalities, the […]

A Resource for Planners, Agencies and Advocates on Trails Along Active Railroad Corridors Rails-with-trails are safe, common, and increasing in number. These are the standout findings of America’s Rails-with-Trail Report, a defining new study on the development of multi-use trails alongside active freight, passenger and tourist rail lines. Rails-with-trails are valuable assets in providing safe transportation networks […]

Trails have been shown to offer a variety of benefits. Despite these benefits, some concerns have been expressed by homeowners. Critics of new trail development continue to raise questions about the suitability of trails in neighborhoods. Such concerns include apprehension that trails will lower property values, increase crimes, cause traffic and parking problems and affect […]

The main objectives of this report were to provide the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with guidelines for the structural design of bicycle trail pavement and recommendations for bicycle trail pavement maintenance. A design procedure based on three construction traffic factors and three pavement load levels was developed for Portland cement concrete, hot-mix asphalt, and […]

There are more than 20,000 miles of rail-trails crossing the nation and connecting towns and country. Getting out on the trail to enjoy the outdoors, exercise or spend time with friends and family is an option for everyone. However, when we think about commuting to work or running errands from A to B, many assume […]