Policy

On the Verge of a Trails, Walking and Biking Revolution

Posted 06/15/21 by Patrick Wojahn in Policy | Tagged with Demand for Trails, Federal, Funding

For years, the team at RTC has championed the need for transformative federal transportation policies. Alongside partners in the field and on Capitol Hill, we’ve pushed for a new approach that provides the increased investment and the policy direction needed to connect and maintain the country’s trail and active transportation system.

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Biden Infrastructure Goals Would Be Achieved With More Strategic Investment in Walking and Biking

Posted 04/13/21 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Equity, Federal, Funding, TrailsTransform, Walkability and Bikeability

The Biden Administration unveiled The American Jobs Plan, outlining a series of strategies for investing in America’s infrastructure, including transportation. What the plan is missing, however, is a focus on creating low-stress walking and biking routes, like trail and active transportation networks, that are needed to increase rates of walking and biking, which is fundamental to the goals laid out by the administration.

Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton delivering her keynote remarks at the May 8, 2019, launch of the Great American Rail-Trail in Washington, D.C. | Courtesy RTC

Rail-Trail Champion Eleanor Holmes Norton on Linking the Nation by Trail

Posted 01/28/21 by Brandi Horton, Cory Matteson in Success Stories, Policy | Tagged with Capital Trails Coalition, Champions, Rail-Trail Champion

For her long-standing efforts to support trail networks in her native Washington, D.C., and across the United States, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has named Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) America’s 2020 Doppelt Family Rail-Trail Champion.

COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020 Makes Funding Available for Transportation

Posted 01/25/21 by Mary Ellen Koontz in Policy, Building Trails | Tagged with Federal, Funding, TrailsTransform

The 116th Congress passed the $900 billion COVID-19 Emergency Relief Act of 2020, a wide-ranging economic stimulus package that includes support for transportation systems impacted by the ongoing pandemic. The package contains $14 billion for transit and $10 billion in flexible transportation funding for states and regions to support projects, maintenance, operations, personnel and debt service payments. The Federal Highway Administration must allocate the stimulus dollars to states by Jan. 27, 2020

Along the Illinois Prairie Path in Warrenville | Photo by Beverly Horne/Daily Herald/dailyherald.com

American Icons: Rail-Trails That Helped Shape the National Landscape

Posted 01/22/21 by Amy Kapp in Policy, America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Featured Magazine Articles, Federal, History Happened Here, Illinois

Over the last 60 years, rail-trails have gone from a quiet idea to pillars of America’s social, health, economic, environmental and transportation landscapes—with more than 2,200 rail-trails today encompassing some 24,000+ miles across the United States. Here, as Rails-to-Trails Conservancy celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, we take a closer look at some of the country’s earliest rail-trails, and how they helped inspire and build a nationwide movement.

Photo by India Kea

Looking Back, With Gratitude, on a Year of Challenges and Triumphs for Trails

Posted 12/23/20 by Amy Kapp, Paola Tejada Lalinde in America's Trails, Success Stories, Policy, Building Trails | Tagged with Baltimore Greenway Trails Coalition, BATC, Best Of, Capital Trails Coalition, Caracara, COVID-19, Federal, Funding, Great American Rail-Trail, IHTC, Route of the Badger, RTC in Action, Trail Moments, TrailNation, Why Use Trails?

As 2020 draws to a close—a year of extreme changes and challenges—it is with incredible appreciation that we reflect on the collective impact of our movement across the country.

Metropolitan Branch Trail in Washington, D.C., and Maryland | Photo by India Kea

New Year Presents New Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking in Washington

Posted 12/16/20 by Mary Ellen Koontz in Policy, Building Trails | Tagged with Federal, Great American Rail-Trail, RTC in Action, Tourism and Economic Development, TrailsTransform

We have an unprecedented opportunity to work with federal policymakers to put Americans to work building the strategic connections that enable healthy and resource-saving habits, unlocking billions of dollars for the U.S. economy.

Kiwanis Trail in Billings, Montana | Photo by Kristi Drake

Latest Round of Federal BUILD Grants Underscores Value of Active Transportation and Need for Investment

Posted 09/25/20 by Patrick Wojahn in Policy | Tagged with Connected Systems, Federal, Funding, TrailsTransform

The USDOT announced its latest round of grant awards in the highly competitive BUILD (Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Developments) grant program. This year, a significant portion of the total funded projects, representing more than $300 million, include active transportation elements that will help ensure safe and connected infrastructure for people to walk and bike around the country.

Northern Rail Trail | Photo by TrailLink user sc302

Five Top Trails That Make the Case for America’s Recreational Trails Program

Posted 09/21/20 by Laura Stark in America's Trails, Policy | Tagged with Federal, Funding, Idaho, Maintenance and Volunteers, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, TrailsTransform, Vermont

Nearly three decades after its inception, the need for the RTP has only intensified as trail development accelerates nationally. Looking at the rail-trail niche alone, the country has increased its number of rail-trails from around 500 to more than 2,200. And, in many places, individual trails are now coalescing into expansive networks of interconnected trails spanning hundreds of miles. Awareness and use of trails has grown in tandem—but with more footfalls, hoofbeats and wheel revolutions than ever, funding for trail maintenance is not keeping pace with demand.