Trail Blog by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

What Happens When a Member of Congress Attacks Trail Funding?

Posted 07/14/14 by Patrick Wojahn in Policy, Taking Action | Tagged with Federal, Pennsylvania, RTC in Action, Threats to Trail Building

Though it may not have made news headlines in your community, last Friday a significant battle was won in our never-ending defense of America's trails.

Fighting for TIGER: Thousands of Trail Supporters Speak Out

Posted 06/13/14 by Leeann Sinpatanasakul in Taking Action, Policy | Tagged with Federal, State and Federal Programs, Threats to Trail Building

On Monday, we asked trail users like you to support TIGER, a critical federal program that supports investments in trails, walking and biking. In just a few hours, thousands of you wrote to your representatives, and thanks to your swift action, support for TIGER has only grown.

Senate’s Turn Part I: Senate Committee Takes On the Transportation Reauthorization Bill

Posted 05/21/14 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, State and Federal Programs, Threats to Trail Building

Last week, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed a bill (S. 2322) to reauthorize MAP-21, the federal transportation legislation passed in 2012, which will expire at the end of September. The new bill seeks to fund transportation projects at status quo levels plus inflation through fiscal year 2020. The underlying premise of the bill is that transportation policies should not change substantially but should only be marginally refined, that long-term funding is critical for large infrastructure projects and that the current funding levels are acceptable.

Obama Bill Offers Way Forward on Active Transportation

Posted 05/02/14 by Patrick Wojahn in Policy | Tagged with Federal, State and Federal Programs

This week, the White House and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx put forward the GROW AMERICA Act, a bill which would increase funding for transportation infrastructure in the United States. GROW AMERICA includes provisions that could support the development of active transportation networks; that is, infrastructure for human-powered modes of transportation such as walking and biking.

International Report Calls for Greater Investment in Cycling-Friendly Infrastructure, Policies

Posted 03/25/14 by Elissa Southward in Policy | Tagged with Products of Good Policy, Transportation and Health

At the end of last year, the International Transport Forum (ITF) Working Group on Cycling Safety released a report titled, "Cycling, Health and Safety." This report has put forth that the positive benefits of cycling (e.g., increased physical activity, impact on mortality and chronic disease, reduction in carbon emissions from motorized transportation) far outweigh the risks (e.g., crash injury risk to cyclists, health reduction from breathing in polluted air in an urban environment).

What the Marvin M. Brandt Case Means for America’s Rail-Trails

Posted 03/17/14 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Legal Issues, Threats to Trail Building, Wyoming

On March 10, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision in the case of Marvin M. Brandt Revocable Trust et al. v. United States. The issue in this case was whether the federal government retains an interest in railroad rights-of-way that were created by the federal General Railroad Right-of-Way Act of 1875, after the cessation of railroad activity on the corridor.

The Supreme Court Decision: How Does It Affect Rail-Trails?

Posted 03/11/14 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Legal Issues, Threats to Trail Building, Wyoming

On March 10, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision in the case involving a rail corridor formerly on federal land that is now privately owned (Marvin M. Brandt Revocable Trust et al. v. United States).

Supreme Court Hands Down Disappointing Decision for Trails in U.S.

Posted 03/10/14 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Legal Issues, Threats to Trail Building, Wyoming

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Official Statement on March 2014 Supreme Court Ruling: Today’s Supreme Court ruling is disappointing news for Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, rail-trail advocates and trail users around the country.

Complete Streets: Recently Introduced Bills Could Further Active Transportation in U.S.

Posted 02/28/14 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Funding

A couple weeks ago, the Partnership for Active Transportation—a national coalition of transportation, health and economic development groups organized by RTC—released our federal policy platform calling for three policy innovations: greater investment in active transportation networks, innovative financing to leverage the private value of these investments, and the integration of health impacts into transportation decision-making.

Cross-Sector Coalition Calls for Investment in America’s Active Transportation Networks

Posted 02/14/14 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Cross-Sector Collaboration, Federal, Funding

On Feb. 11, 2014, during a morning presentation on Capitol Hill, the Partnership for Active Transportation launched Safe Routes to Everywhere, a federal policy platform calling for cost-effective investments in active transportation networks to meet the changing mobility patterns and needs of today’s America. The Partnership is a dynamic cross-sector coalition convened by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy that unites leading groups addressing transportation, public health and community development.

Supreme Court: How Will Justices Rule on Rail-Trails?

Posted 01/22/14 by Kevin Mills in Policy | Tagged with Federal, Legal Issues, Threats to Trail Building, Wyoming

The case of Marvin M. Brandt Revocable Trust et al., v. United States is likely to have lasting implications for the development of rail-trails on federally-granted rights-of-way, but as we await a decision from the highest court in the land, a prediction about the court's direction is as hard to offer now as before.

Transpo' Secretary Foxx: More Attention Will Be Paid to Biking and Walking

Posted 01/16/14 by Jake Lynch in Policy | Tagged with Champions, Federal

"We also have to make a special effort to look out for modes of transportation that, traditionally, don't get much attention." With these words, Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, yesterday offered a glimmer of hope that the nation's transportation policy may better address the millions of Americans who bike and walk as well as drive a car or use transit.

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