TrailBlog Page 25

Notice: Upcoming Railroad Abandonment in Crowley, Kiowa and Pueblo Counties, Colo.

Posted 08/11/15 by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy in Taking Action, Building Trails | Tagged with Abandonment Notices, Colorado, Corridors and Railbanking

Photo courtesy Digital-Fridge | CC by 2.0

On or about Aug. 3, 2015, V and S Railway, LLC, filed for the abandonment of 121.9 miles of track between Towner and NA Junction in Crowley, Kiowa and Pueblo Counties, Colorado. We are providing this information because it presents an opportunity to develop a real regional asset: a multi-use trail that can accommodate hikers, bikers, equestrians and other appropriate uses.

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The 606 in Chicago, Illinois| Photo courtesy life is good (pete) | CC by 2.0

Five New American Rail-Trails

Posted 08/04/15 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Trail Destinations

As the rail-trail movement thrives, new pathways are popping up in urban, suburban and rural communities—increasing human mobility, protecting natural resources and wildlife, improving public health and sparking outdoor tourism and stewardship. Here is a quick look at five new rail-trails across the country.

Photo courtesy RTC

Senate Passes “So-So” Federal Transportation Bill. What’s Next for Trails?

Posted 08/04/15 by Patrick Wojahn in Taking Action, Policy | Tagged with District Of Columbia, Funding, State and Federal Programs, Walkability and Bikeability

After a lot of debate, the Senate recently passed two highly important transportation bills. One bill, already passed by the House of Representatives, is a short-term extension of current transportation law to prevent the Highway Trust Fund from running out of money. The other bill is a long-term reauthorization of the surface transportation funding bill (H.R. 22, or the DRIVE [Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy] Act) that would fund the nation’s surface transportation infrastructure for the next six years. So how do they affect trails?

Manhan Rail Trail in Massachusetts | Photo by Lynne Graves, courtesy Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism | CC by 2.0

Keeping an Eye on Federal Bike/Ped Spending: RTC Releases TrADE Report

Posted 07/30/15 by Tracy Hadden Loh in Policy, Building Trails | Tagged with Funding, State and Federal Programs, Transportation and Health

Every year, the Transportation Alternatives Data Exchange at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (TrADE @ RTC) compiles a spending report that provides transparency and valuable comparisons for people interested in transportation policy. This report breaks down the funds apportioned by state, as well as the funds states spent on projects that qualify for reimbursement (obligations) through TAP. The 2014 report was recently released; here are a few highlights.

Dunbar greets participants of RTC's 2015 Pennsylvania Rail-Trail Sojourn | Photo by Cleo Fogel

Dunbar, Pennsylvania, Is Ready for a Trail Renaissance

Posted 07/27/15 by Katie Harris in Building Trails, Taking Action | Tagged with Demand for Trails, Pennsylvania, Sojourn Series, Trail Communities

I ride into Dunbar, Pennsylvania, at the hottest part of the day. The sun is beating down on me, and the sleepy southwestern Pennsylvania town looks misty through my sweat-drenched vision. Even in my fatigued state, I immediately know this place holds something unique, something special.

Photo courtesy John Gresham | CC by 2.0

Five Common Types of Trail Use Rules (Everyone Should Know)

Posted 07/21/15 by Amy Kapp in Trail Use | Tagged with Safety and Law Enforcement, Trail Etiquette, Trail Use Tips

When you’re out on the trail, knowing and following the rules seems easy enough, but these rules can vary from trail to trail. Some rules are universal, while others differ by state and municipality. Although it’s impossible to list the rules for every trail in the United States, we spoke with RTC’s national Trail Development Manager, Jim Brown, who helped us break them down into five simple categories that all trail users should be familiar with.

The Testermans on the C&O Canal Towpath | Photo by Brian Gerhardstein

Washington Couple Meets Retirement—One Rail-Trail at a Time

Posted 07/20/15 by Elizabeth Striano in Success Stories, Health and Wellness | Tagged with California, Health and Active Living, Healthy Aging

After years of running a household and raising their children, and a long career as a veterinarian, Ann and Bill Testerman are starting a new life in retirement together by biking the United States, one rail-trail at a time.

Deschutes River Trail | Photo by Russ Roco

Three Great Trails for Fly Fishing by Bike

Posted 07/17/15 by Russ Roca in Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Idaho, Oregon, Signage and Amenities, Trail Use Tips, Washington

The idea of bicycling and fishing isn’t exactly new, but it’s probably something many of us haven’t done since childhood. With the renewed interest in bike touring and bikepacking in America, there is no better time to pack a lightweight fly rod on your next adventure. Here are three trails, ranging from remote to urban, that pass through some awesome trout fisheries.