Mapping and Technology

Nation’s Mayors Support a New Vision for Connected Walking and Bicycling Routes

Posted 07/11/18 by Patrick Wojahn in America's Trails, Policy | Tagged with Capital Trails Coalition, Connected Systems, Demand for Trails, Mapping and Technology, Mode Shift, Ohio, Walkability and Bikeability

USDOT Cites RTC’s BikeAble Tool in Report on How to Assess Connectivity

Posted 04/27/18 by Shane Farthing in Building Trails | Tagged with Bike Commuting, Connected Systems, Demand for Trails, Facts and FIgures, Health and Active Living, Mapping and Technology, Route of the Badger, Trail Communities, TrailNation, Walkability and Bikeability, Wisconsin

Active transportation is all about getting people where they need to go safely in a human-powered way—usually on foot or by bike. Yet we know from both research and everyday experience that many trips can be scary or stressful to make by walking or biking. Without proper infrastructure to make those trips safer, most people with a choice won’t leave their cars behind—resulting in less active and healthy lifestyles.

Useful Biking Gear for Trails—Plus A Few MacGyver Tips!

Posted 03/30/18 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails, Trail Use, Health and Wellness | Tagged with Biking, Encouraging Trail Use, Gear, Health and Active Living, Healthy Aging, How-to, Mapping and Technology, OpeningDay, Sojourn Series, Trail Etiquette, Trail Use Tips, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

To prepare for Opening Day for Trails, I asked my colleagues at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, some of America’s most experienced trail riders, what equipment they’ve found super useful.

Jeff Risom: Creating "Platforms for Yes" to Spur Mobility in Cities of the Future

Posted 03/16/18 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Demand for Trails, Design Strategies, Disparities and Underserved Communities, Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living, Mapping and Technology, Mode Shift, SXSW, Trail Communities, Urban Pathways, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Rails to Trails was at the SXSW Cities Summit this week, exploring the role of trails in the cities of the future. I sat down with Jeff Risom, partner and managing director U.S. of Gehl—a cutting-edge, international design firm that focuses on the intersection of quality of life and the built environment. Jeff talked about innovative solutions to making cities more equitable with regard to mobility and transportation. Here’s what he had to say—thanks Jeff!

New Year—New Visions: The Age of Connectivity

Posted 12/22/17 by Keith Laughlin in America's Trails, Building Trails | Tagged with Connected Systems, Design Strategies, Encouraging Trail Use, Featured Magazine Articles, History Happened Here, Mapping and Technology, Trail Communities, TrailNation, Transportation and Health, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

A new era is upon us—one we’re calling the Age of Connectivity, both for its genesis in technology and its potential to reconnect people and places. This is a time when trails—our communities’ greatest connectors—will work hand in hand with innovation.

Six Ways RTC Made a Difference for Trails This Year

Posted 11/30/17 by Brandi Horton in America's Trails, Building Trails, Policy, Taking Action | Tagged with Baltimore Greenway Trails Coalition, BATC, Best Of, California, Circuit Trails, Disparities and Underserved Communities, Encouraging Trail Use, Facts and FIgures, Florida, Funding, Local Organizing, Mapping and Technology, Maryland, Miami LOOP, Missouri, Route of the Badger, RTC in Action, State and Federal Programs, Tourism and Economic Development, Tourism and Economic Stimulus, Trail Communities, Walkability and Bikeability

As 2017 draws to a close, here’s a look back at six ways RTC made a difference for trails. Through our work, we witness trails strengthening economies, putting people first when it comes to mobility, promoting health and protecting our environment.

13 Great Rail-Trails From Which to View the Aug. 21 Solar Eclipse

Posted 08/15/17 by Amy Kapp in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Ecology and Environment, Mapping and Technology, Wild and Wonderful

On Aug. 21, Americans will have an opportunity to take in the astral beauty of a total solar eclipse! Thanks to data provided by NASA and the National Park Service, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy was able to identify the most ideal course—and best rail-trails—across the nation to view this rare phenomenon. Check out this story map, which highlights 13 rail-trails along the route.

10 Stunning Photos from RTC’s Midwest Rail-Trail Mapping Trips

Posted 10/07/16 by Suzanne Matyas in Trail Use, America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Mapping and Technology, Trail Destinations

Every year, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy team is sent out of the office on a mission: to collect data for the next rail-trail guidebook. This year was great, and we wanted to share our top 10 photos and incredible experiences in the Midwest—our “#MappingMoments”—from this year with you!

Pokémon GO for Rail-Trails 101: Tips for Trail Users and Managers

Posted 08/10/16 by Ryan Cree in Trail Use, Health and Wellness | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, How-to, Mapping and Technology, Trail Use Tips

Pokémon GO is sweeping the nation—and getting people outdoors. For those who play the game, it’s a fantastic way to get out and enjoy your local trail! For trail managers and organizations, the game offers a lot of opportunity to get visitors out to your specific trail and even reach out to new trail users. Here are some quick and easy Pokémon GO tips for trail users and trail managers.

Three Types of Techie Tools for the Trail

Posted 08/26/15 by Katie Harris in Health and Wellness, Trail Use | Tagged with Best Of, Bike Commuting, Biking, Mapping and Technology, Trail Use Tips

You don’t have to be a gadget lover to benefit from techie tools on the trail. There are some great apps and gizmos that can complement your trip without being overwhelming. Here are few suggestions.

RTC Launches Development of Game-Changing Trail Planning Tool

Posted 06/12/14 by Tracy Hadden Loh in Building Trails | Tagged with Case Studies, Connected Systems, Facts and FIgures, Mapping and Technology, RTC in Action

Earlier this month, RTC announced the launch of T-MAP (Trail Modeling and Assessment Platform), a three-year, $1.2-million initiative with the potential to set a new standard for trail planning in America. In partnership with researchers and trail managers in 12 U.S. cities, RTC will lead the first-ever nationwide survey of urban trail use and produce planning models and metrics that can forecast the returns on investment that trails stimulate around the country.