Why Use Trails?

Photo by Stephen Matera

Exploring America's E-Bike Evolution

Posted 05/04/23 by Scott Stark in Trail Use | Tagged with ebike, Encouraging Trail Use, Featured Magazine Articles, Gear, Why Use Trails?

E-bikes have gained a solid foothold since emerging in the biking world over the past two decades, and their increased usage has sparked interest and questions in the trail community. This article examines the current policies and recommendations on e-bikes, the perceptions and concerns around them, and their potential benefits.•

Exploring the Ohio to Erie Trail via skateboard | Photo courtesy Raveena Adams

Trail Moments | Long-Distance Skater Raveena Adams Crosses Ohio

Posted 04/10/23 by Raveena Adams in America's Trails, Trail Use | Tagged with Ohio, Trail Communities, Trail Destinations, Trail Moments, Why Use Trails?

On Sept. 22, 2020, I started my four-day, 300-mile skate journey. The route took me through many cities, such as Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati, as well as rural forest areas and cornfields. Although I faced a lot of obstacles along the way, the weather was generally perfect—warm days feeling that dimming autumn sun.

Patrick Sweeney on adaptive trike | Photo courtesy Patrick Sweeney

Finding Freedom on Your Bike as an Adaptive Cyclist

Posted 03/27/23 by Patrick Sweeney in Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, People with Disabilities, Trail Use Tips, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

My name is Patrick, and I am an adaptive cyclist. That means I cycle, but I do it on a type of bike that works with my disability. I have left-sided hemiparesis. That means my movement, balance and vision are impaired on my left side. But, my hemiparesis doesn’t stop me from cycling. Adaptive cycling is a great sport for people with disabilities, because it brings a sense of freedom.

Joe Rebar and Carol Walter on the trail | Photo courtesy Joe Rebar

Trail Moments | Biking Through Triumphs and Troubles

Posted 03/15/23 by Laura Stark in Trail Use, Health and Wellness | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living, People with Disabilities, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

“I only go on rail-trails now,” Carol said. “They make me feel safer because I don’t have to be watching for cars and traffic. And I can’t go very fast—I have to go slow so that I can see.”

On the Appalachian Trail in 2021 | Photo courtesy Retha Charette

Hiking Hacks: Long-Distance Prep Tips and Tricks for Rail-Trails 101

Posted 02/14/23 by Retha Charette in Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Gear, Health and Active Living, How-to, Trail Use Tips, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

A long-distance hike can truly be the adventure of a lifetime. With rail-trail thru hiking becoming more and more popular every day, I wanted to share some knowledge I’ve learn over the many years and thousands of miles I’ve spent on hiking and rail-trails about the world.

Betzy Salcedo, Brenda Hamilton and Kathleen Richardson at the end of a ride from Pittsburgh to Washington, D.C., via the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath. | Photo by Joseph Richardson

Trail Moments | Cycling for Life

Posted 02/13/23 by Kathleen Richardson in Trail Use | Tagged with Encouraging Trail Use, Health and Active Living, Trail Moments, Walkability and Bikeability, Why Use Trails?

Cycling on America’s rail-trails has been an integral part of my journey—helping me to survive PH physically as well as emotionally. I’m so glad these trails exist, and I look forward to another 20 years of riding them.

Photo courtesy Getty Images

Reflecting on 2022: Capturing Once-in-a-Generation Opportunities for Trails, Walking and Biking

Posted 12/08/22 by Ryan Chao, Amy Kapp in America's Trails | Tagged with Best Of, Demand for Trails, Encouraging Trail Use, Equity, Federal, Funding, Great American Rail-Trail, Rail-Trail Champion, RTC in Action, Trail Moments, TrailNation, Why Use Trails?

This December, we’re taking time to reflect on the challenges and changes, hard work and persistence, that’s made up the fabric of this impactful year. As we bid farewell to 2022, we take stock of our impact and extend our appreciation to the many partners, friends and supporters who’ve worked so passionately to make our collective achievements possible.

Golf cart trail in Arizona's Oro Valley | Photo courtesy Lew Roscoe

Trail Moments | Enjoying the Trike Life

Posted 11/28/22 by Lew Roscoe in Trail Use | Tagged with Health and Active Living, Healthy Aging, Trail Moments, Why Use Trails?

I used to ride a regular two-wheeled bike; however, one morning in the summer of 2020, as I was riding, I got caught up in a tight turn and fell, breaking my elbow and pelvis. After recovering from the accident, I decided to switch to a three-wheeler, so I tried a few options and bought a recumbent electric Catrike.

Florida's Pinellas Trail in Dunedin | Photo courtesy Pinellas County Marketing and Communications

New TrailNation Collaborative Community to Escalate Trail Network Development Nationwide

Posted 11/16/22 by Mary Ellen Koontz, Heather Irish in Building Trails | Tagged with Connected Systems, Demand for Trails, Funding, TrailNation, Why Use Trails?

RTC is bringing together its expertise and network of thousands of partners nationwide to launch the TrailNation Collaborative—a learning community where advocates, public leaders and professionals can come together to share their experiences, their challenges and their strategies for accelerating the pace of connecting trails and active transportation infrastructure.