Electric bicycles—or e-bikes—are becoming increasingly popular nationwide. These bikes look like traditional bicycles but are equipped with an electric motor that can be used to assist the rider. While there are a variety of e-bike types—ranging from pedal-assist, which simply give riders a boost, to bikes with throttles that allow users to choose to pedal […]

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for healthier people. All over America, hospitals and regional healthcare systems are beginning to tap into the enormous potential of trails to address local health problems. Trails are now […]

The Mon River Trail System is a vibrant 48-mile rail-trail network in north central West Virginia and a critical link in the Parkersburg to Pittsburgh connection envisioned by the Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition. The Mon River Trail System Economic Impact study revealed the system’s impact on the region and Monongalia County’s growing economy, where business […]

This report summarizes a study of the business impact of the Mon River Trails System (MRTS), a network of 48 miles of trails in north-central West Virginia that has been in operation in-whole or in-part since 1998. The findings from the work are applicable for many audiences, including trail advocates, elected officials, economic development entities […]

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has conducted surveys along trails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for over 10 years. This infographic shows the aggregate responses for rural trails from surveys conducted from 2006 to 2016.

For the past three decades of rail-trail development, maintenance costs have generally been seen as being expensive. These expenses, however, have remained largely untracked on a state or national basis. Further, a comprehensive breakdown and ranking of maintenance priorities did not exist. To better understand this issue, RTC conducted a comprehensive survey of trail maintenance […]

Presenters from Rails-to-Trails Conservancy review the poll findings, explain the messages that resonated with voters, and share resources for using this information with important decision makers to advocate for funding of active transportation. ‣ Download a PDF of this presentation →

The 24-mile Three Rivers Heritage Trail extends along the banks of the Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers in one of America’s most storied cities, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The trail has been developed by Friends of the Riverfront, which has worked for more than 24 years to turn a riparian brownfield into a world class trail network. […]

This fact sheet describes the rise of trails, walking and bicycling in Austin, Tx. which other communities can learn from.