The focus of this resource is on improving the driver’s visibility of trail users at roadway crossings. The document presents a systemic approach to reviewing existing crossings or planning for improved at-grade trail crossings with engineering countermeasures, such as enhanced signs and traffic controls. This resource discusses ways to make crossings more visible to drivers. […]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from coast to coast. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

This table prepared by the FHWA indicates potential eligibility for pedestrian and bicycle projects under U.S. Department of Transportation surface transportation funding programs. Additional restrictions may apply. See notes and basic program requirements below, and see program guidance for detailed requirements.  This resource is updated regularly. Check the FHWA website for the most recent version: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/funding/ […]

A Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) TrailNation project, and led in partnership with the Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA), the Industrial Heartlands Trail Coalition brings together leaders from more than 100 agencies and organizations across four states– Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio and West Virginia, to establish the Industrial […]

Accessibility is integral to trail development—it ensures that trails are available to all users, including people with disabilities—and we want to make sure that you have the tools and information you need to enhance accessibility on your trails. This webinar provided an overview of the proposed Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) for shared-use paths. The webinar also […]

The Industrial Heartland Trails Coalition’s (IHTC’s) 1,500-miles-plus network vision spans 51 counties across Western Pennsylvania, northern West Virginia, 79 eastern Ohio and the southwestern corner of New York. When complete, the trail network will comprise the largest shared-use trail system in North America for tourism, physical activity and recreation. The plan tocomplete the network is […]

Executive Summary THE GREAT AMERICAN RAIL-TRAIL VISION Imagine pedaling across the entire country on a safe, seamless and scenic pathway—or walking a local trail that connects you to historic routes from coast to coast. You’re enthralled in the experience of exploring America’s heritage—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places. Consider the intimacy […]

The Accessibility Toolkit for Land Managers is an informative document meant to help land managers design and maintain with equity and inclusion as a priority. The toolkit dives into what equity and access look like, who we’re talking about with examples of demographics, commonly used equipment, and desired recreation. We discuss shifting the lens and […]

This National Trail Surfaces Study provides the results of the longitudinal study of the firmness and stability of trail surface materials located at Bradford Woods, at Indiana University. It also provides the national survey results of trail managers administered by Oklahoma State University on the types and characteristics of trail surfaces currently being used around […]

The main objectives of this report were to provide the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) with guidelines for the structural design of bicycle trail pavement and recommendations for bicycle trail pavement maintenance. A design procedure based on three construction traffic factors and three pavement load levels was developed for Portland cement concrete, hot-mix asphalt, and […]