Resource Library:

Trail Networks Design

Subcategories • Trails as TransportationClosing Trail System Gaps



posted Jul 23, 2020

Pursuing Equity in Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning

by Federal Highway Administration

The purpose of this paper, intended for transportation practitioners and decision-makers, is to define transportation equity-related terms in the context of planning for bicycle and pedestrian facilities and programs; synthesize and highlight recent research findings related to the travel needs of traditionally underserved populations and the role of pedestrian and bicycle planning in addressing equity concerns; and to share strategies, practices and resources to address bicycle and pedestrian planning inequities.


posted Dec 13, 2023

Rails to Trails Conservancy's TrailNation™ Playbook

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

Rails to Trails Conservancy's TrailNation™ Playbook brings the decades of experience building trail networks across the country to a resource of case studies, best practices and tools for trail network development on a local and national level.


posted Aug 3, 2020

Safe Routes to Everywhere

by Rails to Trails Conservancy

Transportation connects people and places. It provides access to jobs, education, shopping and recreation. More than one-quarter of all trips we make are less than a mile — an easy walking distance — and nearly one-half of all trips are within three miles — an easy biking distance. Yet, we make more than 78 percent of these short trips by car.


posted Sep 26, 2023

Safe Routes to Parks

by National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

Adults living within a half mile of a park visit parks and exercise more often, but according to the 2014 State Indicator Report on Physical Activity, less than 38 percent of the U.S. population lives within a half mile of a park.


published Dec 2016

Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks

by Federal Highway Administration

The Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks report is a resource and idea book intended to help small towns and rural communities support safe, accessible, comfortable, and active travel for people of all ages and abilities.


posted Aug 6, 2020

Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation

by Federal Highway Administration

The 2016-2021 Strategic Agenda for Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation builds on 25 years of progress toward increasing walking and biking safety and activity throughout the United States. The 1994 National Bicycling and Walking Study: Transportation Choices for Changing America set the stage for advancing safe, accessible, comfortable, and well-used pedestrian and bicycle transportation networks, with a focus on increasing trips and reducing injuries and fatalities.


posted Jul 23, 2020

Strategies for Accelerating Multimodal Project Delivery

by Federal Highway Administration

This Workbook describes thirteen (13) key strategies that have been used effectively to accelerate multimodal projects and provides examples and case studies for each.


published Sep 2005

The San Francisco Bay Trail Project Gap Analysis Study

The Bay Trail Project is a nonprofit organization administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) that plans, promotes and advocates for the implementation of a continuous 500-mile bicycling and hiking path around San Francisco Bay. Two of the most commonly asked questions regarding the Bay Trail: “When will it be done?” and “How much will it cost?”


posted Oct 8, 2018

Trail Intersection Design Guidelines

by Florida Department of Transportation

The growth in trails reflects many people’s enjoyment of physical separation from motorized traffic. Segregation allows trail users to avoid the pollution, noise, and intimidation they perceive from motor vehicles, and the potential for an injury producing crash.


published Nov 2023

Tribal Development of Trails and Other Dedicated Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure

This white paper provides information and resources for Tribes, Tribal trails and active transportation advocates, and agencies that may partner with Tribes on trail projects including Federal and State agencies, MPOs, county and local governments, and community organizations.