This info brief provides a fresh look at the current state of practice for trail development, reflecting new research and showing the growing applications of trails in every type of environment and community.
by Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
Trails are valued by communities across the country, providing everything from inspiring experiences in open green spaces to invigorating daily commutes and restorative social connections. Since the early 1990s, America has undergone a historic expansion of all types of trails in every community context. As individual trails have multiplied, they have connected into vast networks crossing local, regional, and state lines. Trail networks have grown to have a significant impact on many aspects of our communities, providing economic, health, transport, and social benefits. Like the development of our nation’s railroads in the early 19th century and the paved road system of the 20th century, trails have evolved into an important nonmotorized, human-powered element of the nation’s 21st-century transportation network.
This info brief provides a fresh look at the current state of practice for trail development, reflecting new research and showing the growing applications of trails in every type of environment and community. It illustrates the overlapping and intertwined benefits of trails; provides high-level guidance and resources on trail-focused partnerships and planning; and demonstrates the adaptability of trails in a rapidly changing world. This brief also acknowledges barriers to equitable trail development and strategies for planning and implementing trails that distribute benefits equitably.
Attached document published June 2022
Since its inception in 1999, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center's mission has been to improve the quality of life in communities through the increase of safe walking and bicycling as a viable means of transportation and physical activity. As a national leader in pedestrian and bicycle research and resources, the PBIC develops and shares resources vital to advancing mobility, access, equity, and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.
posted Apr 17, 2024
This report summarizes guidance and best practices to create safer bicycle facilities and connect them into networks that allow more people to safely bike to more places within and throughout communities.
Making Transportation Planning Applicable in Tribal Communities Research Study: Final Report
posted Dec 20, 2023
The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Office of Tribal Transportation (OTT) planning staff have observed two challenges in Tribal transportation planning: (1) that existing planning analysis tools do not always align with Tribal community context and needs and (2) it is not always clear what benefits planning provides to transportation project selection and delivery in Tribal communities.
Tribal Development of Trails and Other Dedicated Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure
posted Dec 19, 2023
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.
Rails to Trails Conservancy's TrailNation™ Playbook
posted Dec 13, 2023
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.
716 views • posted 10/25/2023
