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Extending The Western Maryland Rail-Trail5/16/12"A plan to extend the Western Maryland Rail Trail could be approved by the National Park Service by August with construction of a portion of the extension possibly beginning later this year." more... LA Launches Bike Share"The City of Angels has seen much in the way of bicycle improvement in past years, including new bicycle lanes, a master plan for the county, and greater connections to surrounding communities. "The next big step in making Los Angeles - a city that still happily embraces the automobile - is bike sharing, which will arrive later this year." more... PA: Plans Underway To Extend Montour Trail5/16/12"...The Montour Trail extension is a part of a larger plan to install a 40-mile hike and bike trail connecting Moon to Ohioville, Ohio, near East Liverpool..." more Canada: Council Requires E-Bikes To Pedal On Trails5/15/12"City council put its collective foot down and will require e-bikes to be pedalled while on public multi-use pathways such as the Kate Pace Way and Kinsmen Trail." more... How Durango Won Bike-Friendly Gold"For many communities advocacy plays a central role in becoming more bicycle friendly. From the beginning push to continuing motivation, advocacy groups can provide specialized insight needed for creative solutions and are dedicated to seeing the positive development of their communities." more... Bike-Hike Bridge Construction Begins5/15/12"Construction crane setting up at the new Bike and Hike Trail bridge by Brandywine Falls in Summit County this morning (May 15, 2012). Finally!" Submitted by DK NCIT In Huron County Closing The Gaps5/14/12"Lots of new trail developments in Huron County! See the latest maps at www.frtti.org. "Bellevue-Monroeville-Norwalk (10 miles) will be complete by July 1. More construction in the works between Norwalk and Collins also." Get more Huron County NCIT news here. Submitted by Joe Mantey, FRITTI President NY: Rochester Adding Bikeways5/14/12"Rochester's ever-expanding trails network has a new two-mile addition, two new bridges and plans for new neighborhood connections as well as more on-street bike lanes and shared-use lanes." more... Westerville Trail Reopens5/12/12Submitted by Jim Green Hoover Dam @ Sundbury Road: "...They completed the repairs yesterday, but the "sidewalk closed" sign and orange- caution cones remain standing at and near the S. Sunbury underpass (the tunnel on the Westerville trail that goes under S. Sunbury Rd.). Jim contacted us later to say that the trail is now open. MI: New U.S. Bicycle Route 35 In Traverse City5/11/12"Northern Michigan Biking: Help to celebrate the newly designated US Bicycle Route (USBR) 35 with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 19, at 1:00 p.m., followed by an informal bicycle ride along portions of USBR 35, including Traverse City's TART Trail." more... Submitted by Jeff Westrich RTC Trail Of The Month: WA Olympic Discovery Trail"...The route of the Olympic Discovery Trail stretches 126 miles across the northern edge of the peninsula, from Port Townsend in the east to La Push on the Pacific Ocean. The trail itself is a work in progress, with large gaps that must be bridged by on-street riding. But the scenic splendors of this area, together with its compelling stories (both fictional and historical), make this path unusually noteworthy." more... Video: Towpath Complete In Summit CountyPortland To Invest In More Biking, Not Driving"...During a speech at the Oregon Active Transportation Summit yesterday, PBOT Director Tom Miller announced that Portland will be pursuing a 10 percent bike mode share goal, an interim step on the city's way to achieving its 25 percent target by 2030." more... Pittsburgh's First On-Street Bike Corrals"How many bikes can fit in the space of one car? At least a dozen, as will soon be shown on East Carson Street when the city installs its first bike corral on the South Side next week." more... Norwich Twp Resident Asks For Trails"A Norwich Township resident wants a bike path and a walking path to connect residents of Fishinger Boulevard east of Dublin Road to Mill Run, as well as similar paths on Dublin Road south of Fishinger Boulevard." more... Historic Trestle Reopens In British Columbia"...Distinguished by a seven -degree curve over a low-level Howe truss (named after its inventor, William Howe, from Spencer, Mass., who patented his truss design in 1840), the Kinsol Trestle is a monster at more than 145-feet tall and more than 600-feet long." more... CA: Hiker Suffers Head Injury"A 49-year-old man suffered a head injury in a tumble down a trail leading to Three Sisters Falls on April 29 [in San Diego County]. The injury occurred at a steep section of trail where hikers must descend by rope, ECM has learned." more... Ribbon Cutting For Completed Towpath In Summit County5/10/12"...The ribbon-cutting took place near the Wolf Creek Trailhead off Snyder Avenue in southern Barberton. "The 0.6-mile [O & E Canal Towpath] section includes a 494-foot bridge over the Tuscarawas River, a bridge over the Ohio & Erie Canal and a tunnel under railroad tracks. It runs next to Wolf Creek, skirts two old landfills and is tucked next to PPG Industries' Lime Lake No. 3." more... Public Supports Bike/Ped Funding"The morning after a U.S. senator questioned commitment of federal transportation funds for pedestrian and cycling projects, bike advocates on Wednesday presented survey results that they said showed overwhelming public support for the spending." more... More Trail News...
Video: Tulsa Trails Well Connected5/8/12"With much of the nation dealing with gasoline prices of $3.75 a gallon, many cities and states are looking at alternative transportation. "...Tulsa is well ahead of the situation with a fast-growing system that works for exercise and commuters." more... Top 10 Rail-Trail States5/8/12"Michigan is fast becoming a major destination for bicycle touring, and one of its major draws is its wide-ranging network of rails-to-trails. "Abandoned and out-of-service railroad corridors criss-cross the state, and local governments and "friends of the trail" groups are transforming these into paved and gravel trails for bikes and other non-motorized users." more... Green Briar Trail Makes Hall Of Fame5/8/12"...Given that Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) D.C. headquarters, and our regional offices in Pennsylvania and Ohio, are all just a short drive away, many of us here at RTC have a real soft spot for the Greenbrier River Trail! "So it is with great pleasure we announce that this wonderful rail-trail is to be inducted into our Rail-Trail Hall of Fame." more... Why Johnny Can't Ride To School"Childhood obesity rates are soaring, youth participation in sports and other active pursuits is plummeting, and a generation is coming of age with little understanding of the joy and freedom of unsupervised play. There's a simple solution-but all across the nation our schools earn a failing grade when it comes to letting kids ride their bikes." more... AL: Eastern Shore Trail Almost Complete5/6/12"The 29-mile walking and cycling Eastern Shore Trail is nearly finished, and organizers are now looking at how to expand the route to other areas of Baldwin County." more... Bicycle Sundays Kick Off In Seattle5/6/12"A unusual sunny Sunday in Seattle made the first Bicycle Sunday along the shores of Lake Washington a rousing success." more... S.C.: Trail & Fitness Go Hand In Hand5/6/12"Stretching 1.91 miles alongside Union and Pine streets, the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail in Spartanburg has become a fitness hot spot." more... Horses Plunge Into Ravine On Trail Ride5/4/12"Two horses that fell off a trail and into a ravine in Trabuco Canyon had to be tranquilized and airlifted to safety today, and a trail had to be cut for another horse to be walked out to a road, leaving behind a fourth horse that died during the ordeal in the Cleveland National Forest." more... The Value Of Investing In Non-Motorized Transport"...Between 2007 and 2010, new multi-use paths, bike lanes, pedestrian routes and trails in the four pilot communities - Minneapolis, Minn., Sheboygan County, Wisc., Marin County, Calif., and Columbia, Mo. - resulted in an estimated 32 million driving miles being averted. Non-motorized transportation infrastructure enabled local residents to choose to walk or bike for local trips, reducing traffic congestion and pollution, improving physical activity rates and sharply cutting into time spent driving." more... San Francisco Allows Bike In Buildings5/3/12"Most city bike commuters struggle with what to do with their bikes, both at their residence and once at their destinations and places of employment. In San Francisco, California a new ordinance has initial approval that will allow riders to bring their bikes into commercial buildings." more... Video: Toronto Mayor Wages War On Bikes5/2/12"Toronto's tough-talking mayor has never hidden his disdain for cyclists. Now they are accusing him of trumping up a war on two-wheeled commuters. Bike lanes have been removed but are the city's streets any more dangerous to ride?" more... NH: Hiking Bridge Uses Eco-Friendly Wood5/2/12"...The 40-foot long bridge is made of a new formula pressure-treated wood, made without a lot of chemicals that could pollute water, said Wheeler, and recycled steet I-beams that had been part of a mobile home." more... Cumberland's MTB Trails Among Best In World5/2/12"Grassroot efforts at the community level have earned Cumberland's mountain biking trails a reputation as some of the best in Canada, if not the world. "Volunteers perform regular maintenance on the forest trails, keeping them in prime shape for the many races that are run at the venue." more... National Bike Month -- Celebration Or Political Battle?5/2/12"National Bike Month started Tuesday in the United States, with more than 450 events planned around to country to celebrate all the benefits of riding a bike. The League of American Bicyclists is hoping to leverage the events for political gain in the US Congress, which will be deciding soon on funding for bicycling as part of the federal transportation bill." more... Support The U.S. Bike Route System"Imagine a nationwide network of numbered and marked bicycle routes that directs bike travelers to major destinations in all 50 states - that's the U.S. Bicycle Route System." more... CO: More MTB Trails Opened In Fruita5/2/12"Three new trails have been dedicated in the North Fruita Desert and planners say another one will be revealed in the next few months. The Colorado Plateau Mountain Bike Trail Association is the brains behind the new trails." more... Bike-Hike Realignment Complete - Bridge Next5/2/12"The opening earlier this year of the 1-mile Summit County Metroparks Bike & Hike Trail realignment near Brandywine Falls was celebrated April 25 with a ribbon cutting. "Metroparks Director and Secretary Keith Shy said the $2.53-million project, which includes additional parking at the falls and an as yet to be installed pedestrian bridge over Interstate 271, was a decade in the making..." more Share-The-Road Demonstration In South Bend"..."We want to demonstrate sharing the road," she said of the procession, titled "Share the Road . Every Life Counts." "They welcome the public to join. From the opposite end of the procession, people on foot, wheelchair and stroller will follow sidewalks until the two groups meet at the County-City Building in downtown for a 7 p.m. press conference with public officials." more... IN: St. Joseph County To Extend Trails4/30/12"One project would have pedestrians and bicyclists cross Cleveland Road at one of its busiest sections. Another project would pay for a wide shoulder on Juniper Road with an eclectic mix of funding. A third would cut paths through Granger. "They are what's in the works for bike routes by St. Joseph County officials." more... Hit-And-Run Caught On Video4/30/12"A California motorist who is suspected of striking two bicyclists in Berkeley and speeding away has been arrested by police after a bike-mounted video camera captured his license plate number." more... CA: Bayshore Bikeway Expands4/30/12"...Late last month, a new 1.8-mile segment of the Bayshore Bikeway was opened. Located entirely in the city of Chula Vista, this new section of the bikeway begins at H Street, runs along Bay Boulevard and an inactive railroad right-of-way, and ends at Palomar Street. The segment will allow users to explore the city's beautiful bay-front area. This is the first step to completing the bikeway on the east side of the San Diego Bay." more... ME: Portland Man Remembered By Trail Tribute4/27/12"Stephen Aylward was loved and respected in the city of Portland, Maine, as an educator, a man of his community, and as a passionate advocate for his local rail-trail." more... Trail Bollards: An Unnecessary Hazard?4/27/12"Whenever I used to come across a bollard in a bike trail, I'd get the righteous feeling of ownership that this was my trail; cars cannot get in. "Now I worry that a bicyclist might hit the bollard and suffer an injury. Are bollards safe?" more... IA: Bike Trails Like "Little RAGBRAI"4/27/12"If you build it, the beer and the tacos will come. "Turns out that ol' Iowa cornfield magic doesn't just apply to baseball diamonds. Complete a 25-mile-long, $15 million recreational trail between Woodward and Ankeny after eight years of trying and several new watering holes will pop up out of the local farmland to keep riders - ahem - hydrated along the way." more... Strongsville Getting New MTB Trail"A mountain bike trail is set to open in June at the Royalview Picnic Area in Strongsville. "The 8-mile trail winds through the woods and offers great views of Royalview Creek, according to the Cleveland Metroparks." more... Cyclist Dies After Crash On B&O Trail4/26/12"A 53-year-old man died Wednesday from injuries received in a bicycle crash Tuesday evening on the Richland B&O Trail. "Giuseppe Maino, a contractor at the 179th Airlift Wing of the Ohio National Guard base, died at 1:10 a.m., Richland Co. Coroner's Investigator Bob Ball said." more... Read another report on this tragedy.
Giuseppe Maino
Athens Considers Bridge / Trail Spur4/25/12"...The city also discussed a planned extension of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in the form of a spur including a bridge over the Hocking River and onto Columbus Circle to give access to Columbus Road. "He said the office of public works is in the process of applying for a grant to fund the spur, and needs an ordinance from council in order to do this. The city may consider an emergency ordinance next week on the matter. The cost estimate for the project is at $1 million, with an 80/20 spilt from the grant." more... Toronto Expanding Trails4/24/12"Construction on Toronto's first physically separated bike lane is scheduled to begin on Sherbourne St. this summer. This spring, Toronto cyclists are enjoying about 30 kilometres of new off-road bike trails and there are plans to build a further 77 kilometres over the next decade." more... Xenia To Promote Trails"A new campaign has started in Xenia to promote one of the city's most valuable and treasured assets: the bike path[s]. "Xenia Downtown Revitalization Committee (XDRC) members have started the "I Like to Bike Campaign." According to Nancy Sanders, a member of the XDRC, the concept emerged while the committee was looking into ways to market the downtown area." more... D.C. Ped Bridge Made In Dayton4/24/12"When District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray launched his city's sustainability initiative Tuesday, he did so in front of a 685-foot-long bridge made of composite material manufactured in Dayton. "The pedestrian bridge, part of a 20-mile trail that connects 16 waterfront neighborhoods in the nation's capital, is the cornerstone of Gray's plan to make the city greener..." more TX: Austin Trail Suffers Rock SlideSee the video. Booby Traps Found On Utah Hiking Trail4/24/12"Two men have been arrested in the US state of Utah suspected of setting up potentially deadly booby traps on a popular canyon trail. "The devices consisted of a spiked boulder rigged to swing at head height and another designed to trip a passer-by into a bed of wooden stakes." more... RI: East Bay Bike Path Celebrates 25th Anniversary4/23/12"...Since its opening the 14.5-mile path, from Independence Park in Bristol to India Point Park in Providence, has transformed the lives of many in the East Bay. It's been a boon for both recreational activity and local business, according to Art Leland, who in 1989 opened Warren's Your Bike Shop along the path when parts of it were still incomplete." more... Closer Look: Traffic Drove Fairmount Decline4/23/12"...In Richard Bauer's brilliant Enquirer guest column ("Traffic drove Fairmount decline," April 6), the Fairmount native wrote, "The Enquirer's lament over the demise of Fairmount's neighborhood-ness omitted the cause of death. Fairmount was mortally wounded over 60 years ago, caught in the crossfire between topography and the automobile, and its health has been failing ever since." more... The Latest On Cincy's Expanding Trail Network"...'We have some of the best trails in the region, and the Armleder trail connector is just another wonderful addition to our pipeline through the Cincinnati region,' she said. "The ultimate plan for the future is for the Little Miami Scenic trail and the Ohio River Trail to eventually connect with the Lunken Field loop trail." more... IA: Cedar Rapids Makes Financial Committment To Trails4/22/12"...the Cedar Rapids contingent on the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization flexed its muscle this week and committed the agency to spend 80 percent of a funding pot of between $3 million and $4 million a year on trails and bike lanes on streets..." more RTC Posts Green Issue 2012Check out the Rails-To-Trails Conservancy's annual Green Issue online here. Pop-Up Rockwell Launches In Cleveland"...Starting Saturday, Pop Up Rockwell will transform five blocks of Rockwell Avenue into a testing ground for two-way bicycle lanes, sidewalk benches that filter runoff and public art." more... AZ: Tempe's 21st Bike To Work Day4/21/12"Early Wednesday morning, Patricia Berning prepared a free breakfast for neighbors who might make a pit stop at her small business on Tempe's annual Bike to Work Day ride. "'I like getting up at 4:30 in the morning and making sure we have breakfast. It's fun and I get to be a part of a community that supports biking,' she said." more... NCIT To Be Completed In Sandusky County4/20/12"Sandusky County Park District commissioners awarded a nearly $1 million contract Thursday for construction of the county's final leg of the NCIT." more... Here's another report on the construction. Video: Hamilton Begins Riverfront Project4/19/12"...The multi-phase project includes a number of enhancements, such as creating a riverfront public park that will include a bike/hike trail extension from downtown to the Rentschler Forest Preserve in Fairfield Township, an amphitheater/river overlook along the east bank of the river and streetscape improvements along a portion of Riverfront Plaza." more... WV: Parkersburg Completing Ped/Bike Trails4/19/12"Walking and cycling trails in Parkersburg are being completed to improve the quality of life for residents, the mayor said on Wednesday." more... Cleveland Heights Addresses Non-Car Commuting4/18/12"...About 40 people attended Tuesday night's meeting at the Cleveland Heights Community Center to hear more details about the two studies - one focused on making bike commuting better, the other on enhancing travel for bus riders and walkers." more... Boston Needs Avenues For Bikes4/18/12"...More cycling makes a more vibrant city. Boston and Cambridge have come a long way in a very short time in promoting cycling and bike sharing. But for the most part, the streets still belong to daredevils willing to risk their lives on painted lanes in between whizzing cars on the left and parked cars on the right, where a deadly door could be opened into their lane without warning." more... FL: Converting Distressed Properties Into Parks4/17/12"To hasten its ambitious goal of a county-wide network of parks, trails and greenways, Miami-Dade parks administrators are looking to a novel approach that would turn distressed commercial properties into green spaces." more... Fredericktown Considers Paving Trail4/17/12"Village council Monday approved an emergency ordinance authorizing the village administrator to apply to ODOT for a federal Transportation Enhancement Grant for paving the Fredericktown Bicycle Trail." more... The village recently purchased a section of railroad corridor for the trail: "Village Council Monday approved an emergency ordinance appropriating $105,000 for the purchase of the railroad property running through town from CSX Transportation. The property will be used for a bicycle path/walkway connecting the park on the north side to the park on the south end of town." more... Clinton-Fayette Trail Plans Continue Despite Opposition4/17/12"The Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail was approved by Clinton County commissioners in a split vote Monday, making it the second time the trail's organizers received such a response from the board. "Coordinators of the trail returned to commissioners last week to request the board's support in applying for a second grant to fund the project." more... CicLAvia Draws 100,000 Participants4/16/12"The car-free event, closing 10 miles of streets in downtown Los Angeles and beyond, brings people outdoors to explore different neighborhoods and enjoy the spirit of a citywide block party." more... KY: Public Meeting For Louisville Loop4/16/12"...When it's completed, the Louisville Loop will be a 100-mile bike path circling the city. Right now, there are 23 miles completed-from downtown and along the Ohio River into southwest Louisville-and the other sections of the trail are in various phases of planning." more... Delaware's Push For Walking & Biking"There is a perception that (trails) are nice amenities from a recreational standpoint, but with $4-a-gallon gas I have seen a lot of people out there biking and making an economic choice," Shailen Bhatt, secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, told Delaware Online this week." more... Plans To Close Towpath Gap In Massillon"The final obstacle to the completion of the O&E Towpath Trail in Massillon will be eliminated with the addition of a 14-foot wide pedestrian/bicycle ramp that will connect trail users with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Viaduct." more... NM: Resort To Add 20 Miles Of MTB Trails4/16/12"Angel Fire Resort to Add 20 Miles of New Mountain Bike Trails in 2012; Growth Focuses on Beginner and Intermediate Experience." more... SC: Company Builds Trail For Employees4/13/12"...South Carolina-based company ACS Technologies, which this week opened a half-mile walking trail, built and paid for by the company, through their 14-acre Florence campus." more... Sippo Trail Bridge Reopens4/13/12"A foot-bridge along the Sippo Valley Trail that connects hikers and bikers on the city's west side with the popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail has reopened, nearly four years after it was severely damaged by arsonists." more... Bike/Ped Report Sent To Congress4/12/12"Word just came in from the Department of Transportation that the U.S. Congress will later today receive the much-anticipated report detailing the measureable impacts of the Nonmotorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTPP)." more... Connecticut Closes Andover Gap4/12/12"...The gap in the trail was a key fracture in the regional trail system and a crucial missing-link in the East Coast Greenway, an effort to connect a continuous trail system from the Canadian border to Florida." more... Evendale Seeking Funding For Trail"...The Recreation Commission has already completed the first two phases of the bike master plan in Evendale, which included surveys about biking in the village and engineering the trail's design. Phase 3 has commenced, which includes searching for funding to complete the project, said Michele Gottschlich, former member of the Evendale Recreation Commission." more... Submitted by: Jeff Westrich PA: Cresheim Trail Project4/12/12"...The Cresheim Trail Project, now in the process of incorporating as a 501(c)3 non-profit, hopes to provide a "key link" between existing Wissahickon Valley trails and the neighborhoods of Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, Wyndmoor, Laverock and Cedarbrook." more... WA: Cyclists Lose Case Against Trolley Tracks4/12/12"A judge has thrown out a lawsuit by six bicyclists who claimed the city of Seattle created unsafe conditions when it opened a streetcar line." more... West Virginia Working On Bike Plans4/11/12"Great news for the residents and businesses of West Virginia, with the Department of Transportation (WVDOT) announcing last week it will be gathering public input for a series of regional bicycle plans in population centers across the state." more... Cleveland Metroparks To Improve Trail Crossing4/10/12"The Cleveland Metroparks are willing to split the cost of installing a pedestrian signal at the popular crossing at SOM Center Road and Hawthorne Parkway [in Solon]. "...Since a number of horse-riding enthusiasts told Solon's safety committee last summer they were concerned that the crossing was dangerous, city officials have been trying to work out a solution to improve the perceived safety of the crossing. Residents say that drivers are too distracted and driving too fast." more... Keystone Fund Threatened In PA4/10/12"...The Keystone Fund is widely credited for establishing Pennsylvania as one of nation's foremost trails destinations, creating a recreational infrastructure that has saved many towns and communities struggling economically following the demise of mining and other primary industries." more... Nebraska 3-Feet Law On Fast Track4/10/12"The Nebraska legislature has sent a bill that requires motorists to give bicyclists 3 feet of clearance when passing to Gov. Dave Heineman for his signature." more... Urban Trails Key To Public Health4/9/12"...With convenient access to trails widely regarded as one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to combat obesity and inactivity, these urban pathways are now thought of as not only recreation and transportation infrastructure, but also public health assets..." more Michigan Boasts Largest Trail Network"...Michigan has the largest rail-trail system in America, with more than 2,300 miles. And they are well-used; there are more than 300 bike tours that criss-cross the state, enjoyed by more than 45,000 cyclists each year." more... Alum Creek Construction At Innis Park4/9/12"I've been haunting Innis Park and was pleasantly surprised to find TODAY [Sunday, April 8] that the construction to connect the park Northbound towards Easton has started!" more... Submitted by: Theresa L. McNamara Park Construction To Finish By June 1"A renovation project at McNamara Park off Big Walnut Road will be completed by June 1, Genoa Township trustees learned April 5. "...Renovations included grading and drainage improvements, expanding open fields, adding parking spaces and lengthening the trail. A $100,000 grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was used on the improvements." more... Indianapolis Launches 64-Mile Bike Lane Network4/7/12"...As prime cycling weather takes hold -- and as motorists grapple with what the sometimes-confusing markings and symbols all mean -- now comes the test for the city's newly expanded 64-mile network of on-street bikeways: Will bicyclists start using them?" more... UT: Rape Victim Speaks At Trail Vigil4/7/12"Concerns for community safety following two violent sexual assaults close to the Provo River Trail was the focus of a candlelight vigil along the trail Saturday evening that attracted about 100 people." more... Video: Towpath Trail Etiquette4/6/12"With our great weather, people are heading out in droves to enjoy a walk or bike ride. Many of our park systems have multi-purpose trails for them, but you need to be safe." more... 80-Mile Rail Corridor Railbanked In CA"...The trail will be known as the Great Shasta Rail Trail (GSRT). The right-of-way along the 80-mile section of the McCloud Railway between McCloud, in Siskiyou County, and Burney, in Shasta County, was purchased from the property's owner, 4 Rails, Inc., by the Shasta Land Trust (SLT)..." more CA: Cyclist Kills Ped; Posts Online4/6/12"A bicyclist who could face vehicular manslaughter charges for plowing into a pedestrian in San Francisco's Castro district admitted in an online post that he sped into a crowded crosswalk, prosecutors believe." more... Read another account of this tragedy. SC: Swamp Rabbit Trail Business Thrives4/5/12"Of the dozens of businesses that have sprouted along the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail, perhaps none has been more transformative than the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery." more... A Closer Look At The Debate Over Bike Lanes4/5/12"...Bill Strickland, editor-at-large for Bicycling worked on a piece for the magazine called "We Have Met the Enemy" with colleague Matt Seaton. In it, they examine what they call the "vicious" opposition to bike lanes in many cities and towns, and come to a startling conclusion: The toughest obstacle to bike lanes is the reputation of the cyclists themselves, who are often seen as rude and dismissive of the rules of the road." more... Tallgrass Trail Seeks Comments/Grant4/5/12"Over 30 people attended a public meeting earlier this week to learn about the Marion County Park District plans to for a large grant they are applying for through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). While the park commissioners were happy with the turnout, they are seeking even more comments to help them win the grant." more... MORPC Transport Projects Compete For Funding4/4/12"The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is in the midst of a four-year update to its 2012-2035 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a document that outlines transportation projects around central Ohio and helps local municipalities obtain federal funding for those projects. "More than 300 transportation projects around central Ohio with an estimated cost of $16.47 billion could receive MORPC backing." more... More Trail News...Big Walnut Trail Funding For Section 34/4/12"Gahanna residents will be able to enjoy more of the Big Walnut Trail, thanks to council's April 2 approval to enter into a grant agreement that would help fund Section 3." more... Pedestrian Area Development Sought In Cuyahoga Falls"The city's Planning Commission voted Monday night to recommend that the City Council pass a resolution in favor of creating a pedestrian-friendly area along Front and Second streets." more... KY: Lexington Looking To Extend/Connect Trail Network"The people of Lexington, Ky., are pushing ahead with plans to develop an impressive biking and walking network built around a number of urban and rural rail-trails." more... Boston 'Bike Czar' Takes New Job4/4/12"Nicole Freedman, the director of bicycle programs for the City of Boston, said Tuesday that she will step down this month to take a job in Maine. "Freedman, a former Olympic bicyclist, began her job in 2007 and is widely credited with helping to bring bicycle lanes to the city and raise overall awareness of bicycling in Boston, which had been known as an unsafe and unpopular place for bicyclists." more... TN: Greenway Section Gets Lights4/3/12"Cleveland Utilities crews have installed new light poles on a popular section of the Cleveland/Bradley County Greenway that are now illuminating the linear park from Mohawk Drive to Paul Huff Parkway, according to an announcement by Cameron Fisher, chairman of the Greenway board of directors." more... WA: State Ferries Fare Increases Spare Cyclists4/3/12"Fares are going up on the Washington State Ferry system beginning May 1 - except for bicycles..." more Rivergate Park Key To Lakefront Connections"Cleveland Metroparks planners are still puzzling over the best way to make the park system a major presence on the lakefront. Now they at least have a piece of the puzzle -- a 2.8-acre plot in the Flats, to be called Rivergate." more... IN: Greenwood Says "No" To Cyclists4/2/12"A city commission in Greenwood, Indiana, is turning away a proposed U.S. Bicycle Route that would take traveling bicyclists through the middle of its historic downtown." more... RTC: Trail Of The Month"When it comes to layers of history, few pathways can top the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. This central Connecticut corridor started life as a waterway, then turned into a railroad, then became a multi-use trail. Lately, it's become a crucial link in an ambitious 3,000-mile greenway from Florida to Maine." more... Pennsylvania Passes '4 Feet' Law4/1/12"Pennsylvania becomes the 20th state on Monday to require that motorists give bicyclists a wide margin when passing. "While 19 states mandate a 3-foot gap, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett signed a new law on Feb. 2, 2012, that requires 4 feet of space." more... April Fool's Joke Riles Trail Users4/1/12"...A Wisconsin newspaper reported this week that Disney would buy a beloved state biking trail and fill it with arcade games, piped-in music, motorbike paths, and kid-friendly miniature trains. "Public outcry over the County Line article was so intense that editors buckled yesterday and admitted it was an April Fool's prank." more... CA: Trails Set To Reopen After Fatality3/31/12"The U.S. Forest Service will reopen this weekend one of two entrances to a set of trails that leads to Cedar Creek Falls, an area that has been closed since a 16-year-old El Cajon boy died after falling from a cliff near the popular swimming hole in July." more... Transportation Funding Gets 90 Day Extension"This week the House and Senate both passed a 90-day extension of the federal transportation authorization, and the President signed the law. It will continue current programs including Recreational Trails until June 30." more... WA: Land Acquired For Eastside Rail-Trail"...Last week the elected council of Kirkland, a key city along the [Eastside Rail Trail] ERT route, authorized the purchase of 5.75 miles of the corridor, an important step in transforming the former rail line into a transportation and recreation resource for King County's growing population." more... IN: Building A People-Powered Transport System3/31/12"When I moved to Columbus in 1977, I was disappointed to find no trails or bicycle lanes. By 1985, I was pleased the City determined significant community interest for walking and biking trails and constructed our first trail between Mill Race Park and Noblitt Park. "Since 1985, residents have asked for these facilities throughout our community. Our People Trail system is evolving from a recreational system to a transportation system for commuting to work, school, parks, and other destinations." more... Ohio Park Projects May Lose Funding Source"...Those four [park] projects are among 42 across Ohio that are eligible for money from the Clean Ohio Fund from the state of Ohio. All are in danger of not getting money. "The problem is that the Clean Ohio Fund is not being fully funded by the Kasich administration, and that leaves the sponsors of local projects worried, unhappy and frustrated." more... WA: State To Close Illegal MTB Trails3/31/12"A downhill trail system that mountain bikers say is among the best in the world will be closed Monday, April 2, because it was built illegally on Department of Natural Resources land." more... WA: Future Trail Over Lake Washington3/29/12"...The new Highway 520 bridge across Lake Washington will have a bicycle and pedestrian trail. These artists' renderings prove it." more... Video: Maumee River Trail Bridge Plans3/29/12"Getting from one county to another could soon be as easy as riding a bike. That is the goal of the Wood County Port Authority. It is working with other regional organizations to connect Lucas and Wood counties with a biking and walking trail. "This all started with an 11-mile stretch called the West Side Corridor. One part of that area is an old, abandoned rail bridge. The port authority said it does not look like much now, but it would like to transform it into a connector." more... Read a previous post on this topic. Critical Injury On TJ Evans Trail3/29/12"A Worthington teenager was in critical condition Wednesday night at Ohio State University Medical Center in Colubmus after he fell from a skateboard on the T.J. Evans bike path." more... NC: Cleveland County Approves Trail Bridge Funds"The Kings Mountain Gateway Trail will receive additional funds from Cleveland County after a bridge project was more costly than the nonprofit group anticipated." more... Bike-Friendly College Campuses3/28/12"Picking up the NCAA March Madness theme, the League of American Bicyclists has announced the latest additions to its list of Bicycle Friendly Universities. "The League added 5 colleges each to the Silver and Bronze rankings, raising the number of bike friendly campuses to 35 in 21 states." more... ND: Dangerous Roads Prompt Bicycle Route Changes3/27/12"...The Northern Tier and Lewis & Clark bicycle routes were redrawn to avoid the heavy traffic related to the oil and gas industry surge in northwestern North Dakota and moved southward generally to the Interstate 94 corridor." more... DE: Clearing The Pomeroy Trail3/27/12"The Newark Jaycees solidified its partnership with the City of Newark by helping to clear underbrush and debris from the site of the future Pomeroy and Newark Rail Trail (PNRT)..." more... Ohio-to-Erie Trail Ribbon Cutting
See another video clip on this grand opening. More Cycling Connections For Summit & Portage Counties"...AMATS, a regional planning agency that plans and helps fund transportation projects in Summit and Portage counties, has included an on-road bike plan in its long-range goals. "The AMATS Transportation Improvement Program identifies $22 million in bike path projects over the next six years, with AMATS providing $8 million in funding for the 11 projects." more... Read a previous post on this subject. More Trail News...3/28/12 - MO: Major Connection For Billings Trails Opens
3/27/12 - PA: Trail Travel Along The Susquehanna
3/26/12 - US: Trail Groups Start Early Spring Cleaning
3/26/12 - OR: Portland Pauses On Waterfront Path
Grove City Trail CompletedRibbon Cutting April 133/26/12"...A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place for the newly constructed White Road at 10:30 a.m. April 13 at the overpass at Interstate 71. "A new bike trail was constructed alongside White Road, which runs between Hoover Road and state Route 104." more... Rail-Trail Bridge Options Considered"The Wood County Port Authority is taking action regarding the former rail bridge spanning the Maumee River that will become part of a trail connecting portions of Lucas and Wood counties. "The Port Authority heard a presentation on the matter by Rich Martenko of the University of Toledo and representatives of area engineering firm Claude Brown and Associates." more... Cincy: Bike Lane Project Officially Postponed"The last time we reported on the Riverside Drive bike lane project, Cincinnati's Department of Transportation was considering postponing the long-awaited project because of future construction on I-471. "The delay is official. According the WVXU (91.7 FM), the city's Transportation and Engineering Director, Michael Moore, told Laurie Keleher, the city liaison with the East End Area Council, in an email that the project was indefinitely postponed. The delay, said the email, could range from a year to two years." more... Subnitted by: Jeff Westrich See a previous post on this topic. McNamara Parking Closed Due To Construction3/25/12A prime parking spot for Genoa Trail users, McNamara Park, is currently under construction and not open to the public for parking. Submitted by: William Estes GA: Athens Launches New Rail-Trail Project3/23/12"Looking wistfully at the famous and much-loved Silver Comet Trail about 70 miles to the west, local organizers near Athens, Ga., are hoping to build a similar rail-trail attraction in their region." more... High Ped Fatality Rates In Maryland"Prince George's County has struggled with some of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in Maryland, prompting it to finally join the Washington region's Street Smart campaign this year, county officials announced Wednesday." more... Biking/Walking For Underserved Communities"Speaking at the 2012 National Bike Summit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Representative Donna Edwards (D-MD) yesterday urged transportation planners and advocates to promote bicycling and walking as a means of improving conditions and access in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color." more... New Bike Plan For Summit & Portage Counties3/23/12"The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study is out to boost recreational cycling but also wants to promote on-the-road, commuter cycling. "On Thursday, its governing board approved a regional bike plan covering Summit and Portage counties." more... Bike-Hike Trail To Close For 90 Days"Beginning Monday, March 26 and continuing for approximately 90 days, four miles of the Metro Parks Serving Summit County multi-purpose Bike & Hike Trail will be closed for construction between Nottingham Gate Boulevard in Hudson and Stow Road n Stow." more... MI: Upper Pennisula Bike Path Damaged"Damage to a bike path in an Upper Peninsula natural area has made part of the trail unusable." more... Apparent Suicide On Richland B&O Trail3/23/12"A 48-year-old man who apparently jumped from the West Fourth Street bridge [in Mansfield] Thursday afternoon has been identified as Russell Hamrick. "Richland County coroner's investigator Tom Stortz said Hamrick last lived at 116 Grover St. Police said he jumped 30 feet to his death, landing on the Richland B&O Bike Trail. The incident happened at 3:26 p.m." more... 2012 Advocacy Awards"To shine the spotlight on the progress and victories of the bicycle and pedestrian advocacy movement, the Alliance for Biking & Walking is pleased to announce its 2012 Advocacy Award winners. Since 2009, the Alliance has solicited public nominations and recognized the individuals, organizations and business leaders who are propelling our People Powered Movement. This year, we honor the following winners from across North America..." more Trail Connects To Pittsburgh Airport"Dozens of spandex-clad bicyclists pedaled to the airport via the newly-opened connection between the Montour Trail and Pittsburgh International Airport Tuesday. "According to organizers, the Montour Trail is the longest suburban trail in the nation..." more... Dayton Fatality Identified As WSU Planner3/21/12"Michael Schulze, who was instrumental in helping design new buildings and plan growth at Wright State University, died while trail biking at a park near the university." more... Read a previous report on this tragedy. OTE Section Grand Opening"Larry Peck is interviewed on WBNS 10TV to discuss the opening of [a new section of] the Ohio To Erie path from Cincinnati to Columbus."
More Trail News...OH: 3/20/12 - Search For Missing Boy Along Little Miami Trail
VA: 3/20/12 - Rail-Trail Potential In Virginia
Cyclist Killed In Ross County3/20/12"A bicyclist was struck and killed by a vehicle in Ross County Tuesday morning. "The crash occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on state Route 104 at Lunbeck Road in Springfield Township." more... New Orleans Gets Bike-Friendly Bronze3/20/12"The last six and a half years have not been exactly easy for bikes in the Big Easy. Efforts to make the city more bicycle friendly have been hard fought, however, New Orleans is seeing improvements. And just recently the town known for food, music, and a party atmosphere was awarded the League of American Bicyclists' bronze level status for bike friendliness." more... Boston Planners Aiming To Cluster Trails"A regional planning agency is working to expand networks of pedestrian and bike trails in 13 Greater Boston communities, including Dedham, Westwood, and Quincy, to encourage more people to travel via two legs or two wheels. "The Metropolitan Area Planning Council is looking to connect clusters of communities with trails so that people might be able to safely pedal or walk from their homes to locations they need to go regularly, such as their workplaces." more... IA: Trail Attacker Nabbed3/20/12"An alert victim and fast police work led to the arrest of a Waterloo man accused of stabbing a female jogger at George Wyth State Park on Monday. "Investigators also linked the suspect, Blake Andrew Houser, 19, of 719 W. First St., to a similar attack on another recreational trail last summer." more... MORPC Seeks Transportation Input In Delaware3/19/12"Residents who are frustrated by problematic roadways and bike paths in the Delaware area have the opportunity to speak their minds. "The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has asked Delaware residents to make their voices heard regarding which projects they would like to see completed in the next four to six years." more... FL: Trail Sponsor Bill On Governor's Desk"Corporate sponsorships of biking and hiking trails may soon be a sign of the times in Florida. "The weak economy coupled with the reluctance to raise taxes to pay for public services has prompted Florida legislators to approve corporate sponsorships for trails in the sunshine state." more... BMX Rider Found Dead In Dayton"A man was found dead lying next to his BMX bike at a MetroPark Saturday. "A witness found the man on the dirt bike trail at Huffman MetroPark off Route 4 in Dayton, around 10 a.m. Saturday." more... Trails Improve Neighborhood Fitness"...A study looking at the differences in levels of physical activity among kids in two different low-income neighborhoods found that the shape, length, width and overall planning of the sidewalk features makes a difference." more... GA: Rising Gas Prices Mirror Trail Demand3/18/12"The Silver Comet Trail, a 61-mile converted railroad track that slices through northwest Georgia to the Alabama border, teems with traffic this time of year from bicyclists, walkers, joggers, roller-bladers and parents pushing baby carriages." more... Bike-Hike Trail Bridge Delayed Again3/16/12"Completion of a $2.6 million rerouting of a popular trail in northern Summit County has been delayed again. "Commissioners of Metro Parks, Serving Summit County, learned Friday that rerouting the Bike & Hike Trail near Brandywine Falls won't be finished until at least mid-June." more... Senate Approves Transportation Bill"Big win for the Recreational Trails Program! Today, the Senate approved a $109 billion transportation bill. The bipartisan bill passed by a vote of 74-22. Through a manager's amendment, the Recreational Trails Program was saved! Here is the wording now included in the bill..." more MD: Hagerstown Oficials Support Civil War Railroad Trail3/16/12"Hagerstown officials earlier this month joined the Washington County Board of Commissioners in support of a new biking and hiking trail that would connect Hagerstown's City Park to the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal near the Potomac River." more... Bridge Work To Close Portion Of Panhandle Trail3/16/12"...The contractor will begin setting traffic control to close the Ohio 16 passing lanes in both directions. Work will be performed on Cedar Street, including entrance and exit ramps, with Cedar Street and ramps remaining open to traffic. Construction will close the bike trail during the bridge deck replacement over Ohio Central Railroad/Bike Trail, the date for which will be announced..." more Camp Chase Trail Section To Be Paved3/14/12"The next section of the Camp Chase Trail in western Franklin County should be completed by early next year now that the Metro Parks board has approved a $2.3 million contract to build the link. "The 2.4-mile segment will run between Kropp Road at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and the community of Galloway in Prairie Township. Metro Parks has finished a 5.5-mile section from the park west to Wilson Road in Madison County." more... WV: Wood County Delays Action On Trail Plan3/14/12"Wood County commissioners delayed action Tuesday on a proposed five-year trails plan. "...Pinpointed as the priority project was the Little Kanawha Connector Trail to the North Bend Rail Trail with the city of Parkersburg and allow continuance of the American Discovery Trail..." more Wasson Way Debate: Light Rail Vs. Trail3/13/12"...The light rail people don't have any plan whatsoever to preserve the land right now. It could be 20 years before a light rail is feasibly built, and what are we going to do in the meantime with that land? Let it sit? We can't do that," Quinlivan says. "...The key point is that this rail corridor must be kept in public ownership . if there's not a plan in place to preserve it, it can be sold to anyone," Oberg adds. "Once these corridors go away, they're never coming back. We have to preserve this; we're all fighting the same fight here." more... Read a previous post on this subject. D.C.: 14th Street Bridge Needs Good Bike Connection3/13/12"Bicycling to and from the 14th Street bridge on the DC side is not a pleasant experience. Cyclists must choose between harrowing high-speed roadways, too-narrow sidewalks, or long detours. The 14th Street Bridge EIS doesn't address this connection, but it needs to..." more More Paving For Heart Of Ohio Trail In 20123/12/12"The Heart of Ohio Trail will take another step toward completion this year, Knox County Park District Director Kim Marshall reports. "...A grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation will pay for 80 percent of the estimated $646,447 cost of paving a 2.6-mile stretch of the trail from Thayer Road to Columbus Road, where the trail comes out near Barb's Diner..." more... Senate Transportation Bill May Get Vote This Week3/12/12"Baltimore and other Maryland localities would receive millions of dollars in federal money for bicycle trails, scenic pull-offs and street beautification projects as part of a huge, bipartisan transportation bill expected to pass in the U.S. Senate as early as Tuesday." more... Chicago's Elevated Greenway Moving Forward3/12/12"Though often prefixed by the words "long-awaited," and "delayed," the Bloomingdale Trail project to convert an elevated rail line in Chicago into a multi-use recreational space is moving ahead pretty quickly these days." more... Beavercreek Bike/Ped Bridge Proposal Discussed3/10/12"Supporters of a bike and pedestrian bridge set to span 500 feet across I-675 say it will enhance the region's bike trail system, stimulate business for local merchants and remedy a situation that leaves many motorists cringing at the sight of pedestrians on the six-lane North Fairfield Road bridge." more... Read a previous post on this topic. Peru Cyclists Stage Naked Protest3/10/12"Hundreds of scantily clad and nude cyclists took to the streets of Peru's capital, Lima, to call attention to safety conditions on the city's roads." more... Michigan Bikeway Closing For Gas Drilling3/10/12"The city of Marysville has agreed to allow Bluewater Gas Storage LLC to use a portion of its public bike trail, north of Marysville Park, to stage a drilling operation under the St. Clair River. "That portion of bike trail will be closed about three months, from August through October." more... Funding Challenges For Completing Towpath"The speed with which the Towpath Trail can be completed through Tuscarawas County will depend on what officials include in the state's next two-year capital appropriations budget." more... Biking In San Antonio3/10/12"...explore the extensive greenway hike-and-bike trails that are easily accessible to all parts of the city. They are masterpieces of integration, restoring natural areas, utilizing organic features and creating a system of interconnecting trails that provide invigorating inspiration for exploration." more... Trail Construction In Houston, TX"...Barring unforeseen crises, Raine said the Heritage West Trail will open in mid-May. That means unfettered, dedicated bicycle access from North Shepherd in the Heights to downtown - or you can just keep on going to Navigation via the now-completed Heritage East trail." more... Transportation Bill Wranglings Continue"...We are thrilled to report that the concept behind a bipartisan amendment, introduced by Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), to improve local access to TE and SRTS--better assuring that the most beneficial projects will get a fair shot at approval--has now been integrated into the transportation bill (S. 1813) that went to the Senate floor on Thursday, March 8. This is a huge step forward for trails and active transportation." more... Water Trails Get National Recognition"Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today unveiled the National Water Trails System, a new network that will increase access to water-based outdoor recreation, encourage community stewardship of local waterways, and promote tourism that fuels local economies across America." more... AL: Anniston Chamber Gets MTB Trails Pitch3/10/12"A bicycling advocacy group believes that, with the proper infrastructure and support from the community, Anniston's economy can receive a huge boost from a proposed 60-mile mountain bike trail taking shape near downtown." more... Trends: Trails & Parks Going Underground"...In a number of big cities across America, several underground transit stations--the long-dormant enclaves of intrepid urban explorers--are being reimagined as creative gathering places, retail hubs, galleries and performance venues. These projects represent some of the most innovative rail-trail plans we have seen in many years." more... Do You Know How The Recreational Trails Program Is Funded?3/8/12"The Recreational Trails Program has an unfortunately name. Every elected official in the country sees the word "recreational" and gleefully thinks this is an opportunity to show that we won't stand our taxes paying for fun and games! But this is due to a misunderstanding of how RTP is funded. Some places have special gas pumps for ATVs and snow mobiles, recreational, off-road vehicles that aren't used on highways. This fuel bought for off-road use has a lower tax and it is that tax which pays for RTP." more... MA: Grass Roots Trail Projects3/7/12"...Flicking through local newspapers out of Massachusetts during the past week, it is great to see local agencies and community groups rolling the sleeves up to advance their rail-trail ambitions. This grassroots energy speaks volumes about the demand across America for trail networks and bike and pedestrian infrastructure that better serve residents and local businesses." more... Saving The Recreational Trails Program"The Recreational Trails Program (RTP) is a gem among our nation's surface transportation programs. Funded by the gas taxes paid by users of recreational vehicles, the RTP rightfully goes to these trails, thereby enhancing communities around the country." more... Body Found Near Alum Creek Trail3/6/12"...Columbus officers and paramedics responded to a spot off Peak Ridge Drive on a report of a body at about 11:40 a.m. Tuesday." more... Licking County Parks Levy Passes3/6/12"...After seven failed levy tries, the district had passed its first levy since the district's formation in 1989." more... More News...3/7/12 - PA: Construction Underway For New Trails In Philly
3/6/12 - OH: Miami Twp Development Includes Trail
3/6/12 - OH: Bolivar Towpath Construction Bid Accepted
The Transportation "Plan""...Federal transportation funding is likely one of the first big targets for reorganization. As pump prices continue to climb, fewer gallons are sold and less tax revenue collected. Electric, hybrid and more fuel-efficient vehicles also spell trouble for tax collectors as those vehicles consume less fuel. As a result, we have a further shortage of available funds for transportation, compounding the problem." more... Recreational Trails Still In Trouble"Updated version of the Senate transportation bill released March 2 has good news for bike/ped programs but not for Recreational Trails..." more Mica's Florida Constituents Happy?3/4/12"...The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has been working with Floridians on trail projects for more than 20 years, and it's always refreshing to see firsthand and feel the power of grassroots energy. "Yet as I met so many dedicated supporters in the crowd, I couldn't help but think about one terrible irony: how U.S. Congressman John Mica, who represents this part of Florida, is pushing to eliminate the funding sources that make local trail development possible." more... New Draft Of Transportation Bill More Bike/Ped Friendly3/2/12"...This new Senate bill includes a number of changes that are significant to supporters of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) and our many partner organizations working to secure continued funding for walking and biking infrastructure." more... FL Working To Improve Bike/Ped Infrstructure3/2/12"...Consistently ranked as the most dangerous state in America for pedestrians, a number of counties in Florida have recently begun concerted efforts to improve their bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, inspired by the example of municipalities across the nation that have shown such investment returns a marked improvement in lifestyle and business activity." more... PA: River Trail Project Clears Hurdle3/1/12"A plan to create a trail and public space along the Delaware took a big step forward Thursday with the transfer of four piers and five vacant acres to the Delaware River Waterfront Corp., a nonprofit organization that acts as a steward of development on the river." more... Proposed Towpath Bridge Gets Maintenance Agreement3/1/12"Tuscarawas County commissioners and the Stark County Park District have entered into an agreement to split maintenance costs for the proposed Aqueduct Bridge over the Tuscarawas River north of Bolivar. "Work is expected to begin next spring on the $1 million bridge, which will carry the Towpath Trail over the river and connect the Stark County and Tuscarawas County portions of the hiking and biking path." more... RTC Trail Of The Month: Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail"Looking for a safe bet in Las Vegas? You won't find it at the gaming tables or the slot machines in casinos along the Strip. But if you head just 30 miles southeast of the city toward Hoover Dam, you'll find a sure winner in the Historic Railroad Tunnel Trail (sometimes referred to as the Historic Railroad Hiking Trail)." more... PA: Montour Trail Gets Airport Connector3/1/12"It may be just six miles long, but the soon-to-be-unveiled Montour Trail connection to the Pittsburgh International Airport packs a lot of punch." more... Hanby Depot Bid Approved2/29/12"Hanby Park will have a new shelter meant to serve as a hub for bikers on the Ohio-Erie Trail. "Westerville City Council approved a $195,000 bid from Palmetto Construction Services Feb. 21 for the construction of the 720-square-foot shelter in Hanby Park, 115 E. Park St." more... MI: Fred Meijer Trail Legacy Continues2/29/12"...When in 1994 Fred Meijer donated $265,000 to help purchase an out-of-service rail line in Greenville for what would one day become the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail, few would have imagined the broad network of trails it would inspire." more... WA: Communities Wants Trails, Healthy Alternatives"...While Richland Mayor John Fox and Pasco Mayor Matt Watkins touted the steps their respective cities have taken to plan for trails and bike routes, residents said that too often they have to get into cars and drive to places for outdoor recreation." more... Xenia: 4 Injured When Truck Flips On Trail2/29/12"Whoever was driving a pickup truck that flipped while being driven illegally on a bikepath at high speed will likely face charges, the Greene County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday. "Three of the four people in a red Chevrolet Silverado were ejected when it flipped on the Ohio to Erie bike trail near North Bickett Road late Tuesday night, according to Greene County Parks and Trails spokeswoman Gretchen Rives." more... Construction Will Close Gap On Alum Creek Trail2/28/12"...A 1.1-mile stretch of trail following Alum Creek, from Mock Road Park south to Bethesda Avenue, will cost about $1.75 million. "This is the second-to-last section of the trail, and construction will begin this spring, said Alan McKnight, the city's recreation and parks director. The final phase of the trail between Three Creeks Metro Park and Westerville should come in 2013, he said." more... Newark Improves Parking, Extends Bikeway"The downtown gravel parking area bordered by Second, Third, Market and Canal streets likely will be paved to create 56 parking spaces, a pedestrian walkway and bicycle lanes. "The city plans to extend the bike path from Fourth Street in front of the police station to First Street at The Works, paving and painting stripes on the one-way Market and Canal streets." more... More Trail News...IL: 2/28/12 - Aldermen Accept Kennedy Road Bike Trail Grant
IA: 2/27/12 - Memorial Park Trail On Hold
MT: 2/27/12 - Drunk Driver Runs Down Ped On Trail
Niles Trail Dispute Headed For Arbitration2/27/12"A dispute over $493,000 between the city and general contractor on a still unfinished 4.5-mile bicycle trail is headed to arbitration. "...At issue is work performed by the contractor, J. D. Williamson Construction Co. of Tallmadge, on a former railroad bridge over the Mahoning River near Walnut Street. The city's plans called for the bridge to be reconstructed but, according to Hess, Williamson submitted a plan to tear down the bridge and replace it with a pre-cast structure." more... National Trails Surface Study Survey"In a collaborative effort between the U.S. Access Board, the National Center on Accessibility (NCA), and Oklahoma State University, NCA is seeking to provide qualified professionals, resource specialists and operations staff of parks in the United States with descriptive and or/comparative information about the status of construction practices of pedestrian/hiker, natural surface trails in the United States. "This study will provide better insight into the products used on trail surfaces, the firmness and stability of those surfaces, and the frequency of maintenance/repair activities performed." more... Another Go For 3-Foot Law In CA2/27/12"The struggle to pass a law in California that requires motorists to give cyclists 3 feet of space when passing won't die. "A state senator from Long Beach on Friday submitted SB 1464 to the state legislature. It makes it illegal for the driver of a motor vehicle to overtake a bicycle traveling in the same direction "at a distance of less than three feet... " "So far, 20 states nationwide require that motorists give bicyclists at least a 3-foot margin when passing." more... Holmes County Trail Ready For Phase 52/27/12"Projects are in the works that will extend the Holmes County Trail from Fredericksburg to Brinkhaven, a countywide span that will stretch 29 miles when complete. "The trail currently encompasses 15 miles from Fredericksburg to Killbuck. In steps being taken to realize a Rails-to-Trails goal of creating a trail system that connects Lake Erie with the Ohio River, construction is scheduled to begin on the Phase 5 project to link Brinkhaven to Killbuck. "Phase 5 is basically everything that is left," said Holmes County Park District Director Jen Halverson. "Phase A is the tunnel under (U.S. Route) 62, down by the Knox County line, that will be our next construction project. All going well, we hope to do that this construction season." more... Proposed Bike/Ped Bridge Over I-675 In BeavercreekPublic Meeting Tuesday 6-8 pm.2/27/12"The City of Beavercreek will hold a public meeting from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday about its plans for a $2.7 million pedestrian and bike bridge that will span Interstate I-675. "The meeting will be held at Beavercreek City Hall, 1368 Research Park Dr. "Jeff Moorman, Beavercreek's city engineer, said the public will be able to comment and there will be displays of the bridge that will link Beavercreek and Fairborn." more... Urban Cincy Against Wasson Way Trail"In the post-industrial United States cities all across America have been left with an abundance of rail right-of-way that once served industrial properties. Cities have since struggled to find a use for these rail corridors. "...These are great projects, but in the cases where rail right-of-way is needed in order to introduce rail transit, they should not be done. The acquisition of right-of-way can be one of the most difficult hurdles to clear when developing rail transit, so if you have a prime corridor intact, you should do everything in your power to preserve it for future rail transit." more... RTC Resources For Urban Trail Builders2/25/12"...Since we launched UPI (Urban Pathways Initiative) in 2009, support from The Kresge Foundation has enabled us to work directly with dozens of neighborhood-based groups, from Washington, D.C., to Richmond, Calif., building a national resource of strategies for developing, promoting and programming urban pathways." more... Transportation Enhancements Means Greater Safety For All2/24/12"The 70-degree weather here in Washington, DC, has many residents of our nation's capital thinking about spring. A quick look at area streets reveals many bicyclists and pedestrians reveling in this temporary reprieve from winter, but across America, millions of bicyclists and pedestrians use our country's streets year-round..." more Boston Bike Share Rolls Out In March2/22/12"...Hubway, the bike-sharing program that debuted in Boston last summer, will roll out once again in early March, officials said. "This week, workers began re-installing some of the program's bicycle-borrowing kiosks at locations across the city, said Nicole Freedman, who heads the city's Boston Bikes program, which helped initiate the New Balance Hubway bike-share system that began late last July." more... Canalway Grants Program Expanded2/22/12"The Ohio and Erie Canalway is expanding its grant program. The new program will fund projects that preserve historical sites and natural areas along the towpath and also promote economic development." more... Read another piece on this topic. More News...2/23/12 - WV: Group Wants 19th Century Bridge Saved For Trail
2/23/12 - FL: Safety Emphasized In Trail Planning
2/22/12 - IL: Skokie Valley trail system gap
2/22/12 - Toronto: More Off-Road Bike Trails Are In the Pipeline
Permit Granted For Zoar Towpath Construction2/22/12"Tuscarawas County commissioners approved a flood plain permit Tuesday to construct a 2.7-mile addition to the Towpath Trail from Zoar to Zoarville along the Tuscarawas River. "Jill Lenger, flood plain coordinator for the Tuscarawas County Regional Planning Commission, said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers already has given its approval. The trail will be built in the river's flood plain." more... Bike Advocacy Groups May Merge2/22/12"The leadership of three bicycle advocacy groups announced Wednesday that they're recommending a unification plan "to more effectively support and advance bicycling in the United States." "The three are the League of American Bicyclists, Alliance for Biking & Walking and Bikes Belong." more... U.S. MTB Trail Stats"We had a lot of fun with the mountain bike ownership analysis a couple weeks ago and now it's time to delve into some trail stats. Ever wonder which US states have the most miles of mountain bike trails? Or which states have the lowest trail use densities? We did-and here are our findings." more... Cincy Bike Lane Project Shelved"Cincinnati cyclists have been waiting for the arrival of bike lanes on Riverside Drive since summer of 2011, and patience is running thin. "Yesterday, Cincinnati's Department of Transportation announced that it was considering "indefinitely postponing" the bike lane project because of possible future construction on I-471." more... Urban Greening = Safer Neighborhoods2/21/12"...While RTC has compiled substantial evidence of experience regarding crime and urban trails, which has been documented and presented through our Urban Pathways Initiative (UPI), until now we have lacked hard scientific data to support that anecdotal library. "Which is why a groundbreaking study on the effects of urban greening in Philadelphia, recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, has drawn so much attention from urban planners, community groups and sociologists alike." more... Trail News Around The U.S...
Cleveland's Growing Bike-Based Economy"It's a well-known saying that to live in Cleveland, you've got to be tough. Yet to be a year-round Cleveland cyclist -- battling snow, frame-destroying potholes and distracted drivers -- is another thing entirely, demanding wheels as tough as city streets." more... MS: Tanglefoot Trail Will Stretch 44 Miles2/20/12"...The Tanglefoot Trail will be a 44 mile stretch of former railroad, which will be made into a 10 wide foot paved path for bicyclists and pedestrians from New Albany to Houston, through Union, Pontotoc and Chickasaw Counties. "Along with the health benefits, organizers expect a host of economic advantages. For example, the 40 mile Longleaf Trace between Hattiesburg and Prentiss has led to an increase in businesses catering to exercise enthusiasts and tourists." more... Seattle Bike Crashes Mapped2/20/12"About once a day in Seattle, a bicycle crash is reported to police. "Seattle Department of Transportation data, which The Seattle Times used to create an interactive map, show 1,847 crashes from 2007 to 2011. Ten were fatal." more... Miami: Hit-&-Run In Bike Lane Kills Cyclist2/16/12"Miami police report they have arrested Michele Traverso, 25, in the Rickenbacker Causeway hit-and-run on Wednesday morning that left one cyclist injured and one cyclist dead." more... Panhandle Passage Trail Project2/16/12"Gerard Neugebauer provided Village Council with an update Thursday on the Panhandle Passage Trail project. "Neugebauer, from Environmental Design Group in Green, is the engineering projects manager for the 1.1-mile trail project. The route would begin at the former City Auto dealership on E. Fourth Street in Uhrichsville, go through Dennison and end at the Uhrichsville Water Park. It will be handicap-accessible. "This is going to be a dynamic project, with significant benefits," he said. "It's going to provide a very easy passage between the two communities. It's part of many considerations for enhancements to the overall community." more... News From Across The Country...
Camp Chase Bike Hub Considered Priority"The proposed Camp Chase bike hub received a score of 11.25 and a high priority rating, according to the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning [Commission] (MORPC). "Westside [Columbus] and central Ohio supporters have advocated for 47 acres of vacant property along the Wilson Road parkland area to be the location of a bicycle hub and recreational station." more... Westerville Considers Expanding Bike-Friendly Event"With expanded events, merchants are hoping for an exciting 2012 in Uptown Westerville. "...The grandest plan -- and one that was met with concern from some business owners -- was expansion of the Garrett Wonders Memorial [Race] to be a national event that could attract thousands to Uptown." more... OPDMDs And Trail Use2/16/12"It has been almost a year since the Department of Justice (DOJ) created a stir in the trails community about "other power-driven mobility devices" (OPDMD). "While the rules had been open to public comment during the previous year, many of us shared the same thought: "do they really mean what I think they mean?" And yes, the DOJ rules mean that anything with a motor that can be driven, regardless of size or horsepower, is allowed on your trails and open areas if it is driven by a person who says they have a mobility related disability." more... House Responds To Transportion Bill Opposition2/15/12"In a sign that the American Energy and Infrastructure Act (H.R. 7) may lack support to pass the House as it is currently presented, House Republican leaders announced yesterday afternoon they would dismantle H.R. 7 and submit its individual elements to the floor for separate discussion." more... Clark County Commissioners Cut Parks Funding"Clark County commissioners agreed Tuesday to cut funds budgeted for local parks and recreation by nearly 53 percent." more... Read a previous post on this subject. RTC Trail Of The Month: Medicine Bow Trail"...this corner of the West may no longer be wild, but it's far from tame. "It's more rustic than other rail-trails, but that's part of its merit," says Amber Travsky, a board member of Cycle Wyoming, a statewide bicycling advocacy group. The nearest city, Laramie, is 30 miles away, and moose on the trail may outnumber the people using it on any given day. "If you get a flat, you better be able to fix it," she adds." more... Fix The Transportation Bill!Support the Cardin/Cochran and Klobuchar Amendments"The U.S. Senate could vote on its version of our nation's next multiyear surface transportation bill later this week. Unfortunately, as it currently stands, the bill does not provide dedicated funding for trails, walking and bicycling, breaking a 20-year precedent." more... President's Budget Proposals For National Parks"...The President's Fiscal Year 2013 budget released today requests $2.6 billion to support the bureau's critical national recreation, preservation and conservation mission. "The 2013 President's budget request fully funds $27.0 million in fixed costs and provides increases totaling $39.2 million to fund essential programs and emerging operational needs. "Reflecting the President's call for fiscal discipline and sustainability, the budget also includes $67.2 million in strategic reductions in park and program operations, construction, and heritage partnership programs." more... More Trail News...
Underground Railroad Route Gets Detroit Option2/14/12"The home of the American auto industry is one of the cities on an alternate route unveiled today for the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.
"The Adventure Cycling Association didn't choose Detroit for its status as an auto maker, however. It was chosen for its place in history as the last stop for some slaves before reaching freedom in Canada." more... Licking Parks Levy Vote Coming2/13/12"Closed parks and unmaintained bike paths are the future if voters reject a property tax request by the Licking Park District on March 6, and a group of community leaders are for the first time helping to broadcast that message. "The district manages more than 1,600 acres of parks and natural areas in Licking County, in addition to 24 miles of bike paths and 25 miles of recreational trails. But a loss of more than $400,000 in funding, or about 70 percent of its budget, over the past two years has left the district on the edge of bankruptcy, officials said." more... Completing The Indianapolis Cultural Trail2/13/12"Super Bowl visitors relied heavily on the nearly complete Indianapolis Cultural Trail this month as they navigated much of Downtown. "Now that the mega-event is in the city's rearview mirror, traffic barrels are back out along Virginia Avenue east of East Street. Crews will start on the last two unbuilt segments in coming months and put finishing touches on others." more... Bike Cleveland Hires Full-Time Exec2/11/12"Cleveland's bicycling community has its first full-time advocate. "Bike Cleveland, a new nonprofit, has hired Jacob VanSickle, 27, of Old Brooklyn, as its executive director. "Cleveland and its growing bicycle network join cities like Chicago and Portland that have full-timers pushing for more and safer routes to bike and walk, as well as money to back the cause." more... Funding Secured For Bolivar Towpath"...funding of $125,000 has been secured for all three phases of the [Bolivar towpath] trail. Phase I and Phase II will be constructed through the village this summer." more... More People Walking & Biking2/10/12"More people are walking and using two wheels. These are the findings from the Bicycling and Walking in the US: 2012 Benchmarking Report, which was released in January by the Alliance for Biking & Walking." more... Speak Out Against House Transportation Bill!"Some are calling it "the worst bill ever." From a trails vantage point, it's hard to disagree. "...Since the bill is so far beyond repair, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is joining a tremendous coalition of groups across the political spectrum to defeat this bill when it comes to the House floor-expected to begin Tuesday, February 14!" more... Bikes Belong Green Lane Project2/8/12"Six cities will adopt innovate street designs for safer cycling over the next two years as part of a new program from Bikes Belong.
Green Lane Project from Bikes Belong on Vimeo. "The Green Lane Project will provide financial and technical assistance for cities to develop physically protected cycling infrastructure. The six to-be-determined cities will then serve as models for other American cities looking to incorporate street designs that make cycling appealing to residents of all ages." more... Bike Industry Growing Local Economies2/8/12"While many businesses in the US are still trying to recover economically, those in the bicycle industry are seeing the wheels of progress moving again. Two economic studies released last month show strong growth on two wheels, and bicycle advocates suggest this could be part of a larger trend in the US." more... Senate To Address Transportation Funding"In the next few days we are expecting to see amendments proposed by champions in the Senate to include funding for RTP and for Transportation Enhancements/Safe Routes to School programs. Please watch for news and specific legislation to ask your Senators to support." more... Clark County May Reduce Park Funding2/8/12"Clark County commissioners are considering cutting funds budgeted for local parks and recreation by nearly 68 percent just weeks after approving the 2012 budget. "In a 2-1 vote, commissioners John Detrick and David Hartley agreed last month to appropriate $80,000 for the National Trail Parks and Recreation District with the caveat the organization take care of grass and snow removal at the National Road Commons park developed by the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce's Community Improvement Corporation." more... Enhancement Projects Efficient Job Creators2/7/12"...A study released this week by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and the Transportation Research Board found that, dollar for dollar, TE projects that were part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) allocation generated more jobs than any other form of ARRA transportation construction." more... Completing The Towpath By 2020"Dan Rice, president and chief executive officer of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, looks at the Towpath Trail as the trunk of a tree before it develops its branches. "The overall vision is for a trail that will one day span from the south side of New Philadelphia (near Gradall) and cover about 101 miles north to Lake Erie. While about 81 miles of the trail is complete, there is still a big portion of the project still to be completed in Tuscarawas County. "The goal is to have it finished by 2020 - an aggressive one, but something Rice believes can happen." more... Toronto Seeking To Close Gaps In Trail System2/7/12
RTC Gets Key Win In Harsimus Embankment Case2/7/12"...Thanks to Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) remarkable legal team, led by general counsel Andrea Ferster and pro bono attorney Charles Montange, and our partners in Jersey City, the ambitious dream of a public greenway through the heart of downtown Jersey City is still alive following a crucial legal ruling announced last week." more... SC: James Island "Connector" Off Limits To Cyclists2/7/12"The City of Charleston and the South Carolina Department of Transportation have closed the James Island Connector, a truncated segment of Interstate 526, to bicyclists and pedestrians. While not an official bike route, local law enforcement never actively kept cyclists and pedestrians from using the route." more... Columbus Trails UpdateFrom the MetroParks Greenways Gazette, Feb. 2012:
Antrim Park:
Source: considerbiking.org Blumenauer: "The Worst Piece Of Transportation Legislation I've Seen.""Last week was not a great week for bike advocacy here in the United States. "The House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure released a bill that was far worse for biking and walking than anyone had expected." [This article includes sound bytes from from Blumenauer and the proponent of the bill, John Mica. more...] TX: Plano Completing Bike Plan2/3/12"A short video about how Plano is encouraging cycling, including an interview with Brian Bedingfield, a member of the BikeDFW Board and Plano Bicycle Association." more... Summit County Council Considering Towpath Grant2/2/12"...a $75,000 grant to the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition (OECC) for coordination and support of the Summit County Trail & Greenway Plan. "...On a related note, Summit County Executive Russ Pry told Council an event marking the completion of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail in Summit County will be held July 7, most likely at Lock 3 Park." more... IL: Springfield-Sangamon County Creating Bike Plan"The Springfield-Sangamon County Regional Planning Commission is in the early stages of creating a bicycle and pedestrian plan for rural parts of the county. "The goal will be to link rural communities. Plans could include dedicated bicycle/walking trails or a bike lane on roadways, said Linda Wheeland, senior planner at the regional planning commission." more... FL: Many Students Hit By Cars In Velusia School District2/2/12"Two students involved in automobile accidents in West Volusia this morning, Feb. 2, were the 16th and 17th students to be hit by cars on their way to or from school during this school year." more... Breaking News: Bike/Ped Amendment Defeated2/2/12"The bipartisan Petri/Johnson/Lipinski amendment was defeated by a narrow 27-29 vote." more... The Long View On Trail Funding2/1/12"The current crisis in funding for trails and other bicycle-pedestrian programs has created another big partnership problem. Why is one trails program funded but Enhancements are not? "...The new House transportation bill specifically attacks programs for bikeways, walking, state bike programs, rail trails, and safe routes to school. The reason the Recreational Trails Program seems to be spared (this week, anyway), is probably because it is tied to a specific aspect of the federal fuel tax: gas burned by OHVs, snowmobiles, hunters, and others driving off-highway on our public lands." more... Arizona Considers 'Idaho Stop' Law"A bill currently in the Arizona State House of Representatives, called HB2211, would change Arizona traffic law to mirror the Idaho Stop as Yield law. "The bill is currently in the Rules Committee, and there is the possibility that the head of that committee, Jerry Weiers (R-Glendale), may allow it to languish there because he opposes it." more... More News...
US Rep. Bob Gibbs On Transportation Bill1/30/12"...This is going to give states more flexibility," Gibbs said Monday, indicating that the proposal eliminates the mandate and gives states control over the funds they receive. "There are so many projects going on nationally and people at the state level are better judges of what is needed. It isn't up to some Washington bureaucrat to decide this." "...Gibbs added that Ohio officials can decide to maintain its present funding levels for trail and bikeway projects." more... Clinton County Trail Plans Move Forward1/30/12"The Clinton-Fayettte Friendship Trail was approved in a split vote by the Clinton County commissioners Monday afternoon, putting a two-year plan to build the controversial bike trail through Sabina into action. "The Clinton County Park District (CCPD) is now actively pursuing a Clean Ohio Trail Fund grant worth $500,000 and a Transportation Enhancement grant worth $1.2 million to pay for Phase I of the bike trail, which will stretch from Melvin Road to Borum Road, near the Clinton-Fayette county line." more... Read a previous post on this topic. Adopt-A-Trail Program For Little Miami Trail1/30/12"If you are one of the many bikers, hikers or runners who enjoy the nearly 50 mile-long Little Miami State Park [trail], you may notice a cleaner and safer environment this year. "A non-profit organization, Friends of the Little Miami State Park (FLMSP), has enlisted volunteers in its Adopt-a-Trail program to maintain and to be a watchdog for the entire length of the trail. And they are looking to complete more ambitious projects in the future." more... Action Alert! Save Biking & Walking"On Thursday, February 2, the House Transportation Committee will vote on the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, a bill that eliminates crucial funds for biking and walking. "This long-awaited multi year transportation bill eliminates the two largest programs that fund biking and walking infrastructure-Transportation Enhancements and Safe Routes to School. Without these programs, communities all over the country will lose resources to build the sidewalks, crosswalks, and bikeways that make biking and walking safe and accessible in communities across the country." more... Body Found Along Little Miami Trail1/30/12"An autopsy has revealed the body found along a bike trail Sunday morning was that of a man who commited suicide. "The body is a white man in his mid-50s. He was found by a resident along a bike trail near Corry Street at 8 a.m. Sunday, according to Yellow Springs police investigator Naomi Penrod." more... PA Passes '4 Feet' Bill1/30/12"A bill sits on the Pennsylvania governor's desk that would make the state the 20th to require that motorists give bicycle riders 3 or more feet when passing. "In Pennsylvania's case, it would be the first to require a 4-foot margin. It also makes it a crime to turn into the path of a bicyclist." more... House Releases Transportation Bill Preview"The House of Representatives released a preview of its version of the federal transportation funding bill. "Like the Senate bill announced in November, the House version eliminates the requirement for states to spend highway funds on such programs as Trails, Safe Routes to School, and Enhancements. "Advocates in Washington, DC urge you contact your Representative and stress the importance of dedicated funding for these essential programs that make trails and active transportation possible." more... Trail Grants Awarded To MN & ND1/29/12"Trails in North Dakota and Minnesota are receiving grants through a program from the National Park Service. "In North Dakota, the Fort Union Trading Post and Knife River Historic Villages national historic sites received a $64,500 grant to promote distance learning along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail." more... 4 New Trails Coming To Akron Area1/28/12"Four new bike trails will be constructed in the Greater Akron area thanks to action by AMATS. The agency's Policy Committee approved nearly $2.5 million to develop two trails in Portage County and two in Summit County during its Jan. 26 meeting. "The four trails, project sponsors and funding amounts are..." more... USA Cycling Awarks 20K In Grants1/27/12"Each year, USA Cycling recognizes outstanding cycling programs with cash grants through the USA Cycling Development Foundation Centers of Excellence program. "In 2011, ten programs were designated as Centers of Excellence, based on organizational criteria and performance results in developing junior and U23 athletes." more... More News...
Marion County Cuts Parks Funding1/27/12"Marion county officials support continued development of the Marion Tallgrass Trail - but not with county money. "However, they threw their support behind an application for state grant funding Thursday. "...A few minutes later, the Marion County Board of Commissioners deappropriated 2012 funding for the parks district." more... IL: Old Plank Road Trail Breakthrough1/27/12"...Finally, the end is in sight, with the news this month that the city of Chicago Heights has signed off on a preliminary engineering report for a multi-use trail across the missing link [for the Old Plank Road Trail], an event that supporters are describing as an "all systems go" announcement. "As advocates note, it took the terms of four Chicago Height mayors to reach this point. Current Mayor David Gonzalez's commitment to the project continued the momentum generated by his predecessor, Alex Lopez, and Alderman Willie White. Both Lopez and White have since passed away. The completion of the Old Plank Road Trail will be just part of both men's significant legacy." more... Kansas City Passes Bike Share Resolution1/26/12"Just moments ago, Kansas City, Mo., took a giant leap toward a healthy, vibrant and economically sustainable future by passing a resolution to permit the establishment of a bike-share program this year." more... Columbus Cyclists Call For Speeding Up Bike Plan1/26/12"A bicycling-advocacy group that helped write a 2008 plan to expand bike lanes on Columbus streets now is calling on city officials to speed things up. "The city needs to move more quickly on designating bikes-only lanes Downtown, said Jeff Stephens, executive director of Consider Biking, a group that has encouraged Columbus and other central Ohio cities to think about cyclists as they plan their road projects. "Consider Biking has started a campaign called "Connect the Core," which seeks supporters' signatures on petitions pushing for bike lanes on nine Downtown streets, including 3rd, 4th, Spring and Long streets." more... Westerville Residents Wary Of Bridge Plan1/25/12"Residents in attendance were less than enthusiastic about a proposed bike bridge over County Line Road. "On Thursday, Jan. 19 about 50 residents attended an informal public meeting at the Community Center, 350 N. Cleveland Ave., that showcased plans for the bridge to carry the Westerville Bikeway over the busy thoroughfare. "...Are there other alternatives? What are the needs?" said Larry Shaw, a resident of Nature Trail. Shaw said he favors a traffic signal that would only be in use when activated by someone using the bikeway, which runs from Schrock Road to Maxtown Road along a former railroad right of way." more... MORPC Updating Central OH Transportation Plan1/25/12"Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission representative Amelia Constanzo told city officials last week that any transportation-related projects a community anticipates starting in the next 20 years should be included on the 2012 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). "The plan is updated every four years. Constanzo said it is important because federal transportation dollars are distributed based on information in the MTP." more... Recreational Trails Program In Trouble"The Recreational Trails Program is in very deep trouble. The U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has approved transportation reauthorization legislation known as MAP-21 that would effectively eliminate the RTP by stripping the program of its dedicated funding. "...The Coalition for Recreational Trails and its member organizations have been working to identify key Champions in the Senate with the aim of having an amendment to restore dedicated funding for the RTP added to the bill before it is considered by the full Senate. "Reaching this goal will not be possible without your help." more... Bicyclist Risk By State1/24/12"Oregon has the highest rate of bicycle commuting in the 50 states, but South Dakota is the safest state for cycling. "Those are just a couple of findings in the extensive Benchmarking Report for 2012 issued this week by the appropriately named Alliance for Biking and Walking. "The report ranks the state and big cities on levels of bicycling and walking, the comparative risks of those pursuits, and funding for non-motor vehicle transportation." more... IN: Batesville Receives Trail Grants1/24/12"When Batesville residents were surveyed in 2009 about future park upgrades, "the No. 1 thing people wanted was trails," Batesville Parks and Recreation Board President Bob Fitzpatrick pointed out Jan. 18." more... National Parks Improvements Includes Trails1/24/12"Millions of dollars are flowing to the National Park System for work on aging roads, multiple-use trails in need of some TLC, and transportation systems thanks to the Paul S. Sarbanes Transit in the Parks program overseen by the U.S. Department of Transportation." more... Williamsburg-Batavia Construction Slated This Year"Work is scheduled to begin this summer on the newest section of biking and hiking trail connecting portions of Clermont County. "The Williamsburg-Batavia Hike/Bike Trail will ultimately be 13 miles long linking the two communities through East Fork State Park." more... Read a previous post on this topic. Sabina Trail Opposition"Sabina Village Council member Bill Lewis met with the board of commissioners Wednesday to discuss his opposition to an impending bike trail slated to run through Sabina. "Members of the Clinton County Park District met with commissioners last week to discuss construction funding for the Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail, a financial commitment that is needed by the end of the month. The district is interested in pursuing a Clean Ohio Trail Fund (COTF) grant worth $500,000 and a Transportation Enhancement (TE) grant worth $1.1 million to pay for Phase I of a bike trail that would go through Sabina. "...Lewis, who has spoken out against the trail in the past, revisited a number of reasons for his opinion, including the potential for the bike trail to impede on Sabina's railroad." more... Read a previous post on this subject. IN: Shelbyville Discusses Trails1/24/12"Local bike enthusiasts are invited to a meeting Feb. 1 with Community Aspiration to discuss the possibility of building new bike trails both in Shelbyville and beyond. "...Currently, there are two bike trail expansion proposals connected to Shelbyville, though both are still in very early stages, organizers stress." more... KY: Louisville Looks To Complete 100-Mile Trail1/23/12"The Kentucky Public Service Commission today approved a land exchange that is expected to result in the completion of a 100-mile hiking and biking trail in Louisville." more... NY: Linking Rochester Campuses By Trail1/23/12"With small modifications, a proposed "Access 390" highway project could bind Rochester's three major universities with several multi-use trails and bikeways and move us toward a future that is more ecological, economical, healthful and energy-independent. "It could really happen-but we have to ask for it!" more... Railbanking Success Story In TX"...In 1993, Denton officials struck a deal with Union Pacific (UP) to secure rights to an abandoned stretch of freight track running eight miles into the city from the southeast. The line was once part of the renowned Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, also known as the Katy. ..."We always recognized we had to preserve this corridor for future transportation uses," says Bob Tickner, city of Denton superintendent of parks planning, who in 1993 was involved in negotiating the purchase from UP. "We knew it would one day become passenger rail, we just didn't know when." more... FL: Lawmakers Consider Naming Rights For Trails1/20/12"Coming soon to a bike trail, public school cafeteria or Turnpike exit ramp near you: Corporate naming rights? "That may soon be the case, if lawmakers pass a number of proposed bills making their way through the Capitol. "Behind the idea is Rep. Irv Slosberg, D-Boca Raton, who says the state needs to find creative ways to bring in money without raising taxes." more... 3 States Working On 3-Feet Law1/19/12"Bicycle advocates in Pennsylvania are pushing for a bill that would require drivers give cyclists 4 feet of clearance when they pass. "...California advocates also are seeking new 3-foot legislation this year after last year's veto, and a Nebraska legislator has introduced HB 1030 that requires a 3 feet when passing a bicyclist." more... NY: Trail Link Across The Hudson1/19/12"Preliminary work will begin soon on connecting the Walkway Over the Hudson with the Dutchess County Rail Trail, which many believe will boost tourism and economic development in the Poughkeepsie and Highland areas. "Completing the gap between the two recreational attractions is expected to draw more walkers, bicyclists and inline skaters to both, as well as the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in the Town of Lloyd. "A deal was reached this week to make the long-sought connection a reality. CSX railroad has agreed to sell the eight-tenths of a mile stretch to the Walkway Over the Hudson nonprofit organization for $1,150,000." more... Read a previous post on this topic. Funding Sought For Columbus Connector1/18/12"Work could begin as early as next year on a paved multi-use trail connecting the Olentangy Parklands with the Shops at Worthington Place. "The 8- to 10-foot path would begin where the existing bike path ends in the parking drive to the Olentangy Parklands. It would follow along West Wilson Bridge Road to Old West Wilson Bridge Road, where it would become part of the roadway to the mall. It then would wrap around the mall and connect to the sidewalk at Wilson Bridge Road and North High Street. "The path is the first step in plans to someday connect the Olentangy bike trail with the Worthington Community Center on East Wilson Bridge Road." more... Mariemont Considers Hike/Bike Trails1/18/12"A contentious bike race proposal has inspired several Mariemont residents to transform some of the village's under-utilized land into a recreation spot with more than two miles of hike/bike trails. "Though council voted against hosting a cyclocross race in Mariemont, the idea spurred a renewed interest in creating trails in the village's south 80 acres, behind the pool on Mariemont Avenue, said volunteer Joe Stelzer." more... Heritage Trail Crossings Being Examined"Cyclists and walkers on Hilliard's Heritage Rail Trail hope that some city intervention will make crossing roads a little less treacherous. "The multiuse trail crosses three major roads - Cosgray, Leppert and Hayden Run. Crossing them can be like a game of Frogger, said Kathryn Shryne. "It's a very frightening place to cross." "Letty Schamp, a transportation engineer for Hilliard, said the city is aware of the problem and spent the fall collecting data on how the path is used, as well as traffic volume and speeds. "Shchamp hopes to have a plan completed by the spring, which could include asking Franklin County to lower the speed limits - now 45 mph north of the trail on Cosgray and Leppert and 55 mph on Hayden Run - or posting more police officers to enforce traffic laws." more... CVNP Grants Include Bike Connector1/18/12"...The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is getting $3,207,266 in federal grants for five projects tied to the tourist railroad. "...The biggest grant in the Cuyahoga Valley is $1,356,976 to build a new pedestrian-bicyclist bridge from the train's Rockside Station across the Cuyahoga River to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail at the Lock 39 Trailhead. "At present, bicyclists riding the train must negotiate traffic-filled streets to get from the train to the trail, and the new bridge will boost safety and convenience, officials said. "The new bridge would be just south of Rockside Road between Independence and Valley View." more... Gahanna Looking At New Bike Trail Section1/17/12"A Gahanna City Council members are mulling over the parks and recreation department's requests for environmental planning and surveying for the third section of the Big Walnut recreational trail. "...Collins said the city would receive a Recreational Trail Program grant for $150,000 for the third section of the trail if the project is completed by Dec. 31. "...Since 2009, the city has completed Sections 1, 2, 6 and 7 of the trail at a total cost to the city of $715,000. The city received grant funds of $979,000 for those sections." more... Springfield To Pursue Grants For Trail Land1/17/12"Commissioners unanimously approved an application for state funding Tuesday night that would buy land on which to build two missing portions of a Springfield recreation trail. "The application for more than $169,000 in Clean Ohio Trails funds would provide 75 percent of funding needed to link the Little Miami Recreation Trail - if approved by the Clean Ohio Council, according to the emergency ordinance." more... News Across The U.S.
Medina Trail Construction Underway1/16/12"A multipurpose walking and biking path will connect the southeastern portion of Medina to the downtown district by early summer. "The Champion Creek trail is a one-mile extension of an existing trail in Roscoe Ewing Park, which currently extends 1.3 miles. Bikers, walkers, and rollerbladers can use the trail. "The addition will stretch from E. Smith Road, a block from the square, to S. Broadway Street and then along Wadsworth Road, hooking up with Springbrook Drive and winding through Nichols Park before crossing Guilford Boulevard and connecting to the existing trail in Roscoe Ewing Park." more... GA: MTB Trail Constuction In Chatt-Bend Park1/16/12"Thanks to the commitment of individuals, construction should begin soon on a series of mountain bike trails at Chattahoochee Bend State Park. "The Chattahoochee Bend State Park Mountain Bike Club has formed and has already flagged nearly 13 miles of proposed trails. "The next step is getting the trail locations approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Then comes construction." more... VA: Rockingham County Looking To Connect Trails1/16/12"...Local bikers hope to connect lanes in the more dangerous parts of town to help keep bikers and drivers safe. "That's why Harris is part of Rockingham County's newly-formed bicycle advisory committee. The committee hopes to have a master bicycle plan to expand the city's trails, and to make dangerous intersections safer. "Harris said the City of Harrisonburg has worked for the past two decades to expand its biking trails, but he'd like to see more trails connect to make travel easier." more... WV: Recreation Projects Get Assistance1/15/12"The National Park Service is helping local communities implement more than 200 natural resource and recreational projects, including some in West Virginia. "Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the partnerships with the agency's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program this week as part of the America's Great Outdoors initiative." more... Galena Trails News Brief"...Galena collaborated with multi-jurisdictional groups to complete the Hoover Scenic Trail between Plumb and Wiese roads and to plan for the East Bank Trail around Hoover Reservoir. "A grant application is pending to complete the Ohio to Erie Trail along Galena's Brick Trail on the old railroad bed." Source: sunburynews.com Napa Valley Bike Plan Boasts 450 Trail Miles1/14/12"A 25-year plan for bicycling in the Napa Valley includes almost 450 miles of new bikeways and route improvements branching to all areas of the county and to main thoroughfares to the rest of the Bay Area. "The plan estimates that it will cost more than $60 million to complete the bikeways, which includes bike paths such as the Napa Valley Vine Trail, the Bay Trail, and the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and bike lanes and bike routes along state highways, county roads and city streets." more... Trail News From Across The U.S.Recent bike plan and trail news:
4 NE Ohio Recreation Projects Get Assistance1/13/12"The National Park Service on Thursday announced technical assistance to four recreational projects in Northeast Ohio. "The projects eligible for assistance from the park service's Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program are..." more... Developing A Coastal Bikeway In CA1/12/12"Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's (RTC) Western Regional Office has been watching with great interest the progression of plans for a rail-trail along Monterey Bay in the Central Coast of California. "So too have the people of Santa Cruz County, and the champagne corks were well and truly popping with the announcement recently that the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC) had closed the deal to acquire the right-of-way beside the 32-mile Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line." more... UT Launches 1st E-Bike Share"The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is home to the nation's first automated electric bicycle (e-bike) sharing system. The pilot program is the subject of a research study by civil and engineering assistant professor Chris Cherry and Stacy Worley and David Smith from biosystems engineering. If successful, it may be adopted into a full-scale program by the university. "The system will introduce two bike sharing stations with ten bikes each-seven e-bikes and three bicycles. The first station is on Presidential Court. A second station is slated for installation on the Agriculture Campus." more... Sabina Considers Trail Funding Options1/12/12"Members of the Clinton County Park District met with the Clinton County commissioners Wednesday to discuss construction funding for the Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail, a financial commitment that is needed by the end of the month. "...The Clinton-Fayette Friendship Trail is a joint project between the park district, the Tri-County Triangle Trails Association and Clinton County Trails Coalition (CCTC). The Friendship Trail will be the regional connector to this system via Sabina, Washington Court House and New Holland and points north, east and west via the Triangle Trails system." more... Genoa Trail Plans On Hold1/12/12"With no defined route in place, the Rails-to-Trails Committee has nixed plans to submit a funding application this year for the Genoa leg of the [NCIT] trail. "The committee has until Feb. 1 to turn in a pre-funding application to the state for the North Coast Inland Trail project that would link Genoa to Elmore. A more defined version is due in March." more... MA: Wayland Trail Group Making A Difference1/12/12"Conscious of the many benefits rail-trails bring to rural communities, the people of Wayland, Mass., about 20 miles west of Boston, are taking a proactive approach toward developing a rail-trail in their region." more... Top Stories From 20111/12/12We took a look back at the top stories from 2011. Though a case can be made that our ranking order is not perfect, the main objective was to include the most prominent stories and events. more... MS: Rail Company Donates 21-Mile Corridor For Trail1/10/12"Patriot Rail Corp. has demonstrated a tremendous community spirit by donating a section of unused rail corridor to the people of Mississippi for conversion into a rail-trail. "The 21-mile portion of the Mississippi and Skuna Valley (MSV) Railroad line runs through Calhoun and Yalobusha counties in north-central Mississippi. Calhoun County Board of Supervisors accepted the property donation last month, establishing the Mississippi and Skuna Valley Rails to Trails Recreational District. Since the MSV also traverses Yalobusha County, Calhoun County entered into a joint agreement with Yalobusha County for the project." more... Progress Report: Ohio River Trail"The ORT has been talked about since the mid to late nineties! Over the past few years, it has started to gain a lot of momentum. Notice from the City of Cincinnati Bike Program, plan update, you can see the progress from 2011 going into 2012. "Still a long way to go, but it really seems to be moving at a nice pace. 
"I accidentally happened to find a pretty cool video for one of the current phases of the Ohio River Trail on the City of Cincinnati's Transportation Department website. It's the segment from Corbin St. to Collins Ave. [Video shows a virtual fly over of completed trail section.] "I presume the Army Corp will have to be involved with this segment because of the bank stabilization along the Ohio River. Their cost estimate for this approximately 1 mile segment, is $1.5 to $2 million. "Just a hunch, but I think it will cost more than that. Check out the video [link below]. Click on the start arrow and it will expand to video. [149 mg download.] http://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/noncms/transeng/media/OhioRiverTrail-122011.wmv "Additional info on Corbin to Collins (proposed trail alignment)." Submitted by: Jeff Westrich PA Rail Trail Continues To Face Hurdles1/9/12"...It has been 22 years since the railroad company Conrail filed to officially abandon a section of the Enola Branch rail line, which runs through the townships of Bart, Sadsbury, Conestoga, Eden, Providence and Martic. "In that time, widespread support for the conversion of the 23-mile section of rail corridor into a multi-use trail has been held up by costly and complex legal proceedings and title disputes, which has in turn delayed funding applications." more... Columbus Driver Rams Cyclists"I guess the time comes with every cyclist where you are hit by a car. Saturday night was my closest call yet, as a group of seven people I was riding with in Columbus OH was plowed into from behind at speed, perhaps at 35 mph. "Two lanes in either direction with a center turning lane, no traffic at all, sharrows painted on the road, and easily 10 blinkie lights between the 7 people. We were riding in a tight group, taking up no more than 2 or 3 parking spaces length of road in one lane. "No sounds of brakes, no sounds of the engine, the first notice any of us in the tight group had was a loud bang with the impact with the first rider and then the actual crash..." more Submitted by: Marty Crawford Williamsburg to Batavia Trail Progress Report1/7/12"[The Williamsburg-Batavia Trail] is being developed in Clermont County, next county over to the east of Cincinnati, from Williamsburg through East Fork Lake State Park to Batavia. "The first phase is complete, the second phase is to begin summer of 2012, and the third phase is in the works. "The video (below) is dull but gives some good information regarding the phases of the trail. I've been on the trail and it is a nice scenic trail (only 2.5 miles currently)." Submitted by: Jeff Westrich Armleder Park Trail To Link To Ohio-to-Erie Trail"Armleder Park is a joint venture between the Cincinnati Park Board, Cincinnati Recreation Commission and the Hamilton County Park District. Over the past year, they have been working on a connection between the Armleder Park and Lunken Airport Trail. "It was supposed to have been completed by now, but all the rain delayed the project. With the added connector, it will total almost 8 miles between the two and will eventually connect to the Little Miami Scenic Trail." Here's a link to Cincinnati biking info and below is a map of all the present and future trail connections in the east Cincinnati region. (Click to enlarge.) 
Submitted by: Jeff Westrich Possible Extension For The Simon Kenton Trail"Superintendent Kris Myers gave the Joint Recreation Board an update on the possible extension of the Simon Kenton Bike Path into Logan County and Bellefontaine at a regular meeting Tuesday." more... Minneapolis Continues To Lead As Best Biking City1/5/12"After being acclaimed as America's best city for biking in 2010, what can you possibly do for an encore? "In the case of Minneapolis, Minn., you do even more bicycling--and more walking, too. "People here biked and walked 16 percent more in 2011 than in 2010, when Minneapolis was crowned "#1 Bike City" by Bicycling magazine. St. Paul, and a number of inner-ring suburbs nearby, showed similar growth. "Biking rose 22 percent across the Twin Cities compared to 2010, according to data just released by Bike Walk Twin Cities (BWTC). And it's up a whopping 53 percent since 2007, when the organization began counting bicyclists and pedestrians at 42 locations from Beltline Blvd. in St. Louis Park to Larpenteur Avenue in Falcon Heights." more... CA Restructuring "3-Foot" Bill1/5/12"...After lawmakers rejected the proposal for several years, they finally passed the law -- Senate Bill 910 -- last fall, only to have Gov. Jerry Brown veto it. "Now, the bike coalition is going back. "In a recent newsletter, CalBike said they'll reintroduce the measure in a form that Brown said he would sign in his Oct. 7 veto message. That's when Brown explained that he supports the 3-foot buffer, but objected to a provision that gave motorists the option to slow down to 15 mph to pass instead." more... FL: Lakeland Plans For 5 New Trails1/5/12"As it stands currently, Lakeland is already a pretty cool bike town. But it could be even more bike friendly if the city gets funding from the state in the next few years. "City commissioners voted 7-0 on Tuesday to approve five new bike trails in the city." more... NY: Trail Completion May Lead To Hudson River Link1/4/12"...The completion of the Dutchess Rail Trail will no doubt draw attention to the exciting possibility of connecting the Dutchess to the remarkable Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, and on to the Hudson Valley Rail Trail on the opposite side of the Hudson River. "The Dutchess Rail Trail and the Walkway Over the Hudson are separated by just one mile of unused rail corridor. However, negotiations between Dutchess County and CSX Transportation Corp., the owners of the corridor, have not yet resulted in a sale or transfer of the property." more... Fees Considered For MTB Trails In Georgia"Mountain bikers soon may have to pay for access to the bike trails at Ft. Yargo State Park. "Because of several successive years of budget cuts, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is considering charging a new mountain bike trail fee at Ft. Yargo, Hard Labor Creek and Unicoi state parks. "The proposal includes the options of a $2 single-visit fee or a $25 annual pass that would provide year-round access to all state park bike trails." more... Ireland: Ballyhoura Trails Generate £2.5M For Local Economy"Research by Millward Brown Ulster reveals the importance of the Ballyhoura Mountain Biking Trails in generating £2.5m for the local economy. "In August this year, Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Coillte and Ballyhoura Fáilte commissioned Millward Brown Ulster to undertake an extensive research project to investigate the potential return on investment of the Ballyhoura Mountain Biking facilities located in North Cork & East Limerick." more... Bike-Hike Realignment To Be Completed This Year1/4/12"North Summit County -- Users of the Summit County Metroparks' Bike and Hike Trail received some good news in 2011 when work began on a long-planned, $2.53-million, one-mile realignment of the trail around Brandywine Falls. "However, the project would not be completed last year as expected. "...However, installation of the bridge -- the final part of the project -- has been delayed until after February." more... NY: Bicycle Sundays Program Saved1/3/12"In New York's Westchester County Sundays have been the day for biking, but a cut to public funding put the popular program, that closes 6.5 miles of road to motorized vehicles on Sundays, in jeopardy. "Fortunately, in late December, the Friends of Westchester County Parks and Con Edison announced a public and private partnership that will save the popular Bicycle Sundays program..." more TX: Columbia Tap Rail Trail"If there wasn't already a Motor City in America, Houston would surely vie for the title. Cars and trucks play such a central role in this sprawling metropolis that, until recently, cyclists and pedestrians here were viewed as strange or foolish-or both. "But a combination of enlightened leadership and government investment is starting to change that. As an article in the Houston Chronicle in 2010 noted, "This city ruled by the combustion engine is beginning, tentatively, to recognize that walking and biking are legitimate forms of transportation, and beginning to give them a little infrastructure of their own." more... Kentuckiana River Trail Faces Hurdles"...But even as another piece of the Kentuckiana River Trail is finished, completion of the full nine-mile pedestrian and bicycle loop between Louisville and Southern Indiana is anything but certain because of financial challenges and the Norfolk Southern Railroad's resistance to allowing use of the K&I Bridge for the trail's western river crossing. "As envisioned by officials on both sides of the river, the trail would cross the Big Four Bridge and the K&I Bridge and run between them along the completed Riverwalk in Louisville on the Kentucky side and through Jeffersonville, Clarksville and New Albany along part of the seven-mile Ohio River Greenway in Indiana." more... Ohio Hiker Found Unhurt On Mt. Washington"A northwestern Ohio man was found unhurt on a hiking trail on New Hampshire's Mount Washington after his family had not heard from him for more than two days. "David Deubner, 67, of Montpelier, last spoke to family and friends Tuesday morning, before starting a solo multiday hike. But he usually checks in, and when he didn't, a friend made a call for help Thursday." more... Trail Added To New Zealand Cycling Network1/2/12"The pioneering Central Otago cycleway is to be enrolled into the Government's national network of bike trails. "The renowned Otago Central Rail Trail along a 156km former rail corridor between Middlemarch and Clyde is seen as a benchmark for 18 other clusters of "great rides" being developed for more than $80 million as Nga Haerenga - the New Zealand Cycle Trail." more... For more news, visit the 2011 Archive. 
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Latest Blog..."...if the current discussions over the pending transportation bills in the House and Senate are any indication, politicians will continue to do the one thing they are well known for in the U.S. - get it wrong." |
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