On the Popularity of Biking and Walking in Rural America

A new report by the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy titled "Active Transportation Beyond Urban Centers,” debunks the myth that "nobody walks" in rural America.

January 31, 2012, 5am PST | Jonathan Nettler | @nettsj

In D.C. Streetsblog, Ben Goldman writes about the findings of the report and its implications for Federal transportation funding.

According to Goldman, "The report...shows that in large and small "rural cores" of 2,500 to 50,000 residents, the share of total trips made on foot or by bike is only 20 percent below the rate for larger urban cores." And, perhaps more surprisingly, "when it comes to work trips, rural areas fall right in line with the national rates of biking and walking to work."

"Besides compiling numerical data on rural transportation, the report also includes testimonials from rural communities across the country, demonstrating the benefits of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure."

Full Story:

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Busts Myth That “Nobody Walks” in Rural America

Published on Monday, January 30, 2012 in Streetsblog D.C.