To better advocate for the kind of walking and biking infrastructure it wants to see in a regional trail network, the Capital Trails Coalition has set out to define the components of a high-quality trail.
Bryan Barnett-Woods reports on an effort by the Capital Trails Coalition to identify and adopt consistent criteria for the evaluation of trails in the D.C. region.
"When the understanding of what a trail is varies, it's hard to create a true regional network that people of all abilities are comfortable using," explains Barnett-Woods of the problem facing active transportation advocates in the region. To better promote the creation of a regional network of trails, Capital Trails Coalition first laid out criteria for the components of a high-quality trail.
Barnett-Woods list the criteria, with more detail in the article to describe each point:
- Be separate from automobiles
- Be wide
- Have paved or hard surfaces
- Connect to other trails or destinations
- Accommodate both transportation and recreation
- Be a project that’s realistic to build now or sometime soon
- Follow uniform design standards
FULL STORY: Not all trails are created equal. Here’s how to tell the gold standard from the imitators
Cycling Rates Remain High Across the Country
The bike boom that began during the pandemic shows no signs of abating, according to a new report.
Dallas Makes First-Ever Annual Commitment to its Bike Lane Program
Dallas is making new commitments to alternative transportation options—the latest example is found in a budget expenditure for several bike lane projects.
Bikelash Wins in Phoenix
Neighborhood opposition overwhelmed a plan to reduce the number of vehicles lanes on North Central Avenue to make space for a new bike lane, despite evidence of the benefits of the proposed street reconfiguration.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
LA County Creating Action Plan to Tackle Extreme Heat
Los Angeles County is creating a Heat Action Plan to help communities stay safe during extreme heat, with steps like adding more shade, improving buildings, and supporting the neighborhoods most at risk.
Maryland Plans Quick-Build Complete Streets Projects
The state will use low-cost interventions to improve road safety in five Maryland counties.
Downtown Los Angeles Gears Up for Growth
A new report highlights Downtown L.A.’s ongoing revival through major housing projects, adaptive reuse, hospitality growth, and preparations for global events in the years ahead.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)