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).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
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.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
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)