TrailLink 2005 Conference Notes

Ira S. Weiss

8-16-2005

 

A little humor to start this report off, as provided by my sister-in-law:

 

In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated and I see the end of all flesh before me.  Build another Ark and save two of every living thing along with a few good humans."

 

He gave Noah the blueprints, saying, "You have six months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights".

 

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard, but no Ark.

 

"Noah", He roared, "I'm about to start the rain!  Where is the Ark?"

 

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah.  "But things have changed.  I needed a building permit.  I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system.  My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations.  We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision. Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea.  I argued that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

 

Getting the wood was another problem.  There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl.  I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls.  But no go!

 

When I started gathering the animals, I got sued by an animal rights group. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. As well, they argued the accommodation was too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

 

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

 

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

 

Also, the trades unions say I can't use my sons.  They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark building experience.

 

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species.

 

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least ten years for me to finish this Ark..."

 

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched across the sky.

 

Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean, you’re not going to destroy the world?"

 

"No," said the Lord.  "The government beat me to it."

Four thoughts that popped into my feeble mind (references bolded):

1.      Do we need a “Bureau of Un-motor Vehicles in Ohio for bike/ped facilities?

2.      RTC’s Goal 2020 – do we need a sub-goal to provide feeder routes of trails, bike lanes and bike routes to the proposed system of rail trails? (pages 6, 8, 9)

3.      Can MORPC as an MPO do railbanking? (page 12, 4j, page 13, 5)

4.      We should be asking ODOT for some of the Federal funds I kept hearing about

 

The conference began with the Mid America Trails and Greenways (MATAG) Conference. It was a whirlpool event! There was a great reception the evening before at the Weisman Art Museum with good food and excellent exhibits.

 

The opening address: “Be Active Minnesota” was presented by Mike Huber, Director of Cardiovascular Health Initiatives, Blue Cross Blue Shield (I have a copy of the PowerPoint presentation). He discussed the health implications and costs of physical inactivity.

1.      The total costs due to obesity in America are $117B.

2.      Inactive people are two times more likely to have heart disease.

3.      Trails contribute to increased physical activity

4.      Active individuals over 50 cost $2000 less per year in health care costs

5.      Sprawl kills – make communities walkable and bikeable

 

The obesity slide shows are very revealing as new categories are added over time to accommodate the increasing waistlines of Americans. In 1985, Ohio had a 10-14% obesity rate. The rest of the nation caught up to Ohio by 1991 and a new category was added of 15-19%. We stayed in the 10-14%.  By 1994 we had climbed to the top category of 15-19%.  In 1997 another category was added, >20%. We stayed in the 15-19% range until 2000, when we went to the next level. This became the 20-24% level in 2001 and mercifully Ohio has not made it to the top level, >25%, although Indiana and West Virginia are in that extinguished group, along with Alabama and Mississippi. The scary part is with the exception of the Rocky Mountain States, New England, New Jersey, Florida and Hawaii, the rest of the US is above 20% obese (defined as BMI >30, or ~ 30 lbs overweight for 5’ 4” woman).

 

I next attended:

1C Trail Maintenance: What Have We Learned? Tricks & Techniques.

1.      Involve users in trail development

2.      Different surfaces have different issues

3.      Put a blower on an ATV to blow debris off trails

4.      Motorized trails in Ohio mean ATV’s which have a negative connotation. In Minnesota they mean snowmobiles, which are mostly accommodated.

5.      The Cuyahoga National Park is the 3rd most visited in the US

6.      They use the Student Conservation Association for trail work along with other volunteer trail groups – started 25 years ago.

 

 


 

2D., Funding, the Match and More

1.      In Illinois, they got LaSalle Bank to be sponsor. They are on the brochure, signage and use the branch banks for local ribbon cuttings. They are funding trail construction and want subtle recognition

2.      Trail development is a very positive image of recreation, transportation and health

3.      The Federal Government has lots of programs funding trails (page 5, #2).

 

After Lunch, I attended the following:

 

3C Marketing the Midwest Trail Mecca

1.      Gerry Bowen (Nebraska)

a.       Develop comprehensive trail plans and connect

b.      Have a local brochure of who you work with and put information on map for tourists including mileage charts

c.       Use PowerPoint presentations to market and raise funds

d.      Have a Web site to promote trails and put trails on slides

e.       Trails went from unpopular to popular

f.        Used concrete not asphalt for longevity

g.       Combine trails on a common map and use joint marketing

2.      Joe Taylor (Quad Cities, IL)

a.       Fine agencies to help tell your story

b.      What differentiates your trail from other trails?

c.       Use joint marketing

d.      Who do you want on your trail?

e.       Have one contact for information

f.        Take senior and people with special needs on the trail

g.       Have special events and festivals

h.       Add services like bike rentals

i.         Don’t do brochures if they won’t be distributed

j.        Include trail map in local phone book

k.      Show connections with wildlife

l.         Market the part of trail network you are in

m.     Reach out to environmental and conservation groups

n.       Use destination as strength

 

3B Maximizing the Return on Statewide Trail & Greenway Planning Efforts Across Mid America

1.      40-50% of US trails are in the MATAG area

2.      Exploit rail history

3.      Use hospitality, affordability, diverse landscaping and interesting bridges

4.      There needs to be central coordination and cross promotion

5.      Question – should only trails be on map or should bike lanes be included as well? I suggested two colors.

 


 

Looking Forward, Looking Back Dinner

Rhonda did a great job of organizing the silent auction. I did my part and bid (and bid) on and got two books. Another Ohio attendee (who shall remain namelessJ) successfully bid on a case of Minnesota ale (not very good, I understand). We carried the 24 bottles back but thankfully stopped at the Radisson where people from the Cuyahoga National Park were staying. After filling the sink with ice, most of the beer was consumed and those of us from Ohio got to know each other better. This had been facilitated earlier by Rhonda having us sit together at two tables (mercifully, at the back of the room so we could sneak out to the bathrooms and auction). It was interesting listening to the history of RTC from its founders, but the speeches were a little long-winded.

 

Thursday started the actual TrailLink 2005 part of the conference.

The first activity was Ride, Stride and Glide

I chose the “Stride” and walked along the river in a session begun by a speech from St Paul’s Mayor Randy Kelly. We got to see a lot of re-development including condos which sell for a high price along the river and trail. Notice that the trail is divided to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.

 

 

Lunch was “A Federal Affair: Agencies Weigh In”

  1. Keith Laughlin, RTC President
    1. In 1986 there were 256 miles of railtrails
    2. Today there are 15,000 miles of multi-purpose trails with multiple benefits
    3. They are healthy places for a healthy environment, they protect the air
    4. They provide for a healthy economy with bed and breakfasts, bike shops, small businesses, community revivals and improve local property values
    5. They provide for a healthy communities with new, pleasant open public places that encourage social interaction
    6. They provide for healthy lifestyles and counter obesity, which costs $100 million per year in preventable health costs
    7. New Strategic Plan –

                                                               i.      Big Harry Audacious Goal (BHAG) – is that by 2020, 90% of Americans will live within three miles of a local network of public trails created from former rail lines (see my comment on page 2).  This is moving from trail building to trail systems.

                                                             ii.      Technical Assistance

1.      New offices (Rhonda has a new titleJ)

2.      Use GIS mapping

3.      American landscapes (urban, suburban, rural)

                                                            iii.      2010 Campaign (when TEA whatever is renewed)

1.      Build a nationwide movement to catalyze the support necessary to double Federal investment in trails, bicycling and walking by 2010

2.      The TE battle in 04 was to reverse the zeroing out. The vote in the House was 327-90 to do so.

  1. Cynthia Burbank – Associate Administrator, Federal Highway Administration
    1. 1992 - $22M of Federal funds for pedestrians and bicycles
    2. 2002 - $400M of Federal funds for enhancements, recreation trails
    3. All Federal highway plans can be used in addition to recreational trails
    4. They strongly advocate non-motorized transportation
    5. 10-year status report: In ten years number of biking and walking miles doubled while injuries and deaths were reduced significantly
    6. February 2002 – Pedestrian and bicycle design, routine accommodation; all facilities should be accessible
    7. Planning Process

                                                               i.      Citizens Quick Reference Guide – work with states and MPO’s on laud use/transportation planning and scenario planning for growth and development

                                                             ii.      Growth puts pressure on environment, congestion, health, economic interests

                                                            iii.      Public Health – growth in obesity – impact analyses support active living

                                                           iv.      Many partnerships

                                                             v.      Shared goal – all want healthy environment, healthy population, healthy economy, and multiple ways to get from place to place

  1. William H. Dietz, CDC
    1. Investments in community infrastructure are important areas to address
    2. 30% of adults, 16% of children are obese
    3. Physical activity helps

                                                               i.      Cardiovascular disease

                                                             ii.      Type 2 diabetes

                                                            iii.      Obesity

                                                           iv.      Arthritis

                                                             v.      Asthma

                                                           vi.      Aging

    1. We have disconnected networks, we need connected networks
    2. Guide to Community Preventative Services – urban design and land use should increase physical activity
    3. Encourage policy changes that promote walking trails – case studies, interviews and focus groups
    4. Kids walk to schools program – active transport to and from school
    5. Promote physical activity through recreation in America’s great outdoors, promote public lands, traffic in parks is a serious problem
    6. Future partners: In coming year, states will address obesity and make it a high priority
  1. Shawn Hucklebee, HUD
    1. Incorporate trails and greenways as part of daily work
    2. Put trails and greenspace in planning process
    3. Get good partnerships at state level
    4. Use flooded areas as parks
    5. Create walking system between sculpture gardens
    6. Revitalize commercial areas with 2nd floor lofts
    7. Form collaborative partnerships
    8. Trails are integral part of redevelopment and community values are added. They are an integral part of planning process
    9. Need consistent policy approaches for consistent funding between Federal agencies

 

Linking Trails to Health: Greensboro Case Study

  1. Greensboro Greenways plan was underwritten by foundations
  2. Case statement – establish a credible link between greenway trails and improved health for city residents
  3. Worked with Moses Cone-Wesley Long Community Health Foundation (mission-health) and Action Greensboro (mission-economic development – wanted a master trails program for city)
  4. Obesity and fitness top categories – who is using trails, who is not, how do we get people to use trails?
  5. Greensboro Parks and Rec Dept. – Parks & Rec at table with fitness.
  6. They had lots of areas without connections
  7. Outcomes
    1. Usability guide for comprehensive trail development
    2. Better understanding of users and non-users
    3. Facilitate active lifestyles and physical activity opportunities
    4. Recommendations for programming and partnerships, maintenance standards and sources of funding
  8. Surveys
    1. Interviewed 150 trail users while using the trail
    2. Non-users telephone survey
    3. More educated use trails
    4. Older people did not use trails
    5. Of users, 72% lived less than 5 miles from trail, 26% less than one mile
    6. More trails should be constructed close to where people work and live
    7. Need to encourage people to walk or bike to trails rather than drive
    8. Trail users are physically active, less than 40, educated and employed
    9. Barriers to use

                                                               i.      Lack of time

                                                             ii.      Motivation

                                                            iii.      Cost

                                                           iv.      Safety

                                                             v.      Access

                                                           vi.      Skill

  1. Healthy people are using trails now
  2. There is now scientific evidence that providing access to places for physical activity, such as trails, increase the level of physical activity in a community
  3. physical activity and health
    1. Promotes health and reduces risk of premature death and many chronic diseases
    2. Adults obtain a minimum of 60 minutes on most if not all days of the week
  4. health benefits of trail use
    1. reduced obesity
    2. increased physical activity
    3. control hypertension
    4. protect against developing type 2 diabetes
    5. improve symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression and anxiety
    6. reduce chance of premature death
    7. reduce arthritis pain
    8. prevent osteoporosis
  5. addressing childhood obesity
    1. cardiac risk factors – higher blood pressure, heart rate and cardiac output
    2. type 2 diabetes risk factors – glucose intolerance
    3. orthopedic problems – weight stress to joints
    4. skin disorders – heat rash
    5. psychological – poor self-esteem, negative self image, depression
  6. Seniors
    1. Over 65 least active group in US
    2. Locally, one of most active groups
    3. If active reduce risk for chronic diseases and disability
  7. Trails benefit entire community
    1. Walking the dog
    2. Walking as break from work
    3. Walking to a scenic outlook
    4. Walking as a break from driving
    5. Roller blade/inline skating
    6. Jogging & Running
    7. Wheelchair accessible recreation
    8. Bicycling
  8. Obstacles to overcome
    1. How do we motivate people to get out and use trails?
    2. What are the most effective ways to let the public know about trails for walking, bicycling and other outdoor activities?
    3. How do we measure the positive health outcomes from regular and increased trail use?
    4. What kinds of trails are most useful and attractive for health and fitness seekers?
    5. How can we better design trails that encourage use by people who don’t see themselves as trail enthusiasts/users?
    6. Can we make a case that increased funding to develop trails and greenways will save health expenditures in the long run?
  9. Note: there is lots of funding in the health communities – fund trails as intervention
  10. Most common excuses
    1. Not enough time
    2. Can’t get motivated
    3. No place to be active
    4. No athletic skills
  11. Neighborhood Environment, Access to Places for Activity
    1. The presence of trails may increase physical activity levels
    2. Practitioners should consider interventions that improve access to places for physical activity
  12. A primary focus of Greensboro is inner city urban populations that have the lease amount of access to quality outdoor landscapes for physical activity
  13. Charts showing correlation to deaths due to cancer, diabetes and heart disease (these are maps showing locations of instances of deaths along with trails)
    1. Cancer – no correlation
    2. Diabetes – trails reduce deaths
    3. Deaths due to heart disease – trails reduce deaths

This (#21) was the most important thing I learned – If trends depicted in these graphs can be reproduced in other studies to show that proximity to trails reduces deaths from diabetes and heart disease, its dynamite information!!!

  1.  Project Goal
    1. Make Greensboro one of the healthiest cities in the US through better access to the outdoors, affordable programs for all age groups, and interconnected system of trails and greenways that are an integral part of daily life
    2. Reduce distance to trails so you don’t have to drive to use them – trails within 15 minutes of all residents
    3. Create accessible system with urban, suburban and rural trails network
    4. Link people to places that they want and need to visit
    5. Link transportation systems for greater efficiency
  2. Make Trail Use Routine
    1. Develop high quality trails so it is easier for people to choose to walk or bike
    2. Link popular origins and destinations
    3. Program trails for activity
  3. Motivation
    1. Close to home
    2. Close to work
    3. Close to school
    4. Fulfills daily needs
    5. Health and fitness
    6. Fun
    7. Transportation
    8. Social interaction
  4. Measuring Success
    1. Record of usage on entire trail system
    2. Select study groups to measure weight loss and other health related issues
    3. Participation in community programs
    4. Community support for system development
    5. Study health results in 2, 5 and 10 years

 

The Impact of Trails on Health – the latest research

John Drew, Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, IN

  1. Research supports measurable outcomes, needed on state and local levels
  2. CDC – trail users meeting daily physical activity requirements of 30 minutes/day
  3. Not enough research yet to connect trails to health cost reduction
  4. Dangers of inactivity
  5. Places to walk
    1. Correlation between convenience of place and meeting activity recommendations
    2. Less than 10 miles from a trail more like to be active
    3. Streets, sidewalks and public parks are most commonly reported safe and convenient places to walk
  6. Environmental Barriers
    1. Busy streets
    2. Distance
    3. Steep hills
  7. Indiana Trail Study 2001
    1. Trail counts
    2. Intercept surveys
    3. People use trails for health and recreation
    4. Most common uses walking and biking
    5. Most users drive to trails less than five miles and 10 minutes
    6. On average, less than 20% walk to a trail
    7. Nearly all view trail as safe
    8. Most users spend about an hour on the trail per visit
    9. People take pride in community because a trail is present
  8. Access to Trails in Missouri
    1. Self-reported
    2. 38.8% used trails, 55.2% of those reported increased amounts of walking
    3. Women and HS or less education were more likely to have increased amounts of walking
    4. Enabling factors – scenic beauty and free and convenient access
    5. Construction of walking trail may be a viable intervention strategy for increased physical activity

     
  9. Miscellaneous Data
    1. Perceived neighborhood safety was associated with higher levels of physical activity
    2. Distance from home is associated with higher exercise levels
    3. Neighborhood environments are associated with walking
    4. People believe access to both free and pay facilities can make physical activity more likely
    5. High density, mixed use neighborhood development has been associated with more walking trips
    6. Mass transit oriented neighborhoods have been associated with more walking trips
    7. 43% of people with safe places to walk met recommended activity levels compared to 27% without safe trails
    8. Need good studies with pre/post designs

 

Thursday night dinner…

This was on our own. I had dinner with Amy Bowman-Moore, Director of the O.O. McIntyre Park District in Gallia County. We went to the Mall of America (sorry, we had to see itJ). It was the trip there and back that was interesting. Of course, the rail also went to (and under a part I guess of) the airport.

  1. All the buses had bike racks on the front – a given for Minneapolis
  2. The light rail was an excellent way to get around. It literally pulled right into the parking garage at the mall. Plus, they had bike racks in the train cars (sorry, I forgot to get a picture) that worked very well as we saw someone use it. He put his bike in the rack and sat far, far from it. I would have sat as close as possible. Was does that say about crime in Minneapolis?

 

Friday – Endurance: Sustaining the Vision from Start to Finish

  1. Bill and Stephen O’Neill – East Coast Greenway Alliance, CT
    1. Sustain a vision
    2. Started in 1967, when doing a freeway made sure bridge abutments were wide enough for a linear path
    3. Make sure politicians are on board and have them to ribbon cuttings
    4. Get pictures of lots of kids
    5. Show significance of trail at regional and statewide significance – how it closes gaps in a system, regional connections, multi-modal
    6. Get into transportation plans of planning agencies
    7. Make a sense of place
    8. Get solid cost estimates
    9. Use aerial photographs for visual effect
    10. Use visual aids in public outreach – show how it will work
    11. Use the Army Reserve and National Guard to construct trail
    12. Go through the list of Surface Transportation Program requirements and show how each one is met
    13. Get endorsements, go with a program
    14. Mail trail list to doctors
    15. Focus on partnerships, local decision makers, regional decision makers, politicians
    16. Build grassroots support – bicycle groups, education community, physically challenged, health and fitness clubs
    17. Bring events onto your trail
    18. Seek pro bono services – National Guard, design services, trail maps
    19. Seek donations – banks
    20. Lessons learned

                                                               i.      Define your vision

                                                             ii.      Identify attractions and connect to them

                                                            iii.      Develop flexible blueprint

                                                           iv.      Collaborate with stakeholders

                                                             v.      Leverage projects/energy

                                                           vi.      Maintain Momentum

                                                          vii.      Keep a positive attitude

 

  1. Ray Irvin – City of Indianapolis
    1. Starts with a vision

                                                               i.      Develop a vision

                                                             ii.      Infect vision into a lot of people

    1. Stay politically viable
    2. Links 52 parks in greenway system with trails
    3. Change land use plan and add to system with greenways
    4. Amish re-built wrought iron bridge
    5. Have Indianapolis Greenways plan, audit earlier plans, put plan on CD-ROM (it’s cheaper than doing a paper publication)
    6. Have developers put signage to greenways and let them build connections
    7. Work with Navy Seebees to build bridges
    8. Put trail on top of levee and use flood control money for it
    9. Co-locate infrastructure on greenways
    10. Create history and save bridges
    11. Use laser counters to count people
    12. Trails cover 200 miles and have horse trails as a part of them
    13. Greenways affect land sales – increase property values
    14. Engage kids to create art on trails
    15. Use Public Works Department for maintenance rather than parks dept
    16. Put bike racks on buses as part of transportation system
    17. Partner with everybody
    18. Have university do trail usage studies

 

Minneapolis/St. Paul: Creating a Regional Trail System

  1. Debunking myths
    1. People are not interested in biking/walking to work

                                                               i.      2500 bike commuters

    1. Biking and walking are not cool

                                                               i.      1000 bikes on Cedar Lake Trail

                                                             ii.      1/3 bike year-round

                                                            iii.      Trails plowed in winter

    1. Bikes and walkers can’t do anything about congestion
    2. Bike/Pedestrian facilities are a waste of money

                                                               i.      Investment in community

                                                             ii.      Improved property values

                                                            iii.      Reduce crime

                                                           iv.      Amenities

    1. Both bikes and walkers belong on sidewalks
    2. Walking and bicycling is not for everyone

                                                               i.      Cardiovascular workout

    1. Most bicyclists do not abide by traffic laws
  1. 54 miles off-street trails, 27 miles bike lanes, 2000 miles of sidewalks
  2. How trail system developed
    1. Trails started in the 1970’s
    2. Park Board system around city
    3. Series of bicycle committees were not successful as bicyclists are their own worst enemies – professional bicyclist, recreational bicyclist, general population. They would argue amongst themselves in front of Council at meetings.
    4. Through 1980’s bicycles were considered toys, changed as

                                                               i.      Conservation-oriented activity

                                                             ii.      Abundance of abandoned railroad corridors

                                                            iii.      Greg Lemond

    1. Looked at developing a bicycle system
    2. Concentrated on the general public
    3. Needed a backbone of off-street with a feeder system – safer traffic wise
    4. Used ISTEA, needed a plan first. Developed plan with elected officials, bike enthusiasts, neighborhood benefactors and received private matching funds. Had support from engineering staff.
    5. Took 30 years to do
  1. Planning
    1. Brought to every street, most streets are bikeable
    2. Had politicians as advocates who understood vision
    3. Partnerships – advocates from bike shop community
    4. Uptown transit hub, bike racks on buses, downtown bus lanes, bicycle parking program
    5. Upper River Plan
    6. Get to light rail system
    7. Document where facilities are
    8. Part of a multi-modal system of planes, trains, waterways
    9. Trails have facilities like roads and maintained for perpetuity
    10. Have a regional rail authority that banks trails
    1. Connect to other trails systems in region
    2. Had to shift engineer’s paradigm from roads to trails
    3. Connects to new light rails system
    4. Do fewer projects better
    5. NIMBY issues – work with ward people
  1. Regional Trail Authority
    1. Has 50 miles of abandoned rails corridors, buys them when they are abandoned
    2. May be converted to future transit use, in which case would convert to rails-with-trails
    3. Purchases for future transit use
    4. New road bridges will have wider spans to accommodate both trail and light rail
    5. Hooks to St Paul system
    6. Rail Authority owns the property but other agencies own and operate the trail
  2. Suburban trails should be a part of development
  3. Trying create a wheel and spoke system
  4. They have developed a bikeway functional classification system similar to that used for roadways (they are supposed to send me a copy).

 

Mobile Workshop #9 – We’re not in Downtown Anymore

This was hosted on a tram ride by Delbert Miller, Intergovernmental Relations Administrator for the Three Rivers Park District. We did a 20 or so mile tram ride along trails near the Mississippi River. These trails connected the many parks in the district along with schools and shopping. On the trip, we discussed maintenance issues, acquisition issues, problems with snowmobiles changing tread design and sawing off bolts on bridges that feel onto the Interstate and most importantly property values. They actually have to limit the number of connections to the trails as all the developers want to connect to them as they create new subdivisions. Mr. Miller noted that property values are higher the closer to the trail you are. These are not cheap houses; we’re talking $700,000 and up in the new subdivisions. Here are some photographs:

 

 

 

 


Stone Arch Banquet Friday Night

The Ohio Group ready for the bus…                 Our table outdoors before dinner…

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

There was a special presentation to Rep. Martin Olav Sabo from Minnesota, who admitted he could not ride a bike but is a big supporter of bicycle and trails issues nonetheless.

 

Missed opportunity alert – it would be a great photo op for Minnesota resident and three-time Tour de France winner Greg Lemond to teach Rep. Sabo how to ride!

 

We also heard descriptions of the designs receiving the recognitions awards. I hope RTC puts them on their Web site soon.

 

Saturday Roundtables

I attended the Rural Trail Issues roundtable. It was an interesting discussion of problems, including ownership and real landowner issues. I’m talking guns here. At least we haven’t had that level of vehemence against trails. Yet.

 

How Do You Take Your TEA – Closing Plenary

This was homage to Congressman Oberstar who is the major champion of including enhancements in the Transportation Bill. (Two Minnesota congressmen honored in two days – why can’t we have people who show this kind of bicycling and pedestrian support elected in Ohio?) Every bicycling support organization I know (and I thought I knew them all) came forward with a speech to honor Oberstar for his work on behalf of cycling and pedestrian facilities. It was very inspirational. Here is a link to particulars on the transportation bill at the RTC Web site (others available from LAB, etc.) http://www.railtrails.org/safetealu.doc .

 

I would like to thank Rhonda Border-Boose from the Midwest RTC Office for providing the scholarship that allowed me to attend this extremely worthwhile conference (and also for covering the taxi fare to the airportJ). I would also like to thank the officers and membership of the Fairfield Heritage Trail Association for covering the rest of my expenses.  I hope these notes have been valuable to you.


 

Materials I Picked Up (and you can borrow them anytime!)

 

  1. CDC Obesity Slides, Trends Among US Adults CD-ROM – Michael R. Huber
  2. CDC Trails for Health link http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/pdf/Trails_Increasing_Opportunities.pdf
  3. Connecting the Dots Linking Trails to Health Improvement PowerPoint Presentation CD-ROM – Michael R. Huber

 

  1. Trails for Ohioans, A Plan for the Future – ODNR

 

  1. Improving Conditions for Bicycling and Walking – RTC

 

  1. A Citizen’s Quick Reference Guide to Transportation Decisionmaking – USDOT/FHWA
  2. A Guide to Transportation Enhancements – USDOT/FHWA
  3. A Guide to Transportation Enhancements – USDOT/FHWA
  4. A Quick Guide to Transportation Enhancements – USDOT/FHWA
  5. Building Better Trails/Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook order information – USDOT/FHWA
  6. Come Closer. We have stories to tell – USDOT America’s Byways
  7. Construction Trail Switchbacks VHS – USDA
  8. Federal Transportation Funds Benefit Recreation handout – USDOT/FHWA
  9. FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Reports order form – USDOT/FHWA
  10. FHWA Recreational Trails Program handout – USDOT/FHWA
  11. Forest Service Trails Report 2004 CD-ROM – USDOT/FHWA
  12. Guiding Principles and Questions for Transportation Enhancement Activities – USDOT
  13. Handtools for Trail Work 2005 edition (2 copies) – USDA, USDOT, etc.
  14. Leaving A Place Better Than We Found It – USDOT/FHWA
  15. Managing Degraded Off-Highway Vehicle Trails… – USDA, USDOT, etc.
  16. National Trails System Map and Guide – USDOT/FHWA
  17. Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned CD-ROM – USDOT/FHWA
  18. Rails-with-Trails: Lessons Learned hard copy – USDOT/FHWA
  19. Soil Stabilizers on Universally Accessible Trails – USDOT/FHWA
  20. The National Bicycling and Walking Study, Transportation Choices for a Changing America – USDOT/FHWA
  21. Trail Construction and Maintenance Notebook 2004 Edition – USDOT/FHWA
  22. TrailLink 2005 Fed Highway Admin Presentation handout – USDOT/FHWA
  23. Transportation Enhancements/National Transportation Enhancements Clearinghouse handout – USDOT/FHWA

 

  1. Manchester Charter Oak Greenway – Manchester, CT
  2. East Coast Greenway – East Coast Greenway Alliance

 

  1. Implementing Trail-Based Economic Development Programs – Iowa DOT
  2. Metro Area Trails – City of Omaha, etc.
  3. Principals of Marketing and their Application to Trails – Quad Cities CVB
  4. Trails for America: Every Where, Every Way, Every Day – Quad Cities CV

 

  1. Grand Illinois Trail, Great Trips for Great Adventures – Openlands Project
  2. The Grand Illinois Trail, Imagine the Possibilities – State of Illinois

 

  1. Indianapolis Greenways Master Plan – Indy Parks and Recreation
  2. Indy Parks Greenways Trail User’s Guide – Indy Parks Greenways
  3. Marion County and surrounding areas bike routes – City of Indianapolis

 

  1. Hennepin County (MN) Road & Bike Map – Hennepin County, MN
  2. Minneapolis/St Paul Regional Trail System handout
  3. Regional Parks, Twin Cities metropolitan area map and guide – Metropolitan Council
  4. Three Rivers Park District, MN – Three Rivers Park District, Plymouth MN
  5. University of Minnesota Biking Guide/Campus Walking Guide – University of Minnesota

 

  1. Action Greensboro Recommendations – Action Greensboro
  2. Greensboro Greenways Plan handout – City of Greensboro

 

  1. Summit County Trail & Greenway Plan – www.summitmetroparks.org
  2. The Silver Ribbon – Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition – www.ohioeriecanal.org

 

  1. Results*: 2005 Survey of State Trail Plans & Inventories handout – questionnaire

 

  1. Dero Bike Rack Company Brochure – really neat stuff!  www.dero.com
  2. Hindsight 20/20 brochure – Cross Alert Systems www.crossalert.com
  3. Legacy Shelters, Inc. brochure – www.legacy-shelters.com
  4. Steadfast Bridges – Steadfast Bridges

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