Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Welcome to RTC's Forums!

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:51:35 GMT

Welcome, and thank you for participating! Please introduce yourself and your trail project by hitting "reply" above - let's get to know each other a little better.

Please also take a second to answer our poll question - then be sure to explore all that RTC's Forums have to offer by posting your own questions and experience. Don't forget to utilize all of the other resources of the Urban Pathways Initiative.

Happy trails,

Stephen Miller
Urban Pathways Coordinator
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
http://www.railstotrails.org/urbanpathways

The forums are new - if you encounter any bugs, please let me know - stephen (at) railstotrails.org. Thanks!

[Please visit the site to access the poll]

Urban Pathways to Livable Communities Conference: What Topics Do You Want More Of?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 16:43:54 GMT

This is a thread for attendees of the Urban Pathways to Livable Communities conference held in New Orleans on February 25-26, 2010.

In New Orleans, we discussed issues including:

Crime deterrence through design, surveillance, and patrols
Working with uncooperative or bureaucratic agencies or organizations
Effective programming to engage the local community

What snippets of the conference did you find most useful? Which didn't receive enough attention? What topics would you like to see discussed more at future Urban Pathways Initiative gatherings? Hit "reply" and let us know.

Have documents or resources you want to share? Try the Library - and find more, available from the Urban Pathways Initiative page on our website.

APBP Webinar: Funding Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 16:42:39 GMT

This upcoming webinar may be of interest:

Webinar: Funding Pedestrian and Bicycle Projects

http://www.apbp.org/event/jan-10_webinar

When: Wednesday, January 20, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. EST
Contact: Debra Goeks (info@apbp.org)

Online registration is available until: 1/20/2010. Register for this event »

January's webinar takes a comprehensive look at funding sources, both familiar and nontraditional. First, we examine how Greenville County, S.C., leveraged the power of one grant to obtain trail funding from many different nontraditional sources. Learn how the powerful ripple effect of a partnership between the county and the Greenville Hospital System led to building widespread community, business, and political support for the Swamp Rabbit Trail project, which is the flagship greenway of a county-wide Greenways Master Plan that is currently being developed.

This outstanding example will demonstrate

techniques to identify and approach funding sources.
how to parlay one grant into multiple partnerships.
the impact of creating a business plan and following through.

The Federal Highway Administration's Transportation Enhancement (TE) Activities and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provide funds to develop transportation and recreation infrastructure. Gabe Rousseau and Christopher Douwes of the FHWA will explain these and other federal programs and offer suggestions on how to apply for funds. The presentation will also provide information about the authorization of the Federal Surface Transportation Program expected in 2010.TE activities increase transportation choices and access for pedestrians and bicyclists and enhance the built and natural environment through scenic and historic highway programs, landscaping, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation. The RTP provides funds to states to develop and maintain recreational trails and trail-related facilities.

Webinar presenters are Ty Houck, Director of Greenways, Natural and Historic Resources, Greenville County Recreation District; Dr. Gabe Rousseau, U.S. Department of Transportation and FHWA Bicycle and Pedestrian Program Manager; and Christopher Douwes, FHWA Trails and Enhancements Program Manager. APBP board member Tom Dodds, South Carolina's Bicycle and Pedestrian Engineer, will moderate the webinar and add his insights on how state coordinators can assist local jurisdictions in identifying and applying for funding.

APBP has applied for one CM credit from the AICP for this webinar. A certificate of attendance for those wanting to claim Professional Development Hours will be available.

Invite colleagues and clients to attend at your location for one very reasonable price. Cost is $50 per site for APBP members, $75 per site for non-APBP members. Each site license includes one phone connection (toll charges apply, or use VoIP), one internet connection, one set of handouts for unlimited attendees in the same location, and access to the recording. APBP accepts Visa, MasterCard or AMEX; payment should be made by noon on January 19. For more information, contact Debra Goeks (262-228-7025 or deb@apbp.org).

Dangerous connections to your trail?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 18:04:28 GMT

Are there connections to your trail that are hazardous for users? For example, is there a traffic safety issue along a nearby busy roadway for pedestrians and cyclists accessing your trail? It's hard for neighborhood residents to use a trail if they don't feel safe on the way there. What have you done to improve traffic safety near trail access points? What would you like to do?

Tips on hosting a successful community trail event

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:01:45 GMT

Have you recently hosted an event on your trail that sought to encourage turnout from the local community? What worked in making a successful event, and what didn't work? Food? A giveaway? What types of other local organizations did you partner with?

Youth involvement on trails

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:13:37 GMT

Does your organization partner with local youth or youth groups? How do you get "under-21's" engaged and excited about a trail in your area? Share some details here.

Trails involving watershed restoration?

Stephen Miller (RTC) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:12:08 GMT

Does your trail project involve watershed restoration of any kind? For example, reducing runoff, restoring natural habitat, or daylighting waterways? Share some details about your project and how it is improving the water features nearby.