DEFINITIONA path of travel for recreation and/or transportation within a park, natural environment, or designated corridor that is not classified as a highway, road, or street. (
US Department of Transportation)
AKAPath or Pathway
Shared-use Path
Multi-use Path
Footpath
Sidewalk
PERFORMANCE CRITERIAThe design of the trail bed and materials will follow the most current version of the AASHTO Standards for design of shared use paths
The conversion of unused rail corridors to pedestrian and/or bicycle paths are one of the activities that permit the expenditure of Transportation Enhancement funds (better known as Activity 8 - Rail Corridor Preservation). Like most Federal projects, this Activity requires a 20% (either monetary or in-kind) match by the local jurisdiction. This program began in 1992 and accounts for approximately 9% of Transporyation Enhancement funds.
ILLUSTRATION
Redmond city standards for trails.
CASE STUDIESXochimilco Ecological Park, Mexico City
Park Guell, Barcelona
Grass Lawn Park, Redmond, Washington
Parque de cabecera, Valencia, Spain
The High Line, New York
ADDITIONAL RESOURCESRails to Trails Conservancy's
Trail Building ToolboxMany standards that have developed by the Federal Government (i.e. USDA, FHWA, NPS, etc...) are available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/rectrails/manuals.htm
Mark Fenton speaks in these three videos about the importance of walking. From Trailfest 2007.