Trails are catalysts redefining city living

How trails are repurposing and rebuilding more than just an alternative urban transportation

The Scioto Greenway provides a non-motorized path in Columbus

Post-WWII, the United States experienced unparalleled economic growth. Suburbs grew with the new American dream. A network of expressways was built to accommodate the growing suburbia. Shopping centers and office parks sprang up catering to the car-dependent culture. The automobile became synonymous with the American way of life.

The 1983 Railbanking Act allowed for the conversion of abandoned railroad corridors into trails. The railroad and a government agency or trail organization agreed to preserve the railbed as a trail for potential future railroad use. This fueled the building of trails in the United States. Ohio boasts over 1,100 miles of rail trails, contributing to a nationwide network of approximately 26,000 miles. This network continues to grow and connect.

The Ohio to Erie Trail is predominantly composed of rail trails, a testament to the effectiveness of railbanking in accelerating trail development. The collaborative spirit fostered by the Railbanking Act empowered communities to transform rail and towpath corridors into recreational trails. As connections multiplied, momentum for trail expansion surged throughout the state.

The subject of the 1999 thesis of Ryan Gravel, a graduate student in architecture urban planning, was building a trail circling metro Atlanta. His vision took shape over many years with the first miles coming to reality in 2012. The Atlanta Beltline will be a 22-mile loop of trails and parks connecting 45 neighborhoods projected to be completed in 2030.  Ryan Gravel shared the journey of the Atlanta Beltline from a graduate thesis subject to reality in a TED Talk.

The Ohio to Erie Trail urban centers of Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Akron are building trail networks that seek the same results envisioned by the Atlanta Beltline. These interconnected trails are revolutionizing urban living by providing viable transportation alternatives to cars while revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering a new sense of community.

Urban sprawl was seen as the path to economic growth and prosperity in the mid to late twentieth century. This approach prioritized automobiles and highways, often neglecting the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. As a result, suburbanization isolated neighborhoods, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status.

Ohio's urban trail development mirrors Atlanta's Beltline by focusing on creating interconnected networks that extend beyond simple means to get from point A to point B. Urban planning recognizes trails as essential infrastructure that promotes inclusivity and revitalization. These transformative projects revitalize neighborhoods, stimulate economic activity, provide recreational amenities, showcase public art, and create vibrant community hubs.

The people of Atlanta fell in love with a vision that was better than what they saw through their car windshields, and the people of Atlanta made it happen,  I guarantee you we would not be building it otherwise. - Ryan Gravel TED Talk

The Atlanta Beltline TED Talk is an inspiring testament to the power of collaboration. It demonstrates how a graduate student's ambitious vision can be transformed into something tangible through the united efforts of diverse people. By actively involving and empowering often overlooked people, the Beltway has not only created a better city but has also enriched the lives of its residents.

The Atlanta Beltline and Ohio's urban trail networks are redefining the concept of city living. A shift has occurred from prioritizing demolition to emphasizing revitalization and repurposing. Trails are instrumental in creating a vibrant vision for cities, fostering environments that are enjoyable, sustainable, and equitable.

We are the lives we're talking about. These places aren't inevitable. The places we live aren't inevitable, and if we want something different, we just need to speak up. We have to ensure that change comes on our terms. And to do that, we have to participate actively in the process of shaping change. - Ryan Gravel TED Talk

Despite residing in rural Ohio, I am a strong advocate for the active transportation revolution reshaping our cities. While the highway system has undeniably connected us in ways its creators could never have imagined, it's time to shift our focus to enhancing local connectivity and growth. Trails are essential components of this transformation, offering a sustainable and healthier alternative to car dependency.