Apr 28 2017
Please take our latest Trailsnet Twitter poll to let us know what you think of electric bicycles on paved or cement trails.
Do you think pedal-assist (class 1) electric bikes should be allowed on paved/concrete bike paths?
— trailsnet (@trailsnet) April 28, 2017
Electric Bike on Trails
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/04/28/pedal-assist-electric-bikes-allowed-paved-trail/
Apr 23 2017
Glenwood Canyon bike path
This trail blog post is in response to a post on the Great Plains Trail website titled Are Long Distance Trails Necessary? It’s a good question, and the blog post already covers the more existential issue of “what do you consider necessary.?” But I’d like to approach the same topic from a slightly more general viewpoint regarding whether any trails are necessary. So to begin this discussion, let’s ask another pertinent question:
Judging by the amount of money we spend on them and how much they are utilized, I’d say that most people would probably argue that they are necessary. Many political campaigns are based heavily on improving “infrastructure” with a huge percentage of that infrastructure spending going towards roads. So that brings us to the next question: What are roads good for? Fortunately, the answer to that question is all too simple and can easily be summed up in one word: transportation. That’s it in a nutshell. Roads provide transportation… period… full stop.
So then we move on to the question du jour. Are trails necessary? Well if those trails are solely for recreation, many people would argue that they are not necessary. They are nice. They are scenic, they are fun. But they aren’t all that necessary. Instead they are convenient or enjoyable. But are trails solely for recreation? Those of us who are avid trail advocates know that they are indeed a great form of recreation, but they provide much more than just recreation; they also provide exercise and… in many cases… transportation.
troops on the trail
Not only are trails used for transportation, but they were the original transportation infrastructure worldwide. They may also be one of the most efficient modes of transportation from numerous standpoints. First of all, they are available to literally everyone. Trails do not require expensive vehicles, licenses and fuel consumption. So trails are available to 100% of the people, unlike roads that generally require some form of vehicle in order to navigate them safely and efficiently. Secondly, trails provide an environmentally sound form of transportation, unlike roads. The vast majority of trails are navigated by walkers and bicyclists. These trail users do not cause pollution nor do they require the burning of fossil fuel. Third, trails provide exercise while simultaneously providing transportation. The ultimate example of poor time management is when people get in their cars and drive to the gym for a workout. It makes so much more sense to combine exercise and transportation by walking, running or bicycling to a destination, whether it is to work, the grocery store or your local coffee shop. And a huge argument in favor of using trails for transportation is the safety factor. Nearly 1.3 million people die in road crashes each year. That comes to an average 3,287 road deaths per day. I would be glad to share the statistics for trail deaths but, as with most trail-related topics, no such comprehensive data exists for two reasons. Nationwide and worldwide trail data is not compiled by anyone. And trail deaths are nearly non-existent compared to road deaths. Trails are simply much safer than roads. And finally, for those who look only at monetary output as the sole arbiter of worth, trails are substantially less expensive to build and maintain than roads/highways.
This way to great trails
Connectivity– We need to do a much better job of connecting trails to both important destinations (cities, towns, schools, businesses, etc.) and to other trails. We have way too many “trails to nowhere.” This might be fine for trails that are solely recreational. But if trails are to become a vital part of our transportation system, then we need to start connecting them.
Inclusiveness – It is fairly elitist and non-inclusive to limit vital trails to only one or two user groups such as hikers and bicyclists. This is one of the reasons trails are seen as only recreational rather than as a mode of transportation. Trails should be much more inclusive and welcoming to such user groups as equestrians, electric bicyclists (See Trailsnet post about Electric Bikes on Trails.) and other (non-internal combustion engine) personal transportation vehicles (stand-ups, etc.)
Communication – When it comes to making trails an important part of our transportation system, one of the biggest changes that needs to happen is in the realm of communication. Most people don’t even know about the wonderful trail system we already have. The trail support groups are too disparate and splintered. There is no single clearinghouse for trail information and communication. Instead we have websites and organizations that promote rail-trails, mountain bike trails, backpacking trails, running trails, urban trails, long-distance trails, equestrian trails, hiking trails, park trails…. But no one clearinghouse for ALL trails. United we stand, divided we fall. Or in the case of trails, divided we fail to prosper.
The answer is simple. They should be. But currently, they aren’t viewed as necessary by the powers that be. We can change that, if all trail groups unite and make our voices heard. Once trails are viewed as necessary.. for recreation AND transportation AND the environment AND for exercise/health… then funding will follow and trails will be built and trail use will increase and trails will be connected and we will live in a world where trails are an integral part of our overall infrastructure. That should be the ultimate goal of all trail enthusiasts and supporters.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/04/23/are-trails-necessary/
Apr 16 2017
Hiking Blog Award
Trailsnet is quickly becoming one of the most coveted websites for trail information, active travel and outdoor fitness. Most recently, Southwest Discoveries awarded Trailsnet a spot on the top Tucson hiking blogs list as a result of Trailsnet’s contribution to the active travel and trail enthusiast communities.
According to the award, “Trailsnet is a network of trails on the internet which allows users to find the trail of their dreams for biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, backpacking and trail running Founded by author Kevin Purdy, an avid hiker and freelance writer, it provides information about active travel opportunities worldwide.”
Trailsnet has won numerous similar blogging awards in the past, but the thrill of serving our community of outdoor enthusiasts never grows old. Thanks to Southwest Discoveries for recognizing the contribution that Trailsnet.com makes to the outdoor community and the world of trail lovers.
Read more: http://www.southwestdiscoveries.com/hiking-trails-in-tucson-top-blogs-to-read-in-2017/#ixzz4eTBTYSEC
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/04/16/trailsnet-voted-one-top-tucson-hiking-blogs/
Apr 11 2017
People for Bikes
People for Bikes is an organization that promotes bicycle riding in America. Or, in their own words, they “aim to make riding better for everyone.” Of course those of us at Trailsnet hopes that means they promote more bike paths & bicycle trails nationwide including the promotion and connection of current bike trail networks. Getting folks on bicycles is more than just a recreational pursuit, although that is definitely part of the equation. But it is also about helping the environment, improving citizen fitness, lowering obesity rates, alleviating traffic congestion, improving public safety and making our communities better places to live. Bicycle advocacy is more than just a pipe dream. It is worthwhile and vital goal that should be front and center on the minds of politicians and average United States citizens. Thanks to People for Bikes and their efforts to improve bicycling in our nation.
Please take a couple moments to complete the People for Bikes survey and help them get a better idea what we want and need when it comes to bicycling infrastructure and goals. It’s a simple survey and is a worthwhile endeavor.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/04/11/people-bikes-survey/
Mar 24 2017
Find the Best Trails on Trailsnet.com
Many thanks to those who have donated to Trailsnet so we can continue to provide the best trail information on the internet. We always appreciate your donations to help keep the Trailsnet website up and running. It’s fairly expensive for website hosting and frequent updates to keep Trailsnet easy to use. One of the next goals for Trailsnet is to approve its visual appeal and make it more professional looking and easier to navigate.
If you would like to make donations to Trailsnet, just click on donation button in the right side navigation menu. It’s easy and always greatly appreciated. Thanks again to those who have donated so far.
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/03/24/thanks-trailsnet-donations/
Mar 17 2017
If you’re looking for a great way to get fit without going to the gym or pounding tarmac roads, fell running is the ideal sport for you. With humble beginnings in the 1800s, fell running came into existence by the necessity for shepherds to navigate hilly terrain quickly to look after their flocks. This necessity soon became a challenge between the shepherds, and the sport of fell running was born.
Offering the ideal conditions for fell running the Lake District offers various fell running routes and a healthy fell running community. There’s gentle slopes for newbies, along with more demanding runs for the more experienced runners.
The infographic below offers hints and tips to new comers to the sport, highlighting the main features and giving you the low-down on the best attire and shoes needed for your safety, along with the different trails and routes. The guide also includes lots of information on how to get started, so get your boots on and join the community of fell runners in the Lake District. It’s exhilarating fun and a fabulous way to get fit, with the challenge of racing against other enthusiasts if you want to.
Set in the heart of the Lake District the Craig Manor Hotel offers a wealth of charm. Offering home cooked meals and wonderful surroundings it’s the ideal base from which to explore this area of outstanding beauty. Perfect for fell runners, walkers and those who love water sports, the Craig Manor Hotel is ideal for those who love the great outdoors and all it has to offer.
Fell Running Information
Permanent link to this article: https://trailsnet.com/2017/03/17/fell-running-lake-district-trails/