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U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

U.S. Transportation Secretary Announces Contract for Rails-With-Trails Best Practices Report

Document Series:
Press Releases
Press Release Number
N/A
Contact Name
Warren Flatau
Contact Phone Number
202-493-6024
Keywords:
RRIF, loan,


Friday, October 08, 1999 (Washington DC)

U.S. Transportation Secretary Rodney E. Slater today announced the award of a $340,000 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) contract to Alta Transportation Consulting of San Rafael, Calif., for the development of a best practices report that will propose plans, designs and operational procedures for Rails-With-Trails (RWTs).

"By working together, we can produce a useful tool for states, communities, railroads and others to use when considering Rails-With-Trails," said Secretary Slater. "Most important, we will help provide trails that are safe, reflecting President Clinton’s highest transportation priority, that protect the environment and that enable everyone to enjoy the beauty of America."

RWTs are trails open for public use on, along or near active railroad rights-of-way or fixed-rail transit corridors. More than 50 RWTs already exist, and more are under development.

Alta Transportation Consulting will issue a report to outline best practice recommendations to maintain or enhance the safety and security of railroad and transit employees, rail passengers and property, and trail users while meeting community transportation and recreation objectives.

Joining the FRA in the Rails-With-Trails effort are the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"Currently 53 percent of all rail-related fatalities in the United States are due to illegal trespassing on railroad rights-of-way," said FRA Administrator Jolene M. Molitoris. "I am very pleased that the Rails-With-Trails Report will help ensure that legitimate recreational use of rail corridors is allowed only after appropriate safety precautions have been taken."

"The U.S. Department of Transportation is committed to increasing pedestrian and bicycle trails while simultaneously decreasing the number of associated injuries. The report will help in this effort," said FHWA Administrator Wykle.

"Providing well-planned, safe pedestrian and bicycle access to transit is crucial to the livability of our communities," said FTA Administrator Gordon Linton. "The move to create livable places is happening everywhere and the Rails-With-Trails report will be an important new tool in this effort. We look forward to sharing these best practices with communities and transit agencies and to working with them as they implement them."

"These right-of-ways dedicated to bicyclists and pedestrians enhance community livability and will certainly decrease injuries and fatalities," said NHTSA Administrator Ricardo Martinez, M.D.

The FRA in February 1997 convened the first of ongoing forums on RWTs with rail and trail stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, railroad industry representatives, and other private organizations and associations. Trails can provide increased opportunities for walking and bicycling, but safety, liability, design and operational concerns need to be addressed. A consensus of stakeholders determined that best practices guidance, rather than regulation, would be the most efficient and appropriate way to address RWT issues.

 


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