Our infrastructure is crumbling and we’re wasting resources on this?
I believe this is more or less a private venture. The US has 1000’s of miles of abandoned railroad right of ways. It is actually a good way to redevelop the land for public use.
Even if it gets some government funding would you rather see those funds go into Homosexual advocacy?
Your statement is like saying "why should we spend money on new cars when people are dying from cancer."
Smart.
We have dozens of these trails here in Illinois. They’re built on old railroad rights of way. One can walk from very near Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago all the way to the Iowa, Wisconsin, Missouri, Indiana, and Kentucky borders.
Link to map here:
https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/publications/documents/00000642.pdf
L
I don’t think it’s a government thing.
I used to hit the John Wayne trail in Washington state on my mountain bike. I’m guessing that will be one of the trails they link up. I thought of it as soon as I read the title.
Don’t know. I believe Rails-to-Trails Conservancy is a non profit, but I’m sure they receive government money.
I am all for Rail Trails, I think they are a great thing, but...in our economic state of debt, it makes me angry that we are spending money on these.
I worked for a few years with a local group trying to get one built through my town, and after 25+ years of trying to plan and get it built, it went active just last year. I was responsible for getting all the property maps, piecing them into a large map to help identify where easements were and who “owned” them. It was interesting and fun and played to my strengths (I had graphic arts computer skills and a computer before many people did!) but I simply couldn’t go to the meetings time and time again at the glacial progress...I had a crushing job at the time, so I dropped out. I admire that they got it built.
That is all fine and dandy.
But our roads completely and totally suck in my town. I have some roads near me (town roads) that are in shameful condition...SHAMEFUL.
This is the 100% analog of a family in debt, behind on their mortgage six months, four credit cards maxed out, and they pay to have a swimming pool and deck installed!
Converting it to a trail allows it to be used for a public purpose, but the property is deeded in such a way that it can be converted back to a railroad if there is ever a need to do it in the future.
Right...pot holes not filled, dangerous bridges, congested road bottle necks etc. But they have money for this and carving bike lanes out of city streets.
Will make it easier to get around after the "great die-off"....
Riding bicycles is key to health
The major health problem facing many people is obesity
Investing in paths for people to walk bike stroller skateboard or scooter are good for the community and good for people’s health
Far too much of life is now spent sitting in front have an iPhone or a computer and not doing things out of doors which benefits health