Bikers, brace yourselves. You're going to freak out when you see this new proposed bike trail.

Imagine peddling across the entire country on one safe, smooth bike trail. That image could become a reality as Rail-To-Trail Conservancy has proposed a multi-use trail that stretches from Washington State to Washington D.C. The trail would span over 3,700 miles and run through 12 states including Iowa. The map below shows the existing trails and where there are gaps in the proposed trail.

Rails-To-Trails Conservancy via YouTube
Rails-To-Trails Conservancy via YouTube
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Taking a closer look at Iowa, the interactive map shows the route running straight through Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Cedar Falls and more.

Great American Rail Trail
Great American Rail Trail
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Rail-To-Trail Conservancy is "the nation’s largest trails organization—with a grassroots community more than 1 million strong—dedicated to connecting people and communities through a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines." The "Great American" is their most ambitious project yet and it's going to take a lot of hard work to make it come to life.

What will it take? Well the site says "It will take all of us working together through advocacy, volunteerism, and fundraising to make it a reality. We need to make our voices heard in our communities, our states and at the federal level, sharing our enthusiasm for the Great American Rail-Trail." You can read more into the specifics HERE.

RTC Co-founder David Burwell is one of the visionaries behind the idea that would allow people to "explore America’s heritage by trail—its potential, its beauty and bounty, its people and places." The trail would provide economic opportunities and benefits for communities along the route.

One day, you could go across this entire country … on flat, wide, off-road paths. I want rail-trails to be 'America’s Main Street." -David Burwell

 

It's not going to happen overnight, but people are working hard to make it a reality. How cool would this be!?

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