We will be rolling out a much more in-depth Advocacy program soon, but the actions below can get you pointed in the right direction and offer some new ideas for all those wanting to stand up for trails.
ADVOCATE FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING:
- The next transportation bill could significantly reduce or eliminate funding for trails, biking, and walking programs.
- Over 1,100 organizations, including Friends, are mobilizing to defend federal active transportation funding.
- Transportation Alternatives (TAP) and similar programs support tens of thousands of miles of multiuse trails.
WHY THIS MATTERS FOR OUR COMMUNITY:
- Congressional leaders are considering a bill that would eliminate federal funding for bike lanes, trails, and pedestrian safety—reverting to a caronly transportation model.
- This will impact larger trail infrastructure projects such as bridges and tunnels, potentially delaying projects for decades.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Share stories of benefits that you and your community have seen from trail access.
- Call or send letters urging your representatives to protect Transportation Alternative Program and other walking/biking programs.
LOCAL OFFICIALS:
Congresswomen Summer Lee (PA – 12)
Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA – 17)
KEY MESSAGING:
- Trails are core infrastructure. TAP and similar programs support essential connections to transit, schools, business districts, and employment—not luxuries.
IN-PROGRESS PROJECTS TO EMPHASIZE:
ECONOMIC BENEFITS:
- $26.5 Million total economic impact
- $5.7 Million tax revenue generated
- $16 Million in earning for local workers
- $121 Million in economic impact
- $8.7 million in tax revenue
- $52.6 Million in Labor Income
BOOST THE SIGNAL AND SHARE
Organize community hikes, bike rides, or nature walks to increase visibility and support. Get in touch if you want to coordinate activities with Friends.
Use social media to share trail maps, success stories, and upcoming events. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Bluesky now!
GET INVOLVED WITH ADVOCACY GROUPS
- Attend meetings of local trail committees and trail-related groups. And Friends is launching a larger Advocacy Group for Trails soon: sign up for our newsletter to ensure you are in the loop!
- Attend Friends’ Trail Development meetings in local communities where we are planning trails. Speaking up in these meetings can make a huge difference!
ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY AND DECISION-MAKERS
Speak at public meetings, write op-eds in support of trails, or sign petitions saying that you want to see more support for trail development, maintenance, and programming.
Call, email, or send letters to your representatives, drop into their regional offices and speak to their staffers, attend their town halls, speak to them at public events. Let them know you want to see funding dedicated to outdoor recreation, trails, and alternative transportation. Not sure who your city, municipal, county, PA House and Senate, and US House and Senate representatives are? Find out here.
