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Rail Trails for Family Biking

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Get Ready to Hit the Trail

About fifteen years ago the city where I lived opened up a rail trail along the bed of an old rail road. In fact, the trail bordered my neighborhood and traveled about 5 miles north and 15 to 20 miles south of me. Additional trails leading east and west of it eventually linked up to the original trail.

It was then that I left heavily traveled streets and returned to bicycling on a regular basis. These trails have sprung up all over the country and offer residents a wonderful activity whether they are alone or with an entire family.

What is a Rail Trail?

A rail trail is simply an old railroad bed that is no longer used and has been converted into a path for people to use for recreational purposes. Actually some rail trails can provide functional transportation for one point to another in some instances. A rail trail is not used for vehicular traffic. Instead traffic on a rail trail consists of runners, walkers, inline skaters, and bicyclists and therefore make for a great family biking activity.

Many rail trails are paved, but some have a crushed limestone, dirt, or other surface. Clearly a paved trail allows for the greatest variety of traffic as they can be used by inline skaters whereas other surfaces don't allow such activity.

Each rail trail may have different rules but in general, pets are allowed on trails although they should be on a leash. Some rail trails are urban/suburban and receive heavy traffic while others are more rural and are lightly traveled.

Why is Rail Trail Biking so Great?

Rail trails offer a number of advantages for families seeking a safe outdoor activity as well as for those focusing on fitness goals.

  • Some of the easiest bicylcing possible.

    A rail trail won't offer the challenge of steep up hill climbs or rugged terrain that mountain biking offers. Instead, you will generally find a more level path and one that may even be more protected from sun and wind in some areas due to wooded surroundings. There are few instances of pot holes, unexpected gravel, and other "road hazards" thus they are one of the safest possible family biking options.

  • No vehicular traffic.

    Face it; cars don't mix that well with bicycles and other pedestrian modes of transportation. Rail trails separate you from automotive traffic with the exception of occasional, well marked crossings.

  • Rail trails are nearly everywhere.

    When you plan trips around the country you can generally include biking a rail trail in your travel plans. Finding them is pretty simple and I'll tell you more about this a bit further down the page. This ready availability makes it an activity that your family can build on and engage in routinely.

  • Rail Trails offer convenience.

    Rail trails generally have trail heads and free parking areas where you can leave your car/truck. In addition, these trails sometimes offer "facilities" periodically or pass through populated areas where families can stop and take a break, have lunch, or perhaps even stay the night.

    • Where Can I Find a Rail Trail?

    Finding a rail trail is very easy. The Rails to Trails Conservancy has a website that allows you to simply input your destination and the type of trail you prefer to locate trails in the area. Finding the perfect family biking experience is simple with this tool.

    Once you have the name of the trail it can also be useful to research the trail further online. This can often provide more detailed information such as other trails that link up to it, sites of interest near the trail, and detailed maps.

    What Should I Take Along on Our Rail Trail Trip?

    The items needed for biking a rail trail is similar to that for any type of distance biking excursion and will vary based on the time of year and how far you plan to travel. However, here are some basics to get you thinking.

  • Your bicycles.

    Well, of course, but I would mention that my personal preference is to use a hybrid bicycle with tires that aren't too slick and yet not too "knobby". Knobby tires offer more resistance and require more effort to pedal. On the other hand "slick" tires don't handle even crushed limestone very well and falls need to be avoided. (If you want to learn more, you can visit this page on Cannondale bikes that includes a section which discusses how to determine the right bike size.)

  • A repair kit.

    Be sure to take a long a tire repair kit, including a pump, and any other tools to be sure you don't get stranded. I've had the experience and it isn't fun.

  • A cell phone.

    This isn't an absolute must, but just as in many other situations, having your cell phone available in case of emergency adds some security.

  • Water.

    Don't leave home without it. Get a holder for each bike and let each person carry their own water bottle.

  • Other sustenance.

    With a small bag on your bike it's easy to take along some fruit, granola or power bars, whatever you want to take along to assure you have the energy needed. Take along some cash if you will be purchasing a meal.

  • Protection from the elements.

    Bug repellent, sunblock, sweaters or jackets, a cap, sunglasses, and so forth should be considered. It never hurts to take a long some bandages and so forth in case of scrapes.

  • Consider special needs.

    If anyone has allergies don't forget tissues, allergy medications, or whatever else needs to be readily available.

    • Rail Trail Precautions

    Although family biking on rail trails is a safe activity, you should wear any safety gear you typically wear. Helmets in particular. Although the risk of getting hit by a car is minimal, falls can still occur.

    Here are a few things to keep in mind on rail trails:

  • People are traveling a different speeds on rail trails. Walkers are obviously the slowest movers, then runners, and then inline skaters and bicyclists.

  • To prevent unnecessary collisions and injury stay to the right, especially if you're walking. Pass with care, and alert the person you are passing by stating something like "passing on your left". Some people use a bell to alert people as well.

  • Watch your speed in areas with "traffic". Remember you are moving much faster than those on foot. In addition, many children are on rail trails and they have a tendency to look around and wander a bit in their "course"; suddenly turning out in front of you.

  • When trail traffic is significant, ride single file.

  • When riding with small children it is best to have one adult in front to assure crossings are observed and another adult in back to avoid having stragglers.

  • Don't ride beyond your capabilities. Rail trails are not loops. If you ride 15 miles one way, remember you still have 15 miles to ride back to your car.

    • Riding Along a Rail Trail

    This one includes a bit of a history lesson

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    Get the Family Outdoors

    Check out the Trail Mix Blog to find out about more nature, hiking, and biking activities.

    What is Your Favorite Rail Trail?

    Vote or Submit Your Own

    1

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    Springwater Corridor - 40-Mile Loop Trail System Portland Oregon

    The Springwater Corridor is a 21.5 mile trail betw more...2 points

    2

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    Interval Training at My Local Rail Trail in Dutchess, New York

    I love to exercise on this trail, especially at su more...1 point

    5

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    Otago Central Rail Trail Official Website, Otago, New Zealand

    The Otago Central Rail Trail, a non-profit project more...0 points

    Shopping for the Things You Need

    Adult Hybrid Bikes

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    Hybrid Bike Tires

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    Adult Bicycle Helmut

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    Kids Bicycle Helmut

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    For the Youngest Kids

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    Bike Repair Kits

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    Bicylce Bags

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    Bicycle Bell

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    Bicycle Compass

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    Other Rail Trail Pages of Interest

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    Rail Trails on the Web

    Three teens arrested in Rail Trail vandalism
    Southern Regional Police have arrested three teenage boys for allegedly causing nearly $1500 in damage along the York County Heritage Rail Trail. Police said the youths, who range in age from 13 to 15 years old, damaged the trail's train-station rest ...
    Rail Trail Winter Walk participants wander the winter wonderland to support ...
    SNOW SPONGE ?? SpongeBob stopped by to visit with rail trail supporters. Pictured, Richard and Debbie VanOver of VanOver Fine Arts pose with SpongeBob. CHECK OUT THOSE TIRES ?? Z&M Ag and Turf provided a John Deere vehicle that would help maintain the ...
    Assabet River Rail Trail group to meet
    By Staff reports The monthly Assabet River Rail Trail meeting will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16, at 7 pm at the Marlborough City Hall, 140 Main St. Anyone interested in the trail is invited to attend. The Assabet River Rail Trail, Inc., ...
    Why Wasn't the Rail Trail Built Handicapped Accessible?
    Answer: We pointed this question to Cindy McLain of the Friends of Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. Her response follows: "The trail was indeed designed and constructed in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project was also subject to ...
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    Rail Trail: Let us know you stopped by!

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    • Reply
      tstandiford Sep 16, 2011 @ 12:31 pm | delete
      I have a "rail trail" near my previous home. I used to ride that 11 mile trail down and back every morning. It was perfect because it had low traffic, and it was flat so I could focus on going fast and could safely listen to my music while riding. The trail ended at a gas station where I frequently would stop to get a drink.

      You have me wanting to get my bike down to that trail now. Thanks for sharing.

      PS: I had a very horrible experience when I chose my first bicycle, and made a video telling all about it. I'd love to get some input from you on my story:

      http://www.squidoo.com/my-bicycling-nightmare
    • Reply
      EchoTarpeian Aug 31, 2011 @ 9:00 am | delete
      I live along the Katy Trail which winds along the rails from Saint Charles to Kansas City along the Missouri River... I would love to see a trail system that eventually links all trails across the country into one massive system that extends from coast to coast! nice lens;)
    • Reply
      gregoryolney Aug 11, 2011 @ 4:29 am | delete
      A very good idea - bike paths should be a part of every community. We have some great rides in Milton Keynes !
    • Reply
      Michelle77 Jul 31, 2011 @ 10:06 pm | delete
      where i live they are called metro parks...and it's wonderful not to have vehicles to worry about when you have children riding ...Nice lens :)
    • Reply
      Ramkitten May 27, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete
      There was a great rail trail in Confluence and Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania, where I used to live. I'd hike, bike and run on it all the time. It followed alongside a river. LOVE rail trails! I wish there were many more.
    • Reply
      RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 12, 2011 @ 6:30 am | delete
      I love rail trails and experienced my first one in Michigan. Hope more and more places will join the movement to convert railroad beds. It's a win-win proposition.
    • Reply
      nahmie Apr 4, 2011 @ 9:39 am | delete
      Being a cyclist, I love your lens. In the Baltimore/DC corridor, there are quite a few trails for me to take advantage of, and I definitely do. Thanks for the great lens!
    • Reply
      kimmanleyort Oct 22, 2010 @ 2:16 pm | delete
      I love that railway lines are being converted to bike trails. A safe way to be in nature and get exercise too. Thanks for all you do to promote trails and parks.
    • Reply
      guardianstar77 Sep 28, 2010 @ 12:11 pm | delete
      I thoroughly enjoyed your lens. You have included a lot of valuable information, and THANK YOU for including that wonderful YouTube of the Airline Rail Trail. I seldom ever watch all of even short videos. I watched every moment of that one and almost clicked the Replay link. I love it!
    • Reply
      arncyn Sep 23, 2010 @ 11:57 pm | delete
      Those rail trails are wonderful for exercising and communing with nature as well. Thank you for sharing such useful info in this well-done lens. (:
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    Photo Credits
    Introduction: Bucklava.
    What is a Rail Trail: Ken Ratcliff.
    Why is Rail Trail Biking so Great" Robanhk.
    Where Can I Find a Rail Trail: Goldfish Stew.
    What Should I Take Along: qnr.
    Rail Trail Precautions: iwona_kellie.

    by

    mulberry

    I've ridden a bicycle many miles and some of my best memories are bicycling along a rail trail with family and friends.

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