Transit To Trails: Expanding Access to the Outdoors

Outdoor recreation is the most common way in which Americans come to know their public lands and waters and develop a stewardship ethic. Recreation activities help provide a connection to place, personal and health benefits, community connection, and vibrant economies. Too many Americans, however, lack ready access to these opportunities.

Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and U.S. Representative Jimmy Gomez (D-CA) reintroduced the Transit to Trails Act, legislation that would provide equitable access to parks, green spaces, and existing public lands and waters.

The bill would establish a grant program that would focus on investments in public transportation to connect underserved urban communities and rural communities to green spaces. Access to reliable transportation is among the most significant barriers for underserved communities to participate in outdoor recreation.

"Everyone deserves access to outdoor recreation opportunities. The Transit to Trails Act would improve public transportation to make existing public lands and green space more accessible to everyone in America, and providing these opportunities will promote the physical, mental, and economic health of individuals and communities. We are grateful to Senator Booker and Rep. Gomez for their leadership in connecting communities to public lands and waters,” said Louis Geltman, Outdoor Alliance Policy Director

The Transit to Trails Act is an important step towards making sure that everyone has access to, and can enjoy our public lands and waters. Outdoor Alliance will keep you updated on the progress of this bill and other opportunities to get involved — a great way to start is by writing to your lawmakers in support of this bill.