• March 30th, 2026

An active transportation network includes trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and roads designed for walking, bicycling, or rolling. They are not only important for recreation, but for short trips as well. In many U.S. communities, these networks are fragmented or have gaps, making active travel less appealing or safe. To encourage more active travel, communities are working to improve connectivity or close the gaps across the nation’s 40,000 miles of multiuse trails.

Estimating Benefits of Closing Gaps in Active Transportation Networks