Hello I am interested in the idea of creating a new transportation grid for America. A network of trails that link sustainable communities, wilderness areas, cities and towns. It seems there are many people involved in rails to trails, developing bike paths, maintaining hiking trails and doing trail work. I would love to be part of an effort to link all these projects together and create a new map of America. A map people could use to plan trips and explore alternative vacations for there families. A map linking all these powerful projects in sustainability together with inexpensive or free lodging / camping. In much the same way safe houses were used during the underground railroad. We need to build an underground railroad for sustainability upon which people can connect and inspire each other to keep up the good work and lend a hand along the way. I feel if people could easily access a transportation grid for pedestrian, bicycle or horse travel then more people would consider a walking or biking vacation. If people could use horse drawn wagons to get to the next town, they would. I live in White Salmon WA. It is a small rural town in the Columbia river gorge. I walk two blocks to my guitar shop for work and the post office, store, bank and school are all within 1/4 mile. Every morning I walk along a trail that was created for the public on private land. There are many,many miles of trails and forest service roads leading in every direction. I know that it is possible to form a network of trails and out of service roads to connect to many of the other towns in my area. If people in each county could get together and map/ create linking systems with neighboring counties we could begin to form an new roadmap for America. We can't wait for the government to change, we can superimpose a new economy and way of life right on top of the existing structure, utilizing forgotten roadways and green spaces. I would love to hear from anybody who has any ideas that would relate to this.
Thanks!
Craig W-