Trails

Fossil fuels are the leading contributor to the climate crisis in the US and transportation is the largest source of carbon pollution. Immediate actions like making it easier for people to bike and walk are critical. Fortunately, many car trips can easily be replaced with a short walk or bike ride.  Trails often offer the safest opportunity for pedestrians and cyclists to travel, while directly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Connecting communities to greenspace, trails provide access to nature and provide physical, social, and mental health benefits creating more livable neighborhoods. 

Whether for transportation or recreation, paved ADA compliant trails, accessible to neighborhoods, offer safe space for residents of any age or ability to walk or roll. Trails make it easier to make small changes like walking or riding a bike instead of driving to your destination, and have a cumulative impact on reducing air pollution from automobiles. The Council believes every resident in every neighborhood deserves to be able to safely walk, roll, or ride a bike without fear of being struck by a speeding car or sustain serious injury due to unsafe road infrastructure.

Circuit Trails – The Circuit Trails are a network that will eventually extend to more than 800 miles of regional trails. The Council promotes the expansion and use of these trails for recreation and transportation as a safe route for cyclists and pedestrians to use to get to work, visit businesses, and travel on a day to day basis.

Cobbs Creek Trail – For over a decade, the Council has guided the process to extend the Cobbs Creek Trail in West and Southwest Philadelphia to the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The Council also works with residents in communities that surround the trail to ensure the public resource is inviting to neighbors, well maintained, and is a valued community resource.