Trail Advocates!
Partnership for the National Trails System is partnering with American Trails to make sure that our full community is aware of the threats to trail funding. Please consider signing your group onto this letter and asking your community to do so as well.Congress is drafting the next federal transportation law—and trails are at risk.
Key federal investments that communities rely on to build safe, connected places to enjoy the outdoors—including the Transportation Alternatives (TA) program and bike/ped/trail eligibility across other grant programs—are under direct threat. Some congressional leaders have already stated their intent to eliminate funding for bike paths, walking paths, and trail projects.
This would be a major setback. TA has helped deliver 42,500+ miles of multiuse trails and thousands of safety and access projects nationwide. Demand for these investments far exceeds available funding, and weakening or eliminating these programs would directly harm communities, businesses, and agencies working to improve safety, mobility, tourism, and quality of life.
Now is the time to act.
Join PNTS and nonprofits across the country to urge Congress to:
- Protect and strengthen the Transportation Alternatives program
- Maintain strong safety provisions for people outside of cars
- Preserve broad eligibility for trails, walking, and biking across federal transportation programs
- Add your organization’s name to the sign-on letter to Congress by COB January 9, 2026.
- This is a critical opportunity to show unified support from trail-related businesses, nonprofits, and local, state, and federal agencies.
Together, we can make clear that trails are essential to a safe, connected, and economically strong transportation system.
Please join us today in making our voices heard and demanding that Congress protect the future of trails in America.
