Originally Posted by
Galls
I hate rails to trail, absolutely hate it. Keep in mind that if there is one mode of transportation I consider equal to cycling it is locomotive power. With NIMBY-ism once those ROW are converted they will never be used again, and their will never be a new rail line constructed in this country again, at least without a interstate highway like buildup.
No thanks. You're right, nobody wants a 1000+ ton vehicle that needs a mile to stop rolling through their neighborhood, in the same way that nobody wants unprotected electrical lines. In that case, it's not NIMBY because I fully support ripping the damned things out of *everyone's* backyard, not just mine.
Like has already been pointed out, the rails are generally being converted because the trains have been gone for decades in most cases. The real alternative to trails isn't new trains, it's chop-it-up-and-sell. And you'll *definitely* never get that ROW back.
Both reasons are why I donate to this organization, despite the fact that all the rails in my area have already been converted. I commute on a rail trail every day, and I think everyone should have the opportunity. I highly recommend others who like nice trails to donate as well.