FYI folks:
 
A very interesting development here !!  If domestic long-distance rail is to be upgraded and it's possible to install bike trails along rights-of-way when this is done, this could be a major breakthrough in establishment of local and regional bike trail networks that would be mostly off-road and far safer for users.  Bikers hearing oncoming trains could stop momentarily and lets trains pass if they considered themselves at risk.  I suspect railroads may strongly object to this, unless they are relieved of liability responsibility, though, and they also can be assured of "protection" against possible terrorist activity aimed to disrupt train traffic.
 
The other alternative would be some sort of Presidential Executive Order that would allow bicycles to use ALL U.S. Interstate highway shoulders for transit between cities, etc.  It's just that the noise, exhaust pollution, and risk of vehicles passing close-by at high speeds would make this far more dangerous to riders.
 
But this IS a very interesting proposal, which -- if passed and implemented -- could mean a major boost for completion of expanded regional bike trail networks.
 
Geoff
 
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> Subject: Virginia ECG Supports VBF Initiative for Rails with Trails
>
> Please see http://www.vabike.org/vbf-passes-rails-with-trails-resolution/
> for full information and to sign on-line petition of support.
>
> The Virginia Bicycling Federation, along with 25 national, state,
> and local organizations has endorsed a resolution asking Virginia
> Governor Timothy Kaine to support rails with trails along all
> major rail projects in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
>
> With concerns for the environment, the economy, and the ability
> to maintain our Interstate highway system, government is looking
> at railroads as a key component of our transportation infrastructure
> for the twenty-first century. Railroads are experiencing an unprecedented
> level of interest and expansion.
>
> By investing in upgraded infrastructure, government is helping
> rail companies to improve their levels of service for freight,
> passenger and multimodal transportation. Upgraded railways will
> help reduce the number of cars and trucks on our roads, and
> decrease air pollution, energy use, and wear and tear to our highways.
> The Virginia Bicycling Federation supports this effort.
>
> The Commonwealth of Virginia has already invested over $60 million
> in rail projects in Virginia. Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation
> are seeking billions more state and federal dollars to complete these projects.
>
> Current upgrades include the Crescent Corridor which travels
> from New Orleans to the Ports of New Jersey. This Crescent Corridor
> splits in Birmingham, Alabama, with a branch routed along the
> I-81 corridor in the Shenandoah Valley through Roanoke; and another
> branch traveling east of the Blue Ridge through Danville, Lynchburg,
> and Charlottesville, ending in Manassas.
>
> Also being upgraded is the Heartland Corridor, which would connect
> the Port of Portsmouth with Chicago, following the Route 460
> corridor through Southside Virginia.
>
> The Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor would connect Washington DC,
> Richmond Virginia, and Raleigh North Carolina. The Virginia Bicycling
> Federation believes that citizens and taxpayers deserve to benefit
> directly from these massive government expenditures.
>
> The Resolution asks Governor Kaine to ensure that as these
> railroad projects are planned and implemented, bike and pedestrian
> accommodations, rails with trails, are included as a required and
> integral part of these projects.
>
> Including multi-modal facilities in all transportation projects
> is consistent with both State and Federal transportation policy.
>
> Rails-with-trails have proven to be a safe and viable way to offer
> true multimodal accommodations, and provide facilities for people
> to walk and cycle throughout their communities.
>
> There are currently 1,184 miles of open trails among 142 different
> rails with trails projects throughout the United States. Another
> 75 projects are underway, which will add 905 additional miles of
> trails when completed.
>
> These projects provide transportation alternatives, promote healthy
> lifestyles, and encourage exercise in an increasingly obese population.
> Trails also encourage economic development and tourism.
>
> Asking for these facilities while in their early planning stages
> is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create thousands of miles
> of trails connecting communities throughout Virginia and the United States.
>
> Current supporters of the resolution include:
>
> Adventure Cycling Association
> Alliance for Biking and Walking
> BikeWalk Virginia
> Blue Ridge Bicycle Club of VA
> Capital Region Land Conservancy
> Cycor Sports
> East Coast Greenway Alliance
> Franklin Freewheelers
> Friends of the Rivers of Virginia
> International Mountain Biking Association
> League of American Bicyclists
> Nelson Bicycling Alliance
> New River Bicycle Club of VA
> Pathways for Radford
> Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
> Richmond Area Bicycling Association
> Richmond Pro Cycling
> Rivanna Trails Foundation
> Rockbridge Area Conservation Council
> Three Notched Trail Foundation
> Tidewater Bicycle Association
> Virginia Bicycling Federation
> Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail Foundation
> Virginia Chapter of the Sierra Club
> Virginia Conservation Network
> Williamsburg Area Bicyclists
>