Women’s rights activist, Susan B. Anthony, said it best:
“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel — the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”
Fast forward to what we can do now: Rail trails offer a unique opportunity for women to organize and participate in group bicycle rides (and walks!) in a safer, more protected and scenic environment than riding on streets.
“Cycling is highly effective for physical and mental health benefits. It offers an excellent, low-impact cardiovascular workout, builds endurance, and provides a much-needed outlet for escape and stress relief.”
Social support from like-minded women in a private community — encouraging participation — is an additional bonus! My hope is that women will join me in organizing groups to ride the rail trails in their state, county, city, or town. And, to become more empowered to speak up. To stand up. To claim our rights. To get connected, get outdoors and safely enjoy the healing benefits of nature and friendship, with strong, confident female role models.
Members who live in the US are encouraged to organize their own local groups for rail trail bicycle rides or walks. The forum and chat features are designed to facilitate interaction. RT4W emphasizes rail trails for safer riding though there may be urban crossings and similar interruptions.
One example is the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail in FL, which runs through several towns along a 47-mile route. The ‘interruptions’ on the Pinellas and other trails, provide a great opportunity to explore the surroundings, take a break, and have some lunch. Every US state has at least one rail-trail, with nearly 2,400 established nationwide.
This site provides a central hub to communicate interest, share ideas, and plan rides or walks in your area. As more members join, additional features will be included to inspire and educate. Tell your friends!
Rail trails are the ultimate recycling project: “The origins of the rail-trail movement stem from the late 1890s, and found a spark in the mid-1960s in the Midwest that would ignite a nationwide phenomenon. As tracks started being pulled out, people instinctively began walking and bicycling along the old corridors, socializing, exploring, enjoying nature, discovering railroad relics and marveling at the bridges and tunnels. These early users started calling them rails-to-trails — a name that quickly caught on.”
The paved corridors came later. “The rail-trail movement saw its formal birth with the creation of the Illinois Prairie Path and Wisconsin’s Elroy-Sparta State Trail in the 1960s… and in February of 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy opened its doors.” railstotrails.org
Learn more About RT4W