• turmacar@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    9 hours ago

    They also feel like something designed by someone who hasn’t ridden a bike since they were 16.

    I get it. “Might was well” use land where the right-of-way is already clear, etc. But a miles of straightaways followed by gentle curves designed for a train don’t make for a very engaging bike ride. I’m sure this could exist, but I haven’t been on any that would actually be useful as bicycle infrastructure. They mostly go from nowhere to nowhere and there are few options to get on or off the ‘trail’.

    • AA5B@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      6 hours ago

      While I agree with the guilt of enjoying rail trails

      • I no longer cycle on them: it’s not enjoyable because they’re so crowded
      • we have some that are very useful for getting places, usually train stations
      • the one across my town goes through neighborhoods, so I’m sure they’re happy it’s not trains
      • there’s a plan to build my towns third train station, and one of the requirements is connecting the rail trails
      • I realized just last summer that my favorite diner is only 1 mile walk if I take the new rail trail!