As you probably know, the Rails to Trails Conservancy has been instrumental in turning abandoned railroad lines into cycling and hiking trails. As RTC continues its work, there are still many former railway lines that would make great trails, but Congress might slash some of the funding it has previously allotted to such conversions.
I have shown, in previous posts, some abandoned rail lines within a few miles of my home that would make wonderful cycling and walking routes. If and when they will be converted is anybody's guess.
In the meantime, cyclists who want to use those railways have a two options. One is to ride in the rail bed. On a road or fixed-gear bike with skinny tires--or even a touring or hybrid bike--that could be very difficult, if not impossible, as those beds are filled with various combinations of rail ties (in various states of decay) as well as gravel, weeds, roots and whatever people dump there--which can include old washing machines and refrigerators! Even on a mountain or cyclo-cross bike, such conditions wouldn't be easy to negotiate.
The other option is to ride on the rails. I thought I was being sarcastic the first time I suggested it, but apparently there are people who do it:
I have shown, in previous posts, some abandoned rail lines within a few miles of my home that would make wonderful cycling and walking routes. If and when they will be converted is anybody's guess.
In the meantime, cyclists who want to use those railways have a two options. One is to ride in the rail bed. On a road or fixed-gear bike with skinny tires--or even a touring or hybrid bike--that could be very difficult, if not impossible, as those beds are filled with various combinations of rail ties (in various states of decay) as well as gravel, weeds, roots and whatever people dump there--which can include old washing machines and refrigerators! Even on a mountain or cyclo-cross bike, such conditions wouldn't be easy to negotiate.
The other option is to ride on the rails. I thought I was being sarcastic the first time I suggested it, but apparently there are people who do it:
