PTNY advocacy efforts lead to passage of trail safety bill

We did it! The empire state trail detour requirement officially passed both houses, requiring well-marked detours on the EST whenever there is a temporary route closure. Next stop: the Governor’s desk for her signature to enact the bill into law. The bill comes in the wake of last month’s Greenways Advocacy Summit, where nearly 100 advocates, planners, business owners, and local leaders from across the state came together to push for a package of bills designed to improve trail safety and usability.

Held on May 20th at the Egg in Albany, the Summit fostered a shared commitment to enhancing and growing New York's greenway networks as essential components of healthy, sustainable, and vibrant communities. The event fostered collaboration, innovation, and launched a grassroots movement to continue this work long into the future.

After a morning program featuring pioneering experts driving policies to enhance greenway development, advocates met with over forty NYS legislators to push for the Greenway Trails for a Green Future package. The set of bills is intended to improve trail safety, remove regulatory barriers, create incentives, and explore other opportunities to expand New York’s network of greenway trails to serve all New Yorkers.

Want to get involved in helping chart the future of our greenway system? Don’t miss the Greenways Advocacy Coalition Webinar on Tuesday, June 25, 1pm. The webinar will serve as a platform for greenways advocates to strategize and exchange ideas. During the call you can expect to help us identify the key actions and resources necessary to drive these initiatives forward in the 2025 legislative session. Your participation and input are vital as we work together to build a robust greenways coalition and achieve our shared vision for a safe, interconnected greenway network across the state. Register now.