Greenway Trails Advocacy
Parks & Trails New York envisions a fully realized network of linear greenspace–accessible to all New Yorkers and functioning as a driver for equity, public health, and the economy–connecting across New York State.
In order to achieve this vision, New York needs both regulations that support the development of the network, as well as dedicated funding to take plans from paper to reality. Parks & Trails New York recognizes the pivotal moment we are in, with the completion of the Empire State Trail and the need to continue to build momentum and invest in the next generation of greenway trails. PTNY is building a statewide coalition of greenway trail advocates who will collaboratively drive New York toward a more sustainable, safer, better-connected future.
Advocacy Priorities
Pass the Greenway Trails for a Green Future bill package
This landmark package of bills has the potential to greatly enhance trail user safety and spur the development of new greenway trails across New York State. This package consists of two key bills that enhance trail user safety and two bills that would remove regulatory barriers and explore other opportunities to expand New York’s network of greenway trails to serve all New Yorkers.
Following our 2024 success with the Greenway Trails for a Green Future legislative campaign and the unanimous passage of the Empire State Detours Bill in both legislative chambers, we are inspired to prioritize key issues critical to the continued evolution and enhancement of New York’s public lands in 2025. While the Empire State Trail Detours Bill was vetoed by Governor Hochul in December 2024, we will be revising the bill to address the Governor’s concerns and look forward to seeing the bill become law.
Trail User Safety & Experience
- Safe Greenway Trails Crossings | Clarify that bicyclists using a crosswalk as part of a greenway trail have the same right-of-way protections afforded to pedestrians. By treating all trail users consistently, confusion and safety risks for bicyclists will be reduced.
- Empire State Trail Detour Requirements | Require the establishment of safe detour routes during temporary closures of sections of the Empire State Trail. New York State welcomes thousands of visitors from around the world for long distance, multi-day trips on the Empire State Trail. This bill ensures that trail users are provided safe alternative routes to continue their trips when the trail must be closed for safety or construction.
Trail Network Expansion & Connections
- Highway Funding Flexibility | Allow funding from New York’s Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) program provided to local governments for transportation purposes to be used to construct and maintain greenway trails. Identified as a priority in the 2021 Statewide Greenway Trails Plan, this bill gives municipalities flexibility to invest in healthy, green transportation.
- Greenway Trail Liability Protection | Encourage the development of rails-with-trails, power line trails, and other greenway trails by clarifying the liability of property owners who allow the public to access their land for recreational purposes. Protects property owners who allow recreational access to their property from actions resulting in harm or death, removing a critical barrier to trail creation.
Secure dedicated state funding for greenway trails
Over the last 20 years, New York State has built an impressive network of multi-use trails, exemplified by the completion of the 750-mile Empire State Trail in 2020. The EST benefits the communities it touches, boosting local economies, fostering outdoor recreation, and providing safe pathways for exercise and transportation. However, the EST doesn’t connect to 35 of NY’s 50 largest communities, including Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island–home to 40% of the state’s population.
To address these missed connections, we propose a $10 million annual investment to expand and enhance New York’s trail network. This funding would dedicate $8 million to build new trails and repair existing ones, and $2 million to support regional planning and prepare future projects for construction. With a focus on underserved communities, we recommend capping local matching requirements at 10% or waiving them for financially challenged areas. By prioritizing inclusivity and equity, this initiative ensures all New Yorkers can benefit from the trail network’s potential to foster healthier communities, boost local economies, and create a more connected state. Join us in urging state leaders to make this vision a reality.
Other Priorities - Safe Streets & Transportation Equity
PTNY is a member of the New York State Safe Streets Coalition and New Yorkers for Transportation Equity. We strongly support the advocacy priorities of these coalitions, requiring complete streets principles be incorporated into maintenance projects, defining safe passing distances for motor vehicles overtaking cyclists, allowing cyclists to more safely navigate streets by treating stop signs as yield signs, preventing unnecessary highway widenings, and requiring a state goal for vehicle miles traveled reductions as a critical part of climate action.
Join the NYS Greenways Movement
PTNY is building a “big tent” network of advocates, planners, engineers, designers, champions, and public health professionals plus representatives from local businesses and economic development teams who recognize the power of greenway trails to transform communities.
In May 2024, PTNY kicked off the formation of the movement by hosting the inaugural Greenways Advocacy Summit to garner support for seven key greenway bills and win a new influx of state capital and planning funding for trails.
Over the coming months, PTNY will be hosting opportunities for interested coalition members to get involved and help chart the future of our state’s greenway advocacy strategy.
Greenways Advocacy Strategy Webinar
On June 25, PTNY hosted a webinar to recap the inaugural Greenways Advocacy Summit, including the wins we made together during the 2024 legislative session, and provide an opportunity for the group to discuss priorities, next steps and strategies for the remainder of the year and into 2025.
Attendees contributed their ideas, helping us to identify key actions and resources necessary to drive our shared priorities forward in the 2025 legislative session. Together, we are working together to build a robust network of greenways advocates and achieve our shared vision for a safe, interconnected greenway network across the state. Got questions or feedback on our strategy or ideas for bills? Email trails@ptny.org with your thoughts.