Today's guest column is by Dennis Markatos-Soriano, executive director of the East Coast Greenway Alliance. The East Coast Greenway is a great partner for the U.S. Bicycle Route System, as their route has been under development for a number of years, and they've been working diligently with transportation agencies, trail organizations, and communities the trail visits up and down the Eastern Seaboard. Read about the Greenway's vision below — and thanks to Dennis and the many staff and volunteers who are devoted to making the East Coast Greenway a reality!

"I've believed in coalitions and alliances for years. But it wasn't until I joined the East Coast Greenway Alliance (ECGA) team that I saw what they can do on such a large scale.

"The East Coast Greenway began as a dream to provide cyclists and pedestrians with a safe and accessible travel route between the Maine border with Canada and Key West, Florida. And this 3,000-mile coastal sister to the Appalachian Trail is quickly becoming a reality. We already have a route across 15 states and Washington, D.C., which serves as a backbone for both local commutes and recreational tours.

"While approximately 25 percent of our route is off-road (separated from car traffic), the other 75 percent is made up of the safest and most scenic roads we could find. We are quickly converting the on-road portion into greenway, as our designated greenway grew 15 percent in 2009 and is poised to grow at a similar pace this year. All of this was made possible not just by our thousands of members, but also through the generous partnership of our allies, from the local to the national level.

"Many decisions are made on the local level. Therefore, we need allies like the Farmington Valley Trails Council of Connecticut to help advocate for greenway design and construction in their municipality, county, and state. Similarly, we wouldn't have such a positive relationship with Transportation Secretary LaHood and other crucial federal leaders without the hard work done by our allies in DC and around the country — whether they are the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, the League of American Bicyclists, or the Adventure Cycling Association.

"We are especially proud to work with Adventure Cycling as they lead the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. Together, we can achieve a sustainable transport revolution throughout America — what I call an 'Eisenhower 2.0' that incorporates the national goals of public health, environmental stewardship, and affordability into our interstate transportation system. The development of this green travel network in the decade ahead can help expand the cycling community from its small base today, and make our cycling commutes and travel safer and more convenient. While the East Coast Greenway aims to be a model segment of the U.S. Bicycle Route System, every day we learn something from and are indebted to our friends throughout the cycling community.

"Onward, to a Healthy & Sustainable America!"

Dennis Markatos-Soriano
Executive Director
East Coast Greenway Alliance

Image courtesy of East Coast Greenway Alliance. Caption: Cyclists on the trail in South Carolina, View more images of the trail.

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BUILDING THE U.S. BICYCLE ROUTE SYSTEM (USBRS) is posted by Ginny Sullivan, USBRS coordinator at Adventure Cycling, and features news and updates related to the emerging U.S. Bicycle Route System. The USBRS project is a collaborative effort, spearheaded by a task force under the auspices of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). Members of the task force include officials and staff from state DOTs, the Federal Highway Administration, and nonprofits like the East Coast Greenway Alliance, and Mississippi River Trail, Inc.