Frequently Asked Questions

About the route

• How much of the East Coast Greenway is off road? Thirty-five percent of the Greenway is now on firm-surface trails protected from motorized traffic. We move on-road segments to protected trail as they are constructed.  Please also visit our state page summaries for critical details prior to planning any trip.  To see where trails are complete, visit our Greenway map. 
• Can I travel the East Coast Greenway today? Yes! Join the millions who bike commute to work, run with friends, and stroll with family on local Greenway segments. Because the majority of the route is still on roads, a trip along the entire route is only appropriate for experienced cyclists and walkers.  Read more FAQs  about planning long-distance trips on Greenway.
• How does the Greenway benefit people and communities? Multi-use trails like the East Coast Greenway are an integral part of local transportation systems. They provide free recreational opportunities for all ages, encourage healthier lifestyles, bolster local economic development, reduce car trips, and encourage better environmental stewardship.
• How is the Greenway being built, and how much does it cost? The route is being developed by linking networks of trails into a continuous route. A rough cost estimate is $1 million per mile to construct the Greenway, but costs can vary widely depending on terrain and the need for bridges or other special fixtures.
• Why does it take so long to complete the Greenway? It's a multi-step process beginning with defining the route. Often the land required to close a gap is in private control, as in an abandoned rail corridor, for example. Our state committees, state and municipal agencies, land trust organizations, and nonprofits help facilitate purchasing land rights. Then state or local departments of transportation may contract with private firms for planning, design, and construction.  If federal funds are being used, we have to wait for the budgeting cycle for federal transportation funding. Finally, state transportation departments typically handle the construction work, often bidding out to private firms. From route identification to ribbon-cutting the average timeframe is 10 years.  
• What specifications are required for a trail to meet East Coast Greenway standards? The trail surface must accommodate many types of users, including wheelchairs and touring bicycles. A hard surface such as asphalt or pavement, or a firm surface such as stone dust, qualifies. We also require minimum greenway widths of 10 to 12 feet and grades of less than 5 percent. The trail must be protected from motorized vehicles. Learn more about specifications. 
• Who can use the Greenway? Any non-motorized user can enjoy the East Coast Greenway! Experienced cyclists can travel the entire route. Pedestrians, runners, less experienced cyclists, and wheelchair users (including motorized wheelchairs) can travel on all trails and quiet roads. Limited portions, depending on trail surfaces and local regulations, are currently open to equestrians, skaters, and others. 
• If the Greenway is for non-motorized traffic, can I ride my electric bike on it? We specified "non-motorized" before the introduction of  e-bikes. The focus was on prohibiting internal combustion engines — no motorcycles, etc. Riding an e-bike on the Greenway is generally acceptable as long as cyclists don't speed and follow all the customary rules of trail etiquette such as passing others safely, etc. States and municipalities are working on e-bike regulations; we default to local rules. Click for guidance on using e-bikes on the Greenway.
• Who owns and manage the Greenway? All trails are owned and managed by agencies at the state and local levels. The East Coast Greenway Alliance provides signage, maps, and cue sheets and works to promote and build awareness of the route.     

About the East Coast Greenway Alliance

• What does the East Coast Greenway Alliance do? The Alliance promotes the vision of the Greenway and provides an advocacy network grounded in our volunteer state committees. We work through partnerships with national, state and local government agencies, trail organizations, engineering firms, civic organizations, and scores of other groups that support the vision of a 3,000-mile connected route.  We promote the vision of a linked route, provide coordination between jurisdictions, and offer strategic assistance to states, counties, and municipalities building the trail. We work especially hard to establish trails in gap areas where connections are needed — bridges and otherwise.

• What is your organization's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?

  The East Coast Greenway Alliance values the diversity of perspectives, cultures, and experiences found throughout the Eastern Seaboard. We strive to respect and represent these diverse voices in our work and our partnerships at every level, from local to national. We also work to ensure that the Greenway's economic, environmental, and health benefits reach everyone, especially underserved communities.  Read our organization's guiding principles and values 

• How can my organization work with the East Coast Greenway Alliance? We partner with many organizations, agencies, and businesses at the local, state and national level. Drop us a line

• How can I bring the Greenway through my community? Because the Greenway connects a network of locally owned and managed trails, volunteers at the local level do some of the most important work to create the East Coast Greenway. Spreading the word in your town, advocating for the Greenway with local officials, distributing information, and speaking at public meetings are all great ways to get involved. 

• How can I stay up-to-date on what’s happening? The best way to stay informed is to subscribe to, and read, On the Greenway, our regular e-newsletter (see sign-up button below). We're also sharing stories and news on social media — especially Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.