Notes from the Trail

Hello fellow East Coast Greenway enthusiasts, Bob Spiegelman and Dennis Markatos-Soriano invited me to share a few thoughts and notes in this month’s newsletter.

The Value of our Advisory Board

Our Advisory Board (AB) is comprised of think and do people. Members commit time and energy to advancing the goals of the Greenway. The AB contributes thoughts and ideas to trustees and staff through its spring meeting and informal advice throughout the year. Currently, we are tapping into the knowledge and experience of the AB as the ECGA contemplates applications for BUILD funding. Our advisory board contributes to the ECGA in other ways, and most importantly represents the diversity of users who enjoy the benefits of the East Coast Greenway. The ECGA is a strong team of people working together to achieve the vision of an interconnected, 3,000-mile greenway. I am thrilled to serve as chair of this board, and I want to offer a sincere thank you to the members of the board for their service to the ECGA.

Helping to BUILD the Greenway

As Dennis articulated in the May 2018 Greenway newsletter, the ECGA has a wonderful opportunity to apply for and receive significant funding to close gaps and develop new Greenway segments. The Better Utilizing investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program within the US Department of Transportation offers a unique opportunity to fund East Coast Greenway segments in urban and rural communities. You are the eyes and ears for local Greenway segments and the ECGA staff would love to hear from you. If you know of Greenway segments that are needed, are either in design or have completed the design and right-of-way acquisition process, please send this information to build@greenway.org. Your contributions will be added to other information obtained by staff and included as we plan BUILD applications that the ECGA and its supporters will submit in mid-July. (Visit greenway.org/build for more information).

Bicycling in the Netherlands

One of my bucket list items has been accomplished. Bob Spiegelman plays host each spring to a small group of folks who want to bicycle in the Netherlands. Bob rents a residence every spring in the gorgeous city of Lieden, and he serves as a very capable tour guide over the course of a 4 to 5 day visit.  In Leiden and other Dutch communities, bicycles are an equivalent if not superior transportation choice. It's inspring as we plan further development of the East Coast Greenway. I was amazed at how many times automobile drivers deferred the right-of-way to cyclists. Bicycle accommodation is found everywhere: schools, hotels, restaurants, train stations, etc. Despite some cold and wet weather during my visit, our small group of five travelers enjoyed a variety of experiences and spectacular tourist venues. If you are interested in experiencing a fun, relaxing, bicycle-based trip to the Netherlands, contact Bob  for more information and travel arrangements.  

Happy Trails and best wishes to all. Get out and enjoy the Greenway this summer.

Chuck Flink, FASLA, Chair ECGA National Advisory Board

Read more of our June 2018 On the Greenway newsletter.