All Aboard Florida expects to begin construction this year in preparation for its high-speed rail line connecting Miami and Orlando.
A movement is gaining momentum to include construction of walking and biking paths along the railway easement. The new rail line is anticipated to begin service in 2016 with 32 trains per day, including additional stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
According Ken Bryan, the Florida Rails-to-Trails Conservancy director, 188 trails alongside rails are already in existence in the U.S. Due to the predictability of trains, especially when compared to automobiles, walking or biking in their vicinity is safe. Generally trails are built a comfortable distance from the tracks and are often separated from the rails by a barrier.
Rails-to-Trails has recently taken its case to local communities along the proposed trail line, as well as the Florida Department of Transportation. The group points out that, in addition to providing fitness and recreational opportunities, the trails would provide a way for passengers to get to and from the stations.
Obstacles that need to be overcome before the trails can become a reality include convincing the Florida East Coast Railway to grant access, obtaining permission from All Aboard Florida, and finding the money to cover the cost of the 230-mile trail.
Groups like Rails-to-Trails often find that their goals are best served by gaining support from the public with the help of brochure printers.
