The Third Mode: Connecting Greenways, Trails and Active Mobility

Communities around the globe are looking for better solutions that engage more people in traveling by bike, on foot, and other human powered modes for both transportation and recreation. In the face of an epidemic of physical inactivity, climate change, and rising energy costs, this know-how is becoming increasingly important for public health and quality of life. These improvements are increasingly recognized as essential for communities to be competitive as places to live and to attract new businesses.

This session will look at the latest issues and policies in the planning and design of urban mobility networks and how these can best integrate with greenway and trail networks to create seamless metro-wide systems. The webinar will provide participants with a chance to see how the trails and active transportation movement can be seen as part of larger cultural trends. We will also look at the current funding environment in the face of the new MAP-21 federal legislation and how to best navigate change. A free e-book copy of the The Third Mode will be provided to the first 100 people who register for the webinar. Proceeds from this webinar and national book launch event will benefit American Trails.


About The Third Mode, by Jeff Olson

Walking and bicycling are metaphors. While they are unique forms of mobility, they can also be thought of together to represent a “third mode” of transportation that is as important as highways and mass transit. This mode of transport, and the kind of change that is required to integrate it into our modern world, symbolizes a different perspective on our way of thinking.

If you can understand why non-motorized mobility is important for transportation, you can also see how other problems could be resolved with similar thinking. This thought process is called the Third Mode, and this book describes how it can lead to a more connected, healthy, and sustainable society.

Sam Piper, an intern with Alta Planning + Design is assisting author Jeff Olson in promoting “The Third Mode: Towards a Green Society.” He is responsible for e-publishing the book and coordinating a social media campaign. Sam received a BA in Business from Saint Anselm College and is currently pursuing a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning at the State University of New York at Albany. "The Third Mode" is available in digital and hard copy formats at www.thethirdmode.com

A decade after initial publication, The Third Mode author will provide an update to discuss recent accomplishments that tie into the central concept of “the third mode” including his co-founding of Citi Bike, building the Empire State Trail, and recently developing re:Charge-e for e-bikes/scooters. Check out the recording from the January 18, 2024 American Trails webinar: The Third Mode Bonus Chapters: Progress in Walking, Bicycling, and Micromobility for Transportation

Trail Competencies

• Project Planning and Design
• • Field Design: Trail Alignment Identification and Marking
• • Trail Plan Development
• • Compliance and Permitting
• • Implementation Plan

• Program Administration
• • Program and Project Budgeting
• • Funding/Grants
• • Communications
• • Education and Public Outreach
• • Policy/Directives/Law
• • Partnership and Collaboration

Relevant Trail Types

• Accessible Trails
• Bicycling Trails
• Long-distance Trails
• Mountain Biking Trails
• Motorized Trails
• Nature Trails
• Rail-Trails
• Rails with Trails
• Shared-Use Trails
• Urban Trails