Greenways

Efforts to mitigate the impact of urbanization on people and the environment have given rise to the growth of the greenway movement. A greenway is generally a strip of open land of varying widths, including land along natural features, land reclaimed from an industrial or other use, or otherwise vacant land. Greenways usually connect communities, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, or other greenways. Nonmotorized transportation is encouraged in these spaces, although motorized transportation is often accommodated. Greenways provide for movement of people, animals, water, and even seeds and can be found in urban, suburban, and rural environments. Greenways found outside urban areas may stretch for many miles and may be very wide.

The development of greenways is a reaction to the rapid urbanization of the world. As cities become larger and as the populations of cities live closer and closer to other residents, there is a desire for green space. The environmental movement led to a call for less dependence on carbon-emitting transportation. Walking and cycling have been promoted as ways to reduce pollution while benefiting the health of those who take part in these activities.

These linear strips of land provide environmentally friendly transportation corridors. Often attempts are made to form a network of greenways, thereby multiplying their usefulness by giving access to other areas. A greenway may incorporate some of the built environment of the city.

Greenways are also seen as ways to protect the environment through the nature of their settings, as with a greenway running along the floodplain adjacent to a river. Greenways can provide much-needed habitat for animals, especially in cities. In bustling cities, greenways can provide a relief from the stress of urban life. In less urban environments greenways can provide a safe alternative to travel along busy highways or country roads. As federal funds are made available for environmentally friendly transportation uses and as civic leaders are influenced by their constituents, more and more governmental entities are developing greenway projects.