Nice story: no feetsers and the bike admirers. Thanks a lot for the www.railtrail.org. Abandoned railtrails are my favorite spots. Combine that with the bike trail function and off you go.I looked at all the pix I could find. Special the Montana TrailDart picture and the Alameda Trail. Cal. I'd love to walk or bike there.
One little remark of regret. I looked at one 'Before', 'during' and
'finished' stage of a trail and I felt a little sorry that nothing of the abandoned trail aspect was kept. All clean, safe and park-like it had become. I would vote for keepimg the abandoned trail-aspect on.
Like weeds, sandy edges and the original tree and shrub settings.
But then I know safety measures are higher rated in US than here and I'm a hopeless romantic.
And the initative is fantastic, transforming those trails. Hope you will be able to get back on the bike.