"This is a guide to envisioning, laying out, and promoting these routes and, in so doing realizing the benefits they offer—to facilitate, encourage, and enable more close-in walking, hiking, running, and trekking…. I really enjoyed reading this book. Searns' has a vision we can all get behind and one day we’ll be able to walk out our front door and head out walking on a trail. What a beautiful day that will be. I used to say ‘see you on the trail.’ Today I’m going to start saying ‘see you on your doorstep.’"
American Trails
"Robert Searns, a trails and greenways planner, offers a fresh take on how to make cities more walkable. He calls for designing "grand loops" on the edges of cities and shorter "town walks," which are "branded, in-town walking loops" that tie parks, civic spaces, and neighborhoods together. These kinds of trails support good urban design that puts pedestrians’ access to nature and street life first."
ASLA's The Dirt
"Bob Searns offers the prescription to treat what ails us: grand loops and town walks! He provides unique, practical insights on bringing walkability to absolutely everyone. He details an approach for communities of all sizes from urban metros to rural hamlets, including a focus on serving those residents who have been historically shut out of more costly and less accessible outdoor recreation."
Mark Fenton, author of "The Complete Guide to Walking" and host of the PBS "America's Walking" series
"During the global pandemic, the importance of urban trails became clear. Walking became a lifeline for people, providing both psychological and physical benefits. Places like New York and San Francisco already had great walking infrastructure, but many cities had to adapt and needed a plan. Beyond Greenways is a terrific resource that can help students, designers, planners, communities, and elected officials advocate for urban parks and trails in their communities. Beyond being a design manual, the book provides important examples and exciting case studies of trails in different environments across North America."
Susannah Drake, Principal Architect, Sasaki
"I am thrilled that Bob Searns, a seasoned trails specialist with over four decades of experience, was inspired by South Korea’s Jeju Olle and is introducing an exciting new vision for trails and walking routes. I wholeheartedly recommend his new book."
Suh Myung Sook, Founding CEO, The Jeju Olle Foundation