In rural areas, greenways are often in the form of wide corridors and associated open space. In the Austin area, we have examples of the first three types of greenways. The Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail is an urban waterfront trail, the Barton Creek Greenbelt represents a path of relatively long distance for recreational use, and the Bull Creek corridor is an example of a greenway valued for its significant natural features. Greenways serve as the lungs and kidneys of our cities, cleansing the air we breathe and water we drink. Greenways offer recreational opportunities, which because of their linear nature, are directly accessible to more people than traditional parks.
Greenways also provide car-free transportation routes for cyclists and walkers.