The Alternative Transportation & Recreational Association (ATRA) of Eureka formed in October of 1997 as a gathering point for those interested in alternative modes of transportation and recreational opportunities in and around Eureka, CA. City government has been grappling with these issues for years, but progress is slow and periodic. We believe that Eureka has enormous possibilities for renewal. An urban trail network has been proposed that would both circumnavigate the city and traverse our many gulches. This would both enliven the local community, providing needed recreational facilities, and boost eco-tourism opportunities as it would both visit natural areas and promote increased visitation of Old Town and related areas. By promoting walking and cycling rather than motor vehicle travel, the tourist that happens upon Eureka will stay longer, spend more, and spread the word that Eureka is a vibrant "Victorian Sea Port" rather than a haphazard wasteland. Local community members will also benfit from these facilities. We also advocate the expansion of the city's bike route system and enhancement of the bus service.

Views expressed at the Humboldt Bay Symposium (1996) actively support the establishment of a bike/pedestrian path around the entire bay and the Redwood Community Action Agency has been investigating possibilities for the route(s). We are interested in ways we can make this vision a reality specifically in our community. While the city has many plans for the waterfront and Old Town, it is hard for the individual to keep track of the myriad of projects, let alone make concise comments that are taken seriously. As a group we can stay informed and achieve greater clout in the public decision making processes.

We will keep you abreast of the latest through our "In the news" section and through our Resource Library were we both provide links to pertinent information around the web and host some ourselves. Our online version of the Arcata and Mad River Transit Service schedule is quite popular (over 2000 hits since May 1998).