How Railbiking Helps Preserve Historic Railroad Tracks

In 1916, there were over 254,000 miles of railroad tracks in use across the U.S. These historic tracks were used to transport everything from timber to passengers. Over time, many of these steel ribbons fell out of use and into disrepair. But now a growing outdoor adventure is breathing new life into them: railbiking. By transforming old rail lines into scenic touring routes, railbike companies like Joy Rails are helping to preserve historic railroad tracks while creating unforgettable experiences.

Breathing New Life Into Forgotten Tracks

When a railroad line is decommissioned, maintaining the tracks becomes expensive and impractical. Over time, the ties rot, vegetation grows between the rails, and bridges and culverts deteriorate. When these lines are commissioned for railbiking, they’re given a new purpose that justifies ongoing maintenance and care.

Joy Rails, for example, works to preserve the historic railroad tracks we run on by keeping them safe and functional. Instead of rusting away, the rails are inspected, repaired, and stabilized. The result? A living museum you can ride through, where every curve of the track tells a story.

Preserving History Through Railroad Tracks

Historic preservation isn’t just about saving artifacts; it also keeps history alive and accessible. Railbiking lets guests experience a connection to the past in a way that few other activities can. Riders hear the gentle hum of the wheels and smell the wildflowers along the line as they imagine what it must have felt like when locomotives thundered through the same corridor. By transforming history into an interactive experience, railbiking turns curiosity into conservation.

Supporting Local Communities

Railbike tours not only help preserve historic railroad tracks, they also play a key role in economic preservation. Many of the towns along old rail lines were once railway hubs, and their identity is still intertwined with that history. When visitors come to town for a railbike adventure, they also dine in local restaurants, shop in historic downtowns, and stay in nearby hotels. That economic boost gives communities an incentive to protect and celebrate their railway heritage.

Sustainability and Stewardship

Railbiking is a sustainable way to enjoy the outdoors. The activity requires no fuel and produces no emissions – just pedal power and a spirit of adventure. By using existing infrastructure instead of building new trails, there’s minimal environmental disruption. It’s an eco-friendly way to explore remote landscapes, and it encourages riders to appreciate and protect the natural and historic environment around them.

At Joy Rails, we see stewardship as part of every journey. When guests pedal along a century-old trestle or coast through a forested corridor, they’re not just sightseeing – they’re participating in the preservation of something special. Every ride ensures these tracks remain a well-maintained historical part of the landscape.

Help Preserve Historic Railroad Tracks at Joy Rails

Railbiking bridges the past and the present. It honors the craftsmanship and ambition that built the railroads while reimagining their purpose for modern adventurers. With every turn of the pedal, you’re helping to keep history on track – literally.

The next time you set out on a Joy Rails tour, take a moment to look down at the rails beneath you. They’ve carried a century of stories, and now they’re carrying yours, too.

We’re still rolling in Oklahoma City and will be back on the tracks in our other locations in 2026. Visit our website to book your OKC ride and subscribe to our newsletter for updates on the new season.