This manuscript version is deposited under the terms of the Crea�ve Commons Atribu�on-NonCommercial-NoDeriva�ves License (htp://crea�vecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribu�on, and reproduc�on in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way.Greenways: a sustainable leisure experience concept for both communities and tourists.
IntroductionTrails and greenways are terms used for routes reserved for non-motorized forms of transport: cycling, walking, horse-riding, etc. In many cases, these are disused rail lines that have been reconverted for recreational and leisure purposes (Sideralis & Moore, 1995). Trails come in a tremendous variety of shapes and forms (Lortet, 1998). At the most basic level, any linear corridor that provides non-motorized access for recreation is a trail. They can be called backcountry trails, recreational greenways, greenways trails, rail-trails, multi-use trails, bike trails or recreational paths (Moore & Ross, 1998).Greenways have experienced significant growth in recent years, particularly in the United States (Siderelis & Moore, 1995), Quebec (Archambault et al., 1997, the United Kingdom (Cope et al. 1998), France (Bonduelle, 2006 and Spain (Fundación de los Ferrocarriles Españoles, 1997). There has been a progressive abandonment of some railways in most countries, in part because of competition from cars and trucks, sometimes because of changes in local economies. Abandoned rail corridors are optimal for conversion into recreational trails because:• The land is well prepared and drained (Turco et al. 2008).• The gentle curves and mild slopes make the trail fit for all ages and abilities.• The infrastructure built by the railway companies provides opportunities for historic building conservation and interpretation.
