From Rails to Trails to Cycle219, Nexus Strategy & Implementation on the Future of Connected Mobility
- Jessie Renslow
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
On April 25, 2026, coinciding with the nationwide celebration of Celebrate Trails Day, Nexus Strategy & Implementation had the distinct honor of serving as a guest panelist at the 15th Annual One Earth Film Festival, hosted by Calumet College of St. Joseph. Notably, this campus stands as the only festival site outside of Illinois, underscoring the growing regional and national reach of this influential environmental event.
(ID: Exterior shot of Calumet College with red sign.)
This year’s festival theme, “GenWe: All Together Now,” reflects a powerful shift toward collective responsibility, encouraging communities to move beyond individual awareness and toward shared action for environmental sustainability and social equity. As the festival celebrates its 15-year legacy, it continues to amplify diverse voices and actionable solutions at the intersection of climate, justice, and community resilience.
The timing of this year’s event made it especially meaningful. 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), a milestone that celebrates four decades of transforming abandoned rail corridors into vibrant public trails. These pathways now span over 26,000 miles across the United States, connecting communities, promoting active transportation, and preserving green space.
The featured documentary, “From Rails to Trails,” narrated by Edward Norton, brought this legacy to life. The film chronicles the decades-long grassroots movement that overcame legal, political, and cultural barriers to reimagine unused railways as accessible, multi-use trails. Its screening on Trails Day served as both a tribute and a call to action.
(ID: Celebrate Trails Day map of events.)
Held annually on the fourth Saturday of April, Celebrate Trails Day invites people across the country to experience and advocate for the power of trails. Whether through organized events or individual outings, participants are encouraged to explore their local trails and share their experiences.
This year, RTC expanded its reach even further, with team members hosting and attending events nationwide, from Earth Day activities in New York City to gatherings in Chicago with the Society for Environmental Journalists, and virtual storytelling events that highlight the impact of trails on communities across the country.
(ID: Jessica Renslow discusses bikes with a young person at the event.)
The April 25 event at Calumet College of St. Joseph ran from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, bringing together art, film, food, and community dialogue. As part of the festival’s Campus & Community Collaboration Initiative, attendees were invited to engage in meaningful ways, whether by organizing bike rides to campus, contributing creative work, or simply participating in the shared experience.
Nexus Strategy & Implementation participated on behalf of the Gary Public Transportation Corporation (GPTC), contributing to the panel discussion by highlighting the Cycle219 bike share program and its role in advancing equitable mobility. Since October of 2025, NSI taken on operational management as well as marketing this revolutionary active transit project. The conversation focused on bridging the active transportation equity gap, particularly through improving town-and-gown intramodal connectivity, linking campuses like Calumet College of St. Joseph with surrounding communities via accessible, sustainable options.
Following the screening, Nexus joined fellow panelists in a facilitated discussion exploring how trail systems, bike share initiatives, and multimodal infrastructure can support economic development, environmental justice, and inclusive access to public space. These conversations reflect the core mission of the One Earth Film Festival (to educate, inspire, and activate communities through film and dialogue).
With nearly 50,000 participants reached since its founding in 2012, the One Earth Film Festival continues to serve as a catalyst for change spotlighting stories that matter and empowering communities to take tangible steps toward a sustainable future.
(ID: Jessica Renslow stands by the Cycle219 info table.)
Nexus Strategy & Implementation is proud to have contributed to this important dialogue and looks forward to continued collaboration in advancing inclusive, community-driven solutions. As we reflect on this milestone event, one message stands clear, when we come together across sectors, communities, and geographies we can build a more connected, resilient, and sustainable world.
