For a lot of people, the opportunity to get outside and walk, hike, and bike is one of the greatest lures of camping. It is for me even though it also usually means I am going to be a buffet for mosquitoes.

And, a recent survey conducted by National Transportation Reform Groups that was conducted by Harris Interactive, seems to indicate that Americans are serious about wanting to see more trails for hiking, biking and walking in the United States.

Currently about 80 percent of transportation dollars in the United States are spent on roads and only about 1.5 percent are spent on walking and bicycling.

If people who voiced their opinion in the survey had their way, only 37 percent of transportation dollars would be spent on roads; 41 percent would be spent on transit, and a whopping 22 percent would be spent on walking and bicycling.

It makes sense. The high gas prices in the United States are enough to make a lot of people think twice before turning the key in the ignition of their vehicle with many instead turning to walking and biking.

And with national attention on childhood obesity (there’s plenty of chubby adults too - me for instance) it makes sense to start spending more money on trails for walking, hiking and biking so that it’s easier for everyone to have safe and convenient places to hoof it and pedal it.

So in the spirit of the “power of one person” the Rails To Trails Conservancy is asking people to get the word out and to also possible win a free t-shirt in the process (who doesn’t like to be rewarded?)

During the last week of August congressional representatives are going to be in their home districts campaigning for the elections and word is that one of the ways they find out what’s on the minds of their constituents is to read the local papers.

So here’s what Rails To Trails would like you to do: write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper asking for more walking, hiking, and biking trails. If your letter gets printed between August 25 and August 31, the Rails to Trails Conservancy will send you a free t-shirt!

It’s a win-win situation. You get the word out about wanting more walking, hiking, and biking trails and Rails to Trails rewards you with a t-shirt (that, yes you could wear while out walking, hiking or biking!)

For all the details, including some talking points and tips on writing the letter, click here to go to the Rails to Trails Conservancy website.

More dollars spent on trails is great for everyone, including campers because dollars tagged for trails will almost certainly mean more trails near campgrounds, state parks, and national parks.