Matthew Audi, who grew up in Airmont but is now in Washington, D.C., spoke with News 12 about an idea that would revive an old rail line into a rail trail for biking, running and more.

He would drive over the rail crossings wondering what could be of the line and now hopes to one day run on it in the future.

"This is a great opportunity for the town and the community to take this rail line and really make it into something that benefits everyone," said Audi. "We have had several, unfortunately like, accidents and pedestrian deaths in the ramapo area. So I think there's a real need for this trail."

This map shows how the trail would stretch 3 1/2 miles from the Village of Airmont, into Ramapo and end in the Village of Spring Valley.

Joanne Louis-Paul says she has been onboard since she first heard Audi's pitch,

"It's just been proven time and again that the more greenspace there is, the healthier people are," she says.

Now they're working together to make it a reality.

They hope their petition gains momentum before again meeting with the town of Ramapo next month.

There's currently more than 300 and they hope it climbs to at least 700.

Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht says he met with them recently and adds the town is exploring it because it is a potentially good idea.

"We met with Matthew earlier this week to hear his plan. It sounds like a great, outside the box solution to the growing pedestrian safety problem.," says State Sen. Bill Weber. "The idea is still in the early stages, and a feasibility study will be needed, but we are hopeful that this dream will become a reality."

The former line is said to be MTA property.

MTA spokesperson Laura Cala-Rauch says “the MTA will review any petition or proposals to redevelop this area as a trail.”