HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9555 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9555
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council May 7, 2013
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SUBJECT: BIKE AND WALKING TRAILS
The purpose of this informal report is to provide an overview of educational efforts and control
measures being taken to manage conflicting trail use along the Trinity Trail system. Trail users
engage in a variety of activities including, but not limited to, walking, running, bicycling, roller
blading, skateboarding and horseback riding in designated equestrian areas. In addition to these
activities, users may involve baby strollers, pets on leash, bicycle trailers, children's wagons,
bikes on training wheels and tricycles.
The Fort Worth Trinity Trails System is comprised of over 42 miles of trails throughout the Trinity
River and its tributaries. Since 1971 the trail system has been developed through the partnership
of the City's Parks and Community Services Department (PACSD), the Tarrant Regional Water
District (TRWD) and Streams and Valleys, Inc. (S&V).
Safety in the design, construction, maintenance and management of the trail system has
remained a priority throughout its development. On a quarterly basis trail management and
maintenance meetings and/or joint tours are held with representatives from the PACSD, TRWD,
S&V and more recently the Trinity River Vision Authority to discuss and review issues regarding
the trail system. The speed of cyclists on the trails has recently emerged as an area of concern.
The sponsoring agencies have determined the most effective responses to address this issue are
to educate users on safe and appropriate trail use, including directional and educational signage
and through the employment of trail designs, construction elements and markings to calm speeds
and encourage safer trail use. The installation of speed strips (raised strips to slow cyclists) in
high traffic areas has proven effective. Other design and construction components including trail
markings and awareness elements are also being employed.
Additional actions include posting of trail etiquette signs at trailheads, employing more smart
designs that necessitate slower speeds and enlisting the assistance of the organized bike riding
clubs and other trail user groups to promote the education and awareness program in an effort to
change behavior and educate users on sharing trails. Ultimately the safe and appropriate use of
the trail is the responsibility of the individual trail user.
Should you have any questions regarding this information, please contact Richard Zavala,
Director, Parks and Community Services Department at (817) 392-5704 or Susan Alanis,
Assistant City Manager, at (817) 392-6183.
Tom Higgins
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS