Residents raise concerns at county trails workshop

By Ranae Bangerter

April 06, 2006| HYRUM -- Providing access to all types of trails -- biking, walking, jogging, riding horses and many others -- was discussed in a county-wide trails and bike route workshop Tuesday. But some citizens were concerned about the safety of trails on private property.

The workshop was scheduled to talk about connecting trails from city to city and across county lines and a map was prepared to show how that would happen.

"We kind of came to the conclusion that we need to do this," said transportation planner Jeff Gilbert, about the workshop and combined map. "We know that some people don't want it and that's what we're trying to do, get their input," he added.

Tables in the Civic Center were set up with large maps spread out, which marked specific trails all over the valley. Citizens were encouraged to fill out surveys, place stickers on maps and make a comment on a sheet, next to the same colored sticker, about the trails.

"When we look at one city's trail system and another city's trail system and compare them we see other opportunities," said County Trails Coordinator Tim Watkins.

Most of the 30 citizens who took a survey and commented, liked the idea of giving input.

"I appreciate that they are allowing us to talk about it," said Nibley resident Thayne Mickelsen. Although Mickelsen did like the idea of having the cities come together he didn't appreciate trails by the canals, which had been drawn on the large-scale maps. "I think using existing roads is a good idea, but not by the canals," he said.

Another Nibley resident, Ron Hellstern, said he thought if a citizen allows access to another person's private property, then that citizen should allow others to have access to their property as well.

Others were concerned about crime, safety issues, and vandalism, if strangers were in their backyards by the canals. Janett Forbush, a North Logan resident, has a home by the canal, and has seen litter, sanitary napkins, and diapers in and by the canal, and she thought that would all only increase with a designated trail.

"The reason I worry about it is because of the trail they designated in Weber County," said Forbush.

"My understanding is there is a problem spot by a lot of vegetation by a main road," said Watkins, about the trails by Jordan River in Weber County. Watkins also said the issues by the Jordan River should not be used as a way to prove that all trails are bad.

Watkins said that the county group is planning an alternate route around the canals. He said that a new state law does not allow for eminent domain for trails, and that he would negotiate and work with landowners.

Other residents were worried about if the trails would have signs to designate what would be allowed on the trails, such as bikes, horses or dogs. "They need to specify what will be on that trail," said police officer Jason Ostermiller.

Gilbert said that the county has set aside $50,000 for signs.

Utah State University student Rachel Cox said she likes the idea of trails on main roads by the university. "I would like a bike lane on 4th North," said Cox. "A lot of students walk on the sidewalk and with a bike lane it would make it safer for me to travel on the road."

Providence resident Gayle Knapp is an avid runner and biker and loves to take her dogs with her to ski-jor, which is cross-country skiing behind huskies. She said she and her husband run or ski with their dogs on trails in the valley year-round. Knapp said she thinks the connecting trails will give stores more business because runners and bikers need to be replenished when traveling long distances.

The surveys and comments will be taken into consideration when the master trail plan is completed and awaits approval later this summer.

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