HomeMy WebLinkAboutJohnson County Bicycling & Multi-use Trails Plan (updated 312012)
Johnson County
Bicycling & Multi -Use Trails Plan
Adopted on February 23, 2012
Submitted to:
Johnson County Board of Supervisors
913 S. Dubuque St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
www.johnson-county.com
Prepared by:
Metropolitan Planning Organization
of Johnson County
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
www.mpojc.org
S:\JCCOG\TRANS\Bike and Ped Planning\Projects\Johnson Co. Trails Plan
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page i
Special Thanks & Acknowledgements
The development of the 2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan would not have
been possible without the support and input from members of the Johnson County Trails
Advisory Committee, who shared their knowledge and expertise in the development of the
plan. We would also like to thank the community members and representatives of local
government agencies for their participation in the planning process.
Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee:
• Terry Dahms (chair), Johnson County Trail Foundation
• Amy Bouska (vice-chair), Johnson County Soil & Water Conservation
District
• Risa Dotson Eicke (secretary), at-large representative
• Chris Ball, City of Tiffin
• Steve Breese, at-large representative
• Josh Busard, County Planning and Zoning Department
• Harry Graves, County Conservation Department
• Del Holland, Bicyclists of Iowa City
• Thayne Lowman, Snow Drifters of Iowa
• Chris Rohret, unincorporated area representative
• Richard Walton, at-large representative
• Rob Winstead, County Secondary Roads Department
• Mark Wyatt (Iowa Bicycle Coalition), at-large representative
Developed by:
Kristopher Ackerson, Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page ii
What is MPOJC?
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County (MPOJC) is the
metropolitan planning organization for Johnson County, Iowa. Assistance is
provided to MPOJC member agencies in three specific program areas:
transportation, human services, and assistance to small communities. Besides the
three program areas, MPOJC also provides a forum for discussion of county-wide
planning issues. In past years this has included establishment of a regional fire
protection agreement, a joint animal control facility, and discussion of the Silurian
aquifer in Johnson County. In 2011, the Johnson County Council of Governments
(JCCOG) changed names and is known now as the Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson County.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page iii
Table of Contents
Special Thanks & Acknowledgements ................................................................................. i
What is MPOJC? .................................................................................................................... ii
Resolution ............................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
Recent accomplishments ................................................................................................... 1
Project tasks ......................................................................................................................... 2
Project schedule .................................................................................................................. 2
Steering Committee ............................................................................................................ 3
Trail Planning Principles ....................................................................................................... 3
Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community .......................................................................... 4
Types of Trails ........................................................................................................................ 5
Multi-use Trails ....................................................................................................................... 5
Clear Creek Trail ................................................................................................................. 5
Mehaffey Bridge Road........................................................................................................ 8
Hoover Nature Trail ........................................................................................................... 8
Prairie du Chien Road ........................................................................................................ 9
Other Long Term Trail Opportunities .......................................................................... 10
Signed Bike Routes .............................................................................................................. 12
Paved Shoulders ................................................................................................................... 13
Seal-Coat Roads .................................................................................................................... 16
Gravel and Grade B Roads ................................................................................................. 17
Mountain Bike Trails ........................................................................................................... 17
American Discovery Trail ................................................................................................... 19
Multi-use Trail Maintenance ............................................................................................... 21
Equestrian Trails................................................................................................................... 22
Snowmobile Trails ................................................................................................................ 23
Water Trails ........................................................................................................................... 25
Grant Funding Opportunities ............................................................................................ 31
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page iv
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 1
Introduction
Johnson County, Iowa enjoys a positive reputation and serves as a model for
development within the southeast Iowa region. Tourists often mention that they
admire the strong “sense of community” they feel when passing through. This
impression and feeling does not happen by accident, but rather stems from a long
line of community leaders and citizens with vision to make the county a better place
to live, raise a family, and visit. It is from this vision that Johnson County wishes to
build upon the high-quality-of-life by further investing resources in our renowned
network of multi-use trails and bicycle accommodations.
The majority of paved trails in Johnson County are constructed and maintained by
the municipalities and the University of Iowa. However, the focus of this plan is
unincorporated Johnson County, which provides three primary types of facilities:
paved shoulders, sidewalks, and grade separated trails.
Recent accomplishments
Beginning with the first adopted trails plan in 2000 and continuing with the adoption
of the Johnson County Shared Use Trails Plan (2006), the quantity and quality of multi-
use trail facilities in Johnson County has grown significantly.
In 2011, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors (BOS) asked the Metropolitan
Planning Organization (MPO) of Johnson County to update the trails plan adopted
in 2006. Based on discussions with county staff and the Johnson County Trails
Advisory Committee (TAC), the contents of this plan emphasize linking destinations
with trails, extending the existing urban trail network into unincorporated areas, and
investing in trails where they will receive the most use.
A few accomplishments since 2006, in no particular order, include:
• Created the Johnson County Trails Advisory Committee to provide
recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.
• Approved the County Conservation Bond Fund with sixty-one percent of
Johnson County voters approving to invest $20 million over the next twenty
years for conservation, recreation, and trails.
• Budgeted an average of $175,000 annually for trail development from 2006
to 2011.
• Constructed extension of Iowa River Corridor Trail from West Overlook
Road to North Liberty using over $484,000 in Metropolitan Planning
Organization of Johnson County grant funds.
• Received Iowa DNR Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) grant
funds totaling $512,642 to construct 1.28 miles of the Clear Creek Trail from
Ireland Avenue to Half Moon Avenue.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 2
• Awarded regional Transportation Enhancement funds totaling $960,000 to
construct the Iowa River Corridor Trail along Mehaffey Bridge Road from
North Liberty to the Iowa River.
• Re-constructed 23.6 miles of roadway with paved shoulders as bicycle
accommodations.
• Installed forty-four bike route signs to destinations including the Coralville
Reservoir, Sugar Bottom Recreation Area, City of Hills, Scott Church Park,
and Sutliff Bridge.
• Installed covered bicycle parking at the Johnson County Health & Human
Services Building.
• Funded construction of a new bridge over the Coralville Reservoir at
Mehaffey Bridge Road that includes a bicycle and pedestrian facility at an
additional cost of approximately $1 million.
• Received official water trail designation from the Iowa Department of
Natural Resources for the Iowa River Water Trail from Sturgis Ferry Park in
Iowa City to the Mississippi River in Louisa County.
It is within this context of local and regional trail development that this multi-use
trails plan was conceived.
Project tasks
The planning process involved completion of four primary tasks:
1. Prioritize planned multi-use trails – MPO staff attended County Trails Advisory
Committee (TAC) meetings in April, May, and June to record discussion of
project priorities.
2. Update background narrative – MPO staff reviewed recent developments to
create three new sections of the plan: Background and Water Trails and
Snowmobile Trails.
3. Update maps – MPO staff updated the maps found in the existing (2006) plan.
4. Ensure public input process – MPO staff made the draft plan available online at
www.mpojc.org and solicit input through the MPO Public Input
Organizations mailing list. Johnson County staff will also advertise the public
comment period in January/February 2012.
Project schedule
April 2011 – Trails Advisory Committee (TAC) prioritized trail projects
May 2011 – TAC prioritized paved shoulder and Grade B Road projects
Summer 2011 – MPO staff prepared maps and plan narrative
August 2011 – TAC reviewed draft maps and confirmed priorities
December 2011 – TAC reviewed draft plan
January 2012 – Draft plan reviewed by Supervisors at Key Issues Meeting
January to February 2012 – Public comment period
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 3
February 2012 – TAC recommended adoption of plan to Board of
Supervisors (BOS)
March 2012 – BOS adopts this plan
Steering Committee
The planning process for the Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-use Trails Plan was
guided by the Trails Advisory Committee, which was formed in 2006 by the Board
of Supervisors to offer recommendations on trail funding, maintenance, signage
policies, and other trail-related issues. The following representatives comprise the
TAC:
• Terry Dahms (chair), Johnson County Trail Foundation
• Amy Bouska (vice-chair), Johnson County Soil & Water Conservation
District
• Risa Dotson Eike (secretary), at-large representative
• Chris Ball, City of Tiffin
• Steve Breese, at-large representative
• Josh Busard, County Planning and Zoning Department
• Harry Graves, County Conservation Department
• Del Holland, Bicyclists of Iowa City
• Thayne Lowman, Snow Drifters of Iowa
• Chris Rohret, unincorporated area representative
• Richard Walton, at-large representative
• Rob Winsted, County Secondary Roads Department
• Mark Wyatt (Iowa Bicycle Coalition), at-large representative
• Hilary Copeland, East Central Iowa Council of Governments (non-voting)
• Kristopher Ackerson, Metropolitan Planning Organization of Iowa (non-
voting)
This 13-member committee meets approximately quarterly to make
recommendations on trail-related projects. The makeup of the committee helps
ensure communication between County departments, planning agencies, trails and
bicycling groups, and other local government representatives. Similar to roads, trail
projects can cross multiple departmental and organizational boundaries.
Trail Planning Principles
The following principles can be used as a reference when evaluating potential trail
projects and were used during the prioritization of projects found in this section:
• Invest in bicycling and other recreational infrastructure where they will
receive the highest use. If the county makes investments in multi-use
trails, they should be linked to existing trails, population centers, and popular
destinations.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 4
• Promote trails and green space as important community amenities to
help spur economic development. From home owners choosing to live
along a multi-use trail to bicycle tourists making their way from small town to
small town, trails are important community facilities that attract people and
dollars.
• Consider opportunities for pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure whenever
road corridors (re)constructed. Regardless of the location, opportunities
for trail facilities should be evaluated during any infrastructure design
process. If a road corridor is a snowmobile route, snowmobile use should
also be considered in the design process.
• Develop a destination-based trail network in Johnson County. Bicyclists
in the urbanized area have advocated for a bicycling network that connects to
employment, shopping, and recreational destinations including the Coralville
Reservoir, Kent Park, Lake MacBride State Park, and the small municipalities
and unincorporated villages.
• Build regional trails connections. While the majority of trail users are
county residents, longer regional trails will attract residents from surrounding
counties. Regional trail corridors include the American Discovery Trail, the
Hoover Nature Trail, and the Ioway Trail. Developing these regional trails
within Johnson County should be viewed as a long-term goal and can be
developed incrementally.
• Design trail facilities using best management practices. Trail design
depends significantly on the design speed, types of anticipated users, and
unique site conditions. To ensure a safe and high quality trail experience,
trails should be designed using accepted standards, including those outlined
in the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Managing Mountain
Biking by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), and the
Urban Bikeway Design Guide by the National Association of City
Transportation Officials.
Based on these principles, the following plan outlines existing and future trail
corridors that were identified during the planning process by TAC members and the
public.
Becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community
A Bicycle Friendly Community (BFC) welcomes cyclists by providing safe
accommodation for cycling and encouraging people to bike for transportation and
recreation. Bicycle-friendly towns, like those with good schools and enjoyable
downtowns, are communities that offer improved quality of life for families, which
can lead to higher property values, business growth and increased tourism.
The BFC application provides a comprehensive picture of a community by asking
questions across five categories often referred to as the Five Es. These are
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 5
Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement, and Evaluation & Planning.
A community must demonstrate achievements in each of the five categories in order
to be considered for an award. Communities with more significant achievements in
these areas receive superior awards. For grant application purposes, the designation
will demonstrate the County’s commitment to bicycling.
As Johnson County endeavors to become more bicycle friendly, the application
process is a learning process. The questions are intended to educate just as much as
they are to evaluate. By reviewing the questions on the application, the County may
find solutions to concerns in our community. Many communities have successfully
used the application as a roadmap on how to improve its commitment to bicycling.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County offers technical
assistance as well as staff dedicated to answering questions and assisting with the
application process.
Types of Trails
The ideal multi-use trail is a paved facility (or crushed limestone as a preliminary
phase) separated from the road corridor. Trails are frequently located in areas
otherwise undevelopable, such as abandoned railroad corridors, utility corridors, and
along creeks and rivers. Four types of facilities are expected to comprise the majority
of bicycle facilities in Johnson County: multi-use trails, on-road bike routes, paved
shoulders on roadways, and wide sidewalks within road right-of-way. Additionally,
this plan includes information about trails serving mountain bikes, canoes and
kayaks, equestrian riders, and snowmobiles.
Multi-use Trails
The Iowa Code defines trails as a recreational use and forbids condemning
agricultural land for trail development, which makes it difficult to acquire land for
trails. However, trail easements are routinely negotiated from property owners; for
example, this method provided much of the trail right-of-way for the Clear Creek
Trail between Ireland Avenue and Half Moon Avenue. Trail access already publicly
owned or controlled by the Johnson County Trail Foundation can also be utilized for
trail development.
This plan seeks to obtain public input and focus resources so that when the county is
ready to invest in trail facilities a targeted group of agreed upon high-priority
corridors is available for reference. The following four top-priority corridors are not
listed in order of priority.
A. Clear Creek Trail
Kent Park and the Amana Colonies are both
major destinations for many residents and
visitors. The loop park road within Kent Park is
a popular location for cycling. Meanwhile, the
community of Oxford is situated approximately
eight miles from both Kent Park and the
Amana Colonies, which would make Oxford a
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 6
likely rest stop for Clear Creek Trail users. When completed, this trail will bring to
fruition the long planned “Ioway Trail” between Iowa City and the Amana Colonies.
In September, 2010, the Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) was awarded a
Resource and Enhancement Protection (REAP) Grant of $512,642 by Iowa DNR,
which represents 40% of construction cost of the trail segment from Ireland Avenue
to Half Moon Avenue along Clear Creek. The balance of the project costs will be
paid from the County Conservation Bond Fund.
Johnson County plans to chip seal the ½ mile stretch of Half Moon Avenue, from
the trailhead north, to provide a hard surfaced connection to Highway 6. The Iowa
DOT resurfaced Highway 6 from Tiffin to the county line in the summer of 2011. A
four foot paved shoulder was included in the resurfacing project. The paved
shoulder will be utilized as a temporary route to connect the trail from Half Moon
Avenue on to Kent Park. Like the existing segments of the Clear Creek Trail, any
new alignments should strive to follow the riparian corridor rather than the Highway
6 right-of-way, due to the safety considerations, noise, aesthetics, and lack of
interpretive opportunities.
Phase 1: Hawkeye Sports Complex Complete
Phase 2: Hawkeye Sports Complex to 25 th Avenue in Coralville Complete
Phase 3: 25 th Avenue to Interstate 380 Programmed FY14
Phase 4: Interstate 380 to East Tiffin Park Complete
Phase 5: East Tiffin Park to Ireland Avenue Programmed FY15
Phase 6: Ireland Avenue to Half Moon Avenue Programmed FY14
Phase 7: Half Moon to Kent Park Planned
Phase 8: Kent Park to Oxford Planned
Phase 9: Oxford to Amana Colonies Planned
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 7
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 8
B. Mehaffey Bridge Road
The North Liberty to Solon corridor has the potential to connect two growing cities
in Johnson County and link these communities to Lake MacBride State Park. This
route is consistent with the planned American Discovery Trail. Six-foot paved
shoulders have already been constructed between Sugar Bottom Road and Solon.
Johnson County scheduled Mehaffey Bridge Road between North Liberty and Sugar
Bottom Road in its five-year plan for FY2013, including a new bridge over the Iowa
River in FY2012.
• Mehaffey Bridge Road reconstruction, including paved shoulders, North
Liberty to Sugar Bottom Road; length ~2.5 miles; estimated project cost
=$2,000,000
• Mehaffey Bridge over Iowa River (including new pedestrian/bicycle facility);
estimated project costs =$4,500,000
The pending Mehaffey Bridge Road reconstruction will offer an opportunity to add a
wide sidewalk on one side of the road. Adding a wide sidewalk as part of the overall
reconstruction project will be less expensive than retrofitting later. The current Five
Year Road Program, which currently has this trail programmed in FY14, estimates
that project will cost approximately $1 million. To-date, the county has been awarded
$447,152 in regional Transportation Enhancement funds to complete this project.
• Mehaffey Bridge Road Trail from North Liberty to Sugar Bottom Road;
length ~2.5 miles; estimated project cost = $1,000,000
C. Hoover Nature Trail
One good opportunity for a separated trail in Johnson County is the Hoover Nature
Trail, which is a planned rail trail on the abandoned Rock Island Railroad corridor.
The Hoover Nature Trail, which is planned to ultimately extend from the City of
Burlington to Cedar Rapids, has also been designated as part of the American
Discovery Trail. In the 1980s, a nonprofit organization, the Hoover Nature Trail
Association, purchased segments of the railroad right-of-way.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 9
Hoover Nature Trail, west of West Branch
Segments of the former Rock Island Railroad right-of-way are now owned by the
Johnson County Trail Foundation Association, if the County were to begin to
construct segments of the Hoover Nature Trail, the next step would be to confirm
title (ownership) of potential trail segments.
Solon to Linn County
Of all the possible segments of the
Hoover Nature Trail, the segment
between Solon and Linn County
fulfills the goal of developing
regional trail connections, in large
part because the Linn County Trail
Foundation recently completed
construction of the Hoover Nature
Trail to Ely. This means that the
Hoover Nature Trail runs
unencumbered through Linn County.
Because of the existing limestone
base on the old railroad bed, the per
linear foot construction cost is lower
than a new trail.
• Hoover Nature Trail, Solon to Linn County; approximate length ~4.25 miles;
estimated project cost = $1,500,000 (not including property acquisition or
bridge replacement costs)
Solon to Oasis
A segment of the Hoover Nature Trail
in Johnson County has been
constructed between Oasis (in
Johnson County) and West Branch (in
Cedar County), but the continuation
of this trail to Solon and Linn County
is a top priority.
• Hoover Nature Trail, Solon to
Oasis; approximate length
~8.5 miles; estimated project
cost = $2,500,000 (not
including property acquisition)
D. Prairie du Chien Road
Prairie du Chien Road between Interstate 80 and Newport Road was reconstructed
with 6-foot paved shoulders, which improve pavement durability, safety, snow
removal, and allow bicyclists to ride outside the travel lane. Many rural residential
Hoover Nature Trail, west of West Branch
Rock Island Railroad Corridor, east of Ely
Road
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 10
properties use Prairie du Chien Road to access urban areas and the road is popular
among cyclists riding from Iowa City to Coralville Lake and Reservoir.
Prairie du Chien Road from Newport Road to Saddle Club Road is no longer in the
county’s Five Year Road Program. However, since this corridor is a popular
bicycling route, connects to a major recreation area, and is an area of residential
growth, this plan recommends that pedestrian and bicycle accommodations should
be provided.
• Prairie du Chien Rd., Newport Rd. to Saddle Club Rd.; approximate length
~1.2 miles; estimated project cost = $750,000 (not including property
acquisition)
Other Long Term Trail Opportunities
Over time there may be opportunities through land grants or conservation
easements for the County to acquire right-of-way for recreation trails. The following
map illustrates corridors that will become priorities as the previous projects are
completed.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 11
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 12
Signed Bike Routes
In 2011, the Johnson County Trail Foundation (www.jctf.org) – founded as a
501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2007 – purchased forty-four bike route signs for
approximately $4,200 and paid $2,200 for installation.
The green signs, which are topped with a white bicycle
design, have directional arrows, mileage to destinations and
on many, the average amount of time it will take to arrive.
The additional signage along roads could enhance safety by
alerting motorists to the possible presence of cyclists. For the
same reasons, the cities Coralville, Iowa City, North Liberty,
University Heights and Tiffin applied for and received a
$15,000 grant to install similar signs along their trails and bike
routes. Those signs are expected to be installed in 2011-12.
The Metropolitan Planning Organization of Johnson County assisted this project by
designing the signs and the County Secondary Roads Department installed the signs.
Recommendations: Bike route way-finding signs are resources for cyclists and motorists
alike because they inform roadway users about popular, nearby destinations. To
ensure existing and future bike route signs are maintained to engineering standards,
the County Trails Advisory Committee should consider recommending that the
Board of Supervisors increase funding for sign maintenance in the Secondary Roads
Department budget and review the sign policy, which has not been revised since
1995. The pending federal requirement that all road signs meet new retro-reflectivity
standards will likely come-up during upcoming budgeting discussions and bike route
signs should be discussed at the same time.
Second, the County and City of Iowa City should coordinate improvements to the
South Riverside Drive and Old Highway 218 corridor to enhance on-street facilities
for cyclists and sidewalks or trails for pedestrians. A summary of funding
opportunities is located in the last section of this plan.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 13
Paved Shoulders
Paved shoulders are integral to the roadway paving, but separated from the main
travel lane by a painted white stripe. Paved shoulders have many benefits beyond
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 14
accommodating bicyclists, including reducing edge degradation of the roadway,
providing extra space for slower-moving farm vehicles and horse and buggy vehicles,
and providing extra space to temporarily park damaged or stalled vehicles.
Most bicyclists prefer a dedicated bike lane to a paved shoulder because less
experienced cyclists feel safer and bike lanes (and the associated signs) help reinforce
that bicycles are permitted on roadways. In the absence of bike lanes, paved
shoulders are viable accommodations for cyclists in unincorporated Johnson County.
To accommodate bicycling, Johnson County should continue its policy of
constructing a paved shoulder as part of the design of any secondary road
reconstruction project. While the size of the shoulder is ultimately to be determined
by the County Engineer, attempts should
be made to make it at least 4 feet wide to
provide adequate space for bicycles as
well as other slow moving road users. On
roads where vehicle speeds exceed 50
mph, up to 6-foot wide paved shoulders
should be considered.
Over time, this ‘paved shoulder policy’
has already begun to provide an extensive
network of facilities for bicyclists and will
continue to result in a robust bicycle
network in Johnson County.
Diagrams courtesy of Iowa Department of Transportation
The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’
(AASHTO’s) A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets recommends a
minimum 4-foot wide shoulder (free of rumble strips) to accommodate pedestrian
bicycle traffic on roads that do not have sidewalk or trail facilities. AASHTO’s Guide
for the Development of Bicycle Facilities states that:
Paved shoulders should be at least 4 feet wide to accommodate bicycle travel.
However, where 4-foot widths cannot be achieved, any additional shoulder width is
better than none at all… shoulder width of 5 feet is recommended from the face of
guardrail, curb, or other roadside barriers. It is desirable to increase the width of
shoulders where higher bicycle use is expected. Additional shoulder width is also
Paved shoulder, Sand Road
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 15
desirable if motor vehicle speeds exceed 50 mph, or the percentage of trucks, buses,
and recreational vehicles is high, or if static obstructions exist at the right side of the
roadway.
The following map illustrates planned road construction projects, which will all
include paved shoulders per the Board of Supervisors policy.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 16
Seal-Coat Roads
Seal-coat (aka chip-seal) roads typically do not have the levels of traffic to require a
separate shoulder to be striped. Seal-coat roads typically do not have pavement
markings. For on-road bicycling, AASHTO recommends a 14- to 15-foot travel lane
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 17
to allow for shared use by bicyclists and motorized vehicles. This results in a
recommended 28- to 30-foot roadway surface for seal-coat secondary roads.
Gravel and Grade B Roads
Gravel and Grade B (minimum maintenance) roads are quickly becoming popular
for a growing number of cyclists in Johnson County. The popularity of these
roadways stems from the low traffic volumes, pastoral landscapes, and easy access to
all corners of the county. In fact, recent organized rides on gravel roads have been
held in Johnson County, including the Gritty Brevet (www.grittybrevet.
wordpress.com) and Night Nonsense 100 (www.nightnonsense100.blogspot.com).
Mountain Bike Trails
The popularity of mountain biking has grown significantly in the past decade, and
Sugar Bottom Recreation Area provides renowned off-road, single-track trail riding.
The Sugar Bottom trail system was established in 1990 and has continued to expand
over the years. The Iowa Coalition of Off-Road Riders (ICORR), a local non-profit,
builds and maintains the trails through a unique partnership with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, which owns the land. ICORR logs 600 volunteer hours of trail
work and 200 volunteer hours of patrol each year to keep the 10.6 miles of Sugar
Bottom trails open for bikes.
ICORR is a leader in mountain bike trail design, utilizing International Mountain
Bicycling Association standards that minimize erosion and maintenance costs. Due
to their trail re-construction efforts at Sugar Bottom Recreation Area to meet these
standards, ICORR has reduced maintenance to levels that are enabling them to
pursue opportunities for new trails close to urban areas. In the future, the County is
open to discussing opportunities for new mountain bike trails on County-owned
land.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 18
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 19
American Discovery Trail
According to the American Discovery Trail (ADT) website (www.discoverytrail.org),
the trail’s western terminus is at the Pacific Ocean at Point Reyes National Seashore
in California. From there, it traverses California, Nevada, Utah and Colorado, where
in Denver it splits into two routes. The Northern Midwest route travels through
Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. The Southern Midwest route explores Kansas,
Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. After rejoining just west of Cincinnati, the route
continues through Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington, DC, and
Delaware, where the eastern terminus is at the Atlantic Ocean at Cape Henlopen
State Park.
The route of the ADT was selected through the efforts of citizens working with
local, state, and federal land managers in the localities through which the trail passes.
In 1990-91 a scouting team mapped the route determined by this citizen effort.
There is a volunteer coordinator in each ADT state – Joe Galloway of Des Moines
for Iowa – who leads the ongoing effort to refine the route, to incorporate new trails
into the route, and to promote and sign the trail.
The Northern Midwest route, when completed, will pass through Johnson County
along the proposed Hoover Nature Trail alignment. In addition, the proposed ‘Old
Capitol Loop’ will direct trail users into the Iowa City metro area (see map) and to
access the services provided by these communities.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 20
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 21
Multi-use Trail Maintenance
According to the IDOT’s Iowa Trails 2000 vision defines routine maintenance for
trails as follows: "Tree/brush clearing, mowing, map/signage updates, trash
removal/litter clean-up, repair flood damage: silt clean-up, culvert clean-out, etc.,
patching, minor re-grading, or concrete panel replacement, snow grooming and/or
plowing for winter-use trails, planting, pruning, and general beautification, and,
installation and removal of seasonal signage." Municipal trail facilities are typically
maintained by Parks & Recreation Department staff; wide sidewalks are maintained
by abutting property owners; and streets/bike lanes are maintained by Streets
Department staff.
This plan proposes a maintenance arrangement for bicycling and trail facilities in the
unincorporated county that mirrors the incorporated areas – separated trails to be
maintained by County Conservation Department staff; paved shoulders to be
maintained by Secondary Roads Department staff; and wide sidewalks within right-
of-way to be maintained by adjacent residential property owners where possible.
Sidewalks adjacent to agricultural properties may need to be maintained by
Conservation Department and/or Secondary Roads Department staff.
Different types of trails require difference levels of maintenance. Trail maintenance
on separated trails is much more intensive than for paved shoulders. Maintenance
for paved shoulders usually amounts to sweeping debris off of the shoulder during
road sweeping several times a year.
Maintenance on separated trails may include things such as trail surface maintenance,
mowing, weed control, snow removal, garbage and debris removal, and maintenance
associated with signs, any bike racks or lighting, and occasional vandalism.
Maintenance costs can be as high as $3,000 per mile annually, including labor and
materials costs, but often vary widely depending on site specific conditions.
Adopt-A-Trail Program
To assist with maintaining, enhancing and monitoring the trails and trailheads,
Johnson County could consider creating an Adopt-A-Trail Program. The program
can be tailored to meet the unique conditions of our community.
In communities with existing programs, anyone with an interest in trails and the
outdoors is welcome to participate. Individuals, families, businesses, community and
service organizations, churches, schools and scout troops are all examples of
volunteers. Volunteers under 16-years-old, however, are typically required to be
accompanied by an adult.
Adopt-A-Trail volunteers assist county staff in maintaining trail systems, but are not
asked to perform tasks they are uncomfortable doing. Volunteer activities often
include:
Keeping the trail surface free of sticks, rocks and other debris
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Cleaning-up litter
Pruning small limbs from the trail corridor
Cleaning debris from benches, bridges, and stairs
Reporting trees across the trail, erosion problems, suspicious or illegal
activity, vandalism, and safety issues
Equestrian Trails
The needs of equestrian trail users are unique, and the design of an equestrian trail
facility should respond to the setting, needs of the trail users, level of use, and safety
issues. The County understands the special needs of these trail users and the conflicts
that must be mitigated for equestrians to be safely included in a trail network. Some
of the key considerations for equestrians include:
Suitable trail surface for horses
Availability of appropriate amenities like mounting blocks, hitching posts,
water
Trailhead parking to accommodate trailers
Safe road crossings with modifications for users on horseback
Today, many state parks and forests in the region offer equestrian campgrounds
and/or trails. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources website
(www.iowadnr.org) provides a complete summary of equestrian facilities statewide,
including Johnson and neighboring counties in the region.
Residents interested in opportunities for new equestrian facilities in Johnson County
are encouraged to request the topic be included on the agenda of the next Johnson
County Trails Advisory Committee meeting by contacting the Secondary Roads
Department at (319) 356-6046.
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Snowmobile Trails
With sixty-one snowmobile clubs grooming and maintaining more than 5,000 miles
of trail in Iowa, snowmobiling is a popular winter recreational activity in our state.
Trail-riding in Johnson County boasts scenic wooded and hilly terrain, wide-open
vistas of agricultural landscapes, frozen rivers, and road right-of-way throughout the
county.
The Iowa Snowdrifters (www.iowa-snowdrifters.org) was started in the early 70’s by
local snowmobile enthusiasts. According to the club’s website, the members of this
non-profit organization have developed over 220 miles of trails that connect the
towns of Ely, Shueyville, Western, Walford, Fairfax, Norway, Blairstown, Solon,
Sutliff, North Liberty, Tiffin, Cosgrove, Homestead, Amana, Windham, and Kalona.
The majority of the trails are in Johnson County but also cover parts of Linn, Iowa,
Benton and Washington counties. Seventy miles of trails were added for the 2010-11
season which now includes links the trail network to the towns of Van Horne,
Newhall, Atkins, and Keystone.
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Water trails are marked
routes on navigable
waterways such as rivers,
lakes, canals and coastlines
for people using kayaks,
canoes, rafts, or rowboats.
Water trails also typically
provide places ashore to
camp and picnic and offer
other facilities for boaters.
Water Trails
The first state capital building of Iowa was erected (c. 1847) atop a bluff overlooking
the Iowa River. The river was the most important natural feature to the founders of
our state and it remains a key landmark and natural amenity for residents today. As
the Iowa River meanders through Johnson and its neighboring counties, it passes by
the Amana Colonies – a cultural landscape listed in the National Historic Register –
and numerous parks and recreation areas, including Lake MacBride State Park. South
of Iowa City the Iowa River joins the Cedar River in Columbus Junction where it
travels south to Lake Odessa and the Mississippi River.
Between the Amana Colonies and the Mississippi River there are three dams, two of
which are located in Iowa City. The third dam is located within the Coralville
Reservoir and is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Iowa River Water Trail
In summer 2008, the Iowa Valley Resource and Conservation District created the
Iowa River Water Trail Map , which highlights parks, dams, and tourist opportunities
from Iowa County to Louisa County along the
Iowa River.
Signage is a critical component of any water
trail. In 2011, the City of Iowa City constructed
a portage trail around the Iowa River Power
Dam and installed signs along the river for
navigation and safety using funds from several
grants awarded by the Iowa DNR.
Concurrently, the Johnson County and Louisa
County Conservation Boards partnered to
designate and sign the IOWA RIVER WATER
TRAIL from Sturgis Ferry Park to the
Mississippi River.
A combination of water trail signs, road signs on bridges, and road signs directing
motorists to water trail put-ins make the paddling experience a safe and rich
experience while promoting the Iowa River as a recreation resource. The recently
completed IOWA RIVER WATER TRAIL webpage – www.IowaRiverWaterTrail.com –
also improves access, way-finding, and safety.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 26
In 2009, one hundred and twenty volunteers helped collect 45 tons of flood debris at the Iowa River
Power Dam for the water trail and portage
In addition, the new paddling club, Sticks in the Water, as well as the University of
Iowa’s new boat house on Dubuque Street, illustrate the growing interest and
popularity of paddling on the Iowa River.
Liveries
A canoe livery or canoe rental is a business engaged in the livery (or rental) of canoes
or kayaks and are typically found on or near streams, rivers, or lakes that provide
good recreational opportunities. Currently, residents and visitor have just one place
to rent canoes and kayaks in Johnson County at the University of Iowa’s Touch the
Earth Outdoor Recreation & Education Program. In addition to life jackets and
paddles, Touch the Earth also rents roof racks and trailers for paddling trips.
In 2011, the City of Iowa City began construction on an environmental education
and reception space located on the north shore of Terry Trueblood Recreation Area.
This structure is planned to include non-motorized boat rentals for a small rental fee.
Recommendation: Johnson County is home to both the Iowa and Cedar Rivers. In the
future, water trail facilities and official trail designations by the Iowa DNR should be
pursued from Iowa County to Iowa City and at Sutliff on the Cedar River.
The City of Coralville was awarded grant funds to construct a put-in for Clear Creek
at Camp Cardinal Boulevard, as well as sign a water trail along this waterway. In the
future, the City of Tiffin could also explore to possibility of extending the water trail
westward.
The designated Iowa River Water Trail from Sturgis Ferry Park to the Mississippi
River could benefit from an additional put-in at the Izaak Walton League located on
Izaak Walton Road SE. The County Conservation Board may consider exploring this
possibility in the future.
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Grant Funding Opportunities
Regional Transportation Enhancement Program: A certain amount of
Transportation Enhancement funds are allocated to the East Central Iowa Council
of Governments for use in areas of Johnson County outside the Iowa City
metropolitan area. Transportation Enhancement funds may be used on non-road
transportation projects including trails, scenic and environmental transportation-
related project, and adaptive reuse of historic transportation facilities. Grants are
competitive, and funding decisions are made by the ECICOG Board. A 20% local
match is required.
Web site: www.ECICOG.org
Contact: 108 3 rd Street SE, Suite 300
Cedar Rapids, IA 52401
Federal Transportation Enhancement Program: The purpose of this program is
to fund activities related to non-road transportation, including trails, scenic and
environmental transportation-related projects, and adaptive reuse of historic
transportation facilities. The Iowa Department of Transportation administers these
funds, which are awarded on a competitive basis. A 20% local match is required.
Web site: www.IowaDOT.gov/systems_planning
Contact: Office of Systems Planning
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Federal Recreational Trails Program: These federal funds provide for the
maintenance and construction of motorized and non-motorized trail and trail-related
projects such as trail heads. At least 30% of these funds are distributed to motorized
trail projects, and at least 30% are distributed to non-motorized trail projects. A
minimum 20% local match is required.
Web site: www.IowaDOT.gov/systems_planning
Contact: Office of Systems Planning
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
State Recreational Trails Program: The intent of this program is to provide
funding for recreational trails. Funding levels have varied widely in recent years; in
some years this program has received no funding. A 25% local match is required.
Web site: www.IowaDOT.gov/systems_planning
Contact: Office of Systems Planning
800 Lincoln Way
Ames, IA 50010
Resource Enhancement and Protection – County Conservation: The Iowa
Department of Natural Resources administers the Resource Enhancement and
Protection (REAP) program, which includes funds for county conservation activities.
2012 Johnson County Bicycling & Multi-Use Trails Plan Page 32
These funds can be used to purchase land easements and capital improvements.
Counties are eligible to receive these funds if they are dedicating at least 22¢ per
$1,000 of the assessed value of property in the county for conservation purposes. No
local match is required; grants may fund up to 100% of project cost.
Web site: www.IowaDNR.gov/reap/
Contact: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Des Moines, IA 50319
Land and Water Conservation Fund: The Land and Water Conservation Fund is
a federally-funded program administered by Iowa DNR that provides matching
funds of up to 50% for outdoor recreation area development and acquisition. Iowa’s
cities and counties are eligible to participate.
Web site: www.IowaDNR.gov/grants/landwater.html
Contact: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 E 9th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319
Water Trails Enhancement Grant: Iowa DNR River Programs help state
designated water trails or in-progress water trails that are on track for state
designation to upgrade to new requirements outlined in the 2010 statewide water
trails plan: Iowa Water Trails - Connecting People with Water & Resources . All state
designated water trails will be required to upgrade to these new requirements by
2014. $32,000 is available this cycle with a submission deadline of August 5th, 2011.
Web site: www.IowaDNR.gov/Recreation/CanoeingKayaking
Contact: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
502 E 9th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319-0034