TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: John Morgan, Environmental Services Director
THROUGH: Donald B. Cooper, City Manager
DATE: August 16, 2016
Title
DISCUSSION AND RECONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION NO. 71-15 REGARDING THE EAST COAST GREENWAY TRAIL SYSTEM
Body
Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to (Reaffirm or Repeal) Resolution No. 71-15 supporting the designation of a proposed route within the City of Delray Beach for the East Coast Greenway Trail System.
Body
Background:
On December 15, 2015, the City Commission approved Resolution No. 71-15 providing support for a trail designation through Delray Beach as a part of a larger initiative along the east coast known as the East Coast Greenway (ECG). The ECG is an organization promoting the vision of a linked route from Maine to Key West. The ECG got started in 1991 with several bicycle advocates, not dissimilar to Human Powered Delray. They help provide local coordination and offer assistance to areas where trails are still needed to be built. The local and state agencies build and maintain the trails; the land remains a public asset and the local government does not give up any local control.
There are a number of designated trails in Florida; with several in Palm Beach County - Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton:
• Amelia Island Trail, Nassau County; 6.2 mi
• River to the Sea Trail, Flagler County; 18.6 mi
• Jacksonville North Bank Riverwalk, Jacksonville; 2 mi
• St. Johns River Ferry, Ft. George-Mayport; 0.4 mi
• Timucuan Trail; 4.9 mi
• Palatka-St. Augustine State Trail, St. Johns Co.; 8.5 mi
• Mickler Trail, St. Augustine Beach; 1.5 mi
• Halifax River Trail, Holly Hill & Daytona Beach; 3 mi
• Spring-to-Spring Trail & East Central Regional Rail Trail, Volusia Co.; 17.4 mi
• Eastern Central Regional Rail-Trail, Titusville FL; 1.4 mi
• A1A sidepath, Brevard County; 17.4 mi
• A1A Sidepath, Indian River County ; 22.75 mi
• Prima Vista Blvd & Walton Rd sidepaths, St. Lucie Co. FL, 1.3 mi
• Green River Parkway Trail, Martin Co. - Port St. Lucie; 5.8 mi
• Seabranch Trail, Martin Co., 2.8 mi
• Jupiter Riverwalk, Jupiter; 2.1 mi
• West Palm Beach Trail, West Palm Beach; 5.7 mi
• A1A sidepath, Boca Raton; 3.1 mi
• Hollywood Broadwalk, Hollywood; 1.2 mi
• Atlantic Greenway, Miami Beach; 4.5 mi
• M Path / South Dade Greenway, Miami-Dade County; 30 mi
• Overseas Heritage Trail, Key Largo-Key West; 74.8 mi
It was not long after the Commission adopted Resolution No. 71-15 that some residents stated their opposition to the trail during the public comments portion of Commission meetings. Staff has met numerous times with these residents to listen to their concerns. These residents have also written letters of opposition to members of the Legislature. City staff has worked with these elected officials and their staff to share factual information regarding the East Coast Greenway (ECGW).
According to the East Coast Greenway Alliance, the organization promoting the trail from Canada to Key West, over 95% of the users on segments of the designated trail are 'day trip' users; either local residents that live near the trail who ride their bike for exercise or families and groups that drive a short distance out to the trail for a couple of hours of recreation. For this demographic, the trail designation is insignificant, they simply come there because the designated area has a safe, bike-friendly pathway and they would probably continue using the trail.
The other group of users are the long distance cyclists, which account for 3% to 5% of the users. These cyclists are 'destination' oriented; they plot a route to a destination and proceed via the most efficient route. As experienced cyclists, they ride in all types of traffic, so if the ECGW is part of their route, they use the trail, if not their route is generally on streets and highways. If the most expeditious route is not part of the trail, these experienced cyclist may divert from their route and ride the trail as a destination break to see the scenery that might be around trail and use any amenities that may be present, such as places to eat or rest.
The communities with the designation have not noticed any adverse impact from the experienced cyclist group, in fact they are hardly noticed. Data on the long distance cyclists from a similar trail called American Tobacco Trail in Durham, North Carolina, revealed that, “The typical trail user is a male, 26-54 years old, holds an advanced degree and has a household income of $60,000-$119,000.”
Staff spoke with the Planning Director for the City of Vero Beach who confirmed that designation of the ECGW in their community has had no negative impact. The Planning Director indicated there was no appreciable difference in bike traffic, population or users of the trail. He did indicate that the trail designation has helped them justify local sidewalk improvements. The Planning Director told us with confidence that from their experience there had not been any concerns or issues raised with respect to vagrants, litter, traffic safety, or crowding as a result of the designation.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Finance Department Review:
Based upon information submitted there is no cost to the City.
Funding Source:
NA
Timing of Request:
NA