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New city signs tell bicyclists  where trails go  and distance

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By Bridgette Outten, Staff Writer Updated 1:19 AM Thursday, July 8, 2010

SPRINGFIELD — When cyclists bike along trails in the city, they now have the simple pleasure of knowing where they are going and how far it is to get there.

A problem with a lack of directional signage along the trails has been corrected, with 25 signs recently posted along intersections and connectors throughout the city.

The $14,000 project was a collaborative effort between city of Springfield, National Trail Parks and Recreation District, the Clark County Transportation Coordinating Committee and the Greater Springfield Friends of the Trail and area donors.

The signs are like those on trails in nearby Greene and Montgomery counties, lending a regional uniformity, said Scott Schmid, director of the Transportation Coordinating Committee.

“There were areas where almost everyone didn’t realize the trail continued,” Schmid said. “Hopefully now, they will see the signs and continue to the downtown area and spur some economic activity.”

The goal is to eventually make the trail continguous through the south side of the city; Louis Agresta, TCC transportation planner, said the signage is a short-term improvement to the trails.

Agresta and Schmid said they also hope to get signs throughout trails in the county, too.

The new signage has been well-received, said Parker Buckley, past president of Friends of the Trail, as he praised all involved at a City Commission meeting this week.

“It’s been something we’ve needed for a long time,” he said.

Buckley sees the potential for tourism as well.

“We have a lot to attract riders into Springfield,” he said. “Looking at all the riders at the coffee shops and eateries in Yellow Springs, I can’t help but think we could have the same thing happening here.”

Diane Everhart and Judy Kearns were walking the trail early Wednesday; they noticed the signs last week and like them.

“I love them!” Kearns said. “I don’t have an odometer on my bike so I kind of go by time; ride up for 30 minutes, ride back for 30 minutes. So it’s kind of nice to know how many miles I’ve done. “

Staff writer Kelly Mori contributed to this report

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0374 or boutten@coxohio.com.

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The signs were funded by grant money and donations secured by the very hard work of dedicated trail users in this city. Thanks to Greater Springfield Friends of the Trails. And to "LOL," who refers to this city as a "joke" because you are misinformed and do not understand the issue which you are mocking: the trail is one of our city's greatest assets, and one of the few venues promising real growth and outside interest. Yeah, what a "joke" that is. Have some prode and appreciation or move away.

CarSue
9:12 AM, 7/15/2010

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Finally, a project that the vast majority of citizens can use....if they just get their butt off the couch to ride a bike or just take leisurely stroll. Even disabled citizens can use wheelchair on the wonderful bike trails. This is totally unlike the rediculous ice rink project that perhaps only 5% of the residents can use without high risk broken bones or significant injury.

Dee-Dee
10:09 PM, 7/8/2010

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The signs are a great idea. However, trail users, especially those on bikes, need to learn what stop signs mean. I have seen several people nearly get hit by cars because they do not obey the rules. There was a rider killed just a few years ago just south of town. USE YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR BRAKES FOLKS.

db
9:50 PM, 7/8/2010

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tax money at work what a joke this city is

LOL
9:04 PM, 7/8/2010

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The bike trails north and south of the Springfield City Limits are maintained by the Clark County Park District. Why were they not included in this?

Red
8:18 PM, 7/8/2010

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