The Summit County Council of Governments meeting on June 20, 2023, spotlighted the ambitious plans for expanding the rail trail corridor, aiming to enhance connectivity throughout the county and beyond. The discussion emphasized the importance of collaboration among local municipalities to explore new connections and improve active transportation planning.
Key proposals included the potential for directional signage to promote local businesses, the revival of an adopt-a-trail program, and the pursuit of grants for design guidelines. Council members expressed a strong interest in addressing the growing concerns surrounding e-bike usage on the rail trail, particularly after incidents highlighting safety risks. Park City Council's recent decision to review e-bike regulations was noted, with discussions on possibly segmenting the trail to minimize user conflicts.
The meeting also raised questions about connecting underserved areas in the southern part of the county to the rail trail, acknowledging the challenges of land acquisition and funding. Despite these hurdles, council members recognized the community's interest in such connections and the potential benefits they could bring.
As the meeting concluded, the council reiterated its commitment to exploring these initiatives, with hopes of fostering a safer and more connected trail system for all users. The next steps will involve further discussions on land use and funding strategies to turn these plans into reality.