Committee moves forward on multiuse-trail signs; asks staff for design and enforcement details

The Roadways, Trails and Greenway Advisory Committee on July 17 reviewed examples of trail-rule signage used in neighboring jurisdictions and directed staff to draft a town sign package for multiuse trails that combines a clear town/trail identity with enforceable rules.

Committee members said a single, concise rule sign posted at major trailheads and road entrances should list the most enforceable items—no motorized vehicles (with ordinance citation), helmet requirements for riders under the age specified in county or state law, and guidance for drivers to slow and yield to horses. Craig Lauer, the town's public works superintendent and staff liaison, presented examples and told the committee he will return with draft designs and a sign shop cost estimate.

Lauer presented Wellington-style signs as examples: "these are some of the signs that... these are some of the signs they have. They're for examples." Committee members favored a single rule sign that could include the town name and a trail logo, reflective materials for night visibility, and a shorter, easy-to-read layout rather than a large multi-paragraph board.

Members discussed enforcement options. The committee asked staff to draft sign language that references the town ordinance for motorized vehicles and to consider wording that will give Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office deputies teeth to enforce violations. Members also discussed setting enforceable limits (for example, prohibiting motorized vehicles or setting a brake-horsepower threshold) rather than a blanket "no vehicles" phrase that might unintentionally include bicycles. Staff noted that any enforceable language should be coordinated with the town attorney, sheriff's office and county agencies.

Committee members raised safety items to include in PSA language and on signs: slow to 10 mph when approaching a horse or horse trailer (as a guidance item the committee discussed), watch for hand signals, yield and make eye contact with riders, and keep dogs under control on trails. Committee member Ashley Bruce noted the Florida statute discussed earlier, citing "316.0825" as the statute that addresses intentionally startling or harming animals with a motor vehicle; the committee agreed to reference relevant statutes or ordinances as appropriate.

Staff committed to draft sign artwork and a consolidated rules list and to return with price estimates and placement recommendations at the committee's next meeting. The committee also discussed practical trail protections—gates, bollards, and bridge modifications—that staff will evaluate for locations where motorized vehicles have been a recurring problem.

Next steps: committee members to email their suggested rules to staff; staff to prepare draft sign designs, cost estimates, and a recommended placement plan for review at the next meeting.