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Jordan River Commission report: equestrian trail work, solar pilot lighting and e‑bike policy under review
Summary
The Jordan River Commission reported crushed‑granite equestrian trail work, a recommendation to limit hardwired lighting and a discussion of e‑bike use and trail sharing; the commission recommends following dark‑sky guidelines and piloting solar lighting at select trailheads.
Kim Sorensen, reporting on the Jordan River Commission, updated the council on recent trail improvements and policy discussions affecting the Jordan River Parkway.
The commission completed equestrian trail work between 5400 South and the Nature Center using crushed aggregate (CHAT) funded in part by a roughly $48,000 state allocation, Sorensen said. The segment is intended to improve multi‑use compatibility and resembles county canal trails in surface design.
Trail lighting has generated debate. Sorensen said an existing hardwired sensor light pilot between neighborhoods had created problems including increased activity in the lit area and wiring issues. The commission recommended a conservative approach: limit lighting to high‑priority areas (trailheads, parking lots, underpasses), follow International Dark‑Sky Association guidance, and trial solar, non‑hardwired fixtures (the Riverview Park fixtures were given as an example). The city would seek zone grant funds and can adjust or remove non‑hardwired fixtures if they underperform.
E‑bikes were also discussed. Sorensen said three considerations drive the commission’s analysis: (1) complaint volume for e‑bikes is not higher than for other trail users; (2) e‑bikes expand access for people who otherwise would not use trails; and (3) the trail serves commuter as well as recreational functions, meaning many commuters use e‑bikes legitimately and safely. The commission has not reached a final policy; Sorensen said national guidance exists but no simple solution applies universally.
Ending
Sorensen said the commission will continue to refine lighting pilot proposals and e‑bike guidance and will seek grant funding where possible; council members asked staff to return cost estimates for targeted lighting sections.
