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Tahoe City PUD reports West Shore Trail rebuild, $2.1M irrigation upgrade and rising e-bike use on trails
Summary
Tahoe City Public Utility District said it has begun a 2.4-mile rebuild of the West Shore Trail, replaced the irrigation system at the Tahoe City Golf Course for about $2.1 million, and reported trail-survey results showing a sharp increase in e-bike usage (from 11% in 2019 to 61% in the latest survey).
Tahoe City Public Utility District public-affairs specialist Aaron Husman told the Placer County Parks Commission on Sept. 18 that the PUD is reconstructing 2.4 miles of the West Shore Trail and has completed a $2.1 million replacement of the irrigation system at the Tahoe City Golf Course.
Husman said the county and PUD held a public ceremony in August to rename the West Shore route the Senator Dianne Feinstein West Shore Tahoe Trail; reconstruction is occurring on an existing 1970s alignment from Sunnyside to Blackwood Creek and includes safety improvements, widened sections where possible and two new flashing beacons across Highway 89.
The irrigation replacement at the golf course replaces a 50-year-old system with a smart irrigation system Husman said cost about $2.1 million and allows crews to control individual sprinkler heads via tablet to improve turf and water efficiency.
Husman also reported survey work on the PUD’s 23-mile multi-use trail network: 534 trail surveys were collected this year, with 22% reporting trail use for transportation/commuting and 76% for recreation; 98% rated the trail experience as good or excellent; 40% use the trail in winter; and e-bike users rose from 11% in 2019 to 61% in the 2024 survey. He said the trail speed limit is 15 mph, class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed and class 3 are not permitted, and that enforcement and education remain ongoing challenges.
Husman also noted the PUD’s involvement in local capital projects including a proposed Scottie Lapp Skate Park and ongoing Commons Beach concerts; he said staff plan design work for further West Shore Trail segments next year.
