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Middleton committee weighs paving, permeable surfaces and e‑bike rules for Conservancy trails
Summary
The Ped/Bike/Transit Committee reviewed the Fox Community Forest and Graeber Pond conservancy plans, debating whether to pave limestone trails, prefer permeable surfaces, set trail speed limits for e‑bikes and prioritize water‑mitigation and connectivity to nearby sidewalks and Highway 12.
The Middleton Ped/Bike/Transit Committee spent much of its meeting reviewing trail recommendations in the Fox Community Forest and the Graeber Pond Conservancy plan, with members split over paving, surface type and how to manage rising e‑bike speeds.
Staff asked for committee feedback on the Conservancy’s trail pages and maps. Keaton and other cyclists urged paving some limestone trails to increase usability and personal use. Others — including Kirsten Cloughner and committee members concerned about wetlands and drainage — said any paved sections should use permeable surfaces or include stronger water‑mitigation engineering.
"If we're going with paved, it needs to be permeable because it is close to wetlands," Cloughner said, pointing to a permeable stretch along Allen Boulevard as a local example of faster drying and better drainage.
Safety and user conflict were central concerns. Several members warned that paved trails can attract faster riders and e‑bikes. Steve Small said paved surfaces increase accessibility for people using wheelchairs but risk generating higher speeds and possible conflicts with pedestrians. Members proposed education campaigns, clearer sight lines, enforcement and, for some segments intended for commuting cyclists, separate paved corridors.
Kim Madden said an ordinance may be required to set trail speed limits, and one member suggested a 10 mph limit for shared trails (down from a commonly cited 15 mph standard). The committee asked staff to consider categorizing trails (analogous to roads) in the active transportation plan so decisions about paving vs. natural surfaces can be made trail‑by‑trail.
On Graeber Pond, Brad Burkel emphasized connectivity problems: missing sidewalks on Graeber Road and a boardwalk that floods annually. He recommended the committee push for a full connector path around Graber Pond and praised planned culvert enlargement as a potential fix for recurring flooding.
The committee agreed on priorities: improved connectivity, well‑built trail construction that addresses drainage and targeted use of permeable pavements where appropriate. Members also recommended public outreach materials (PSAs) to promote safe and courteous trail use.
The committee did not enact a formal policy at the meeting; staff will carry compiled feedback to the Conservancy/Lands and Public Works for follow‑up.
