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Farmington members back 15 mph trail signage, discuss striping and regional coordination
Summary
Committee members discussed a Farmington Valley Trails Council push for a 15 mph standard on trails, agreed signage and etiquette messaging are preferred near-term tools, and recommended coordinating with neighboring towns and police chiefs rather than immediate systemwide striping.
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Bicycle and Trails Advisory Committee discussed regional moves to adopt a 15-mph advisory speed limit on shared-use trails and expressed support for posting 15-mph signage alongside etiquette messaging rather than immediate widespread striping.
Members said the Farmington Valley Trails Council and local traffic reviewers had signaled support for a 15 mph standard. “The 15 miles per hour, I see that as being the speed limit,” one participant said, and another urged posting signs whether by town adoption or ordinance. Members noted enforcement capacity is limited and that signage accompanied by safety reminders is likely to be the most practical short-term approach.
Discussion also covered selective striping at trailheads and crossings rather than painting full centerlines on narrow sections. Several members suggested convening police chiefs from neighboring towns and the Farmington Valley Trails Council to agree on a standard sign and enforcement approach; the committee discussed using Farmington Valley tourism and trails contacts to coordinate a regional meeting.
Next steps included: asking the Farmington Valley Trails Council for formal guidance on the sign design and standard, reaching out to neighboring police chiefs or their representatives to discuss consistent posting, and developing short etiquette signage (pass on the left, announce passing) to accompany speed-limit signs.
No ordinance change was adopted at this meeting; the committee agreed to pursue coordination and design work and to revisit the question after regional consultation.
