ENID, OK - The Enid Trails Master Plan offers recommendations for improving community access to outdoor resources by building a network of off-road multi-use paved trails and on-street linkages. The purpose of this Master Plan is to address the trail needs of community residents related to recreation, transportation, and economic pursuits. The plan addresses policies, programs, and physical improvements that should be implemented to improve access to recreation resources and improve transportation efficiency throughout the community. It identifies 33 corridors throughout the City of Enid that should be developed in the next 15 years.
The Trails Master Plan was developed by Enid in association with a steering committee of citizens, a trail planning consultant, and residents of the area. It responds to specific needs that were defined by residents through a series of public workshops. This executive summary describes the process that was used to prepare the Enid Trails Master Plan, as well as the major findings and recommendations of the plan.
See A Walking Trail Adventure with photos.
TRAIL ORDINANCE
Multiuse conflict is a national problem for community and regional trail systems. Typically, conflicts are caused by overuse of a trail, however, other factors may be problematic including poorly designed and engineered trail alignments, inappropriate user behavior, or inadequate facility capacity. The most effective conflict resolution plan is a well conceived safety program that provides the individual user with a Code of Conduct for the Trail, sometimes called a Trail Ordinance. Several communities across the United States have adopted progressive trail ordinances to govern public use and keep trails safe for all users. The following Rules and Regulations shall be implemented for the Enid Trails System. These rules should be displayed both on brochures and information signs throughout the trails system.
1) Be Courteous: All Trail users, including bicyclist, joggers, walkers, wheel- chairs, skateboarders and skaters, should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode of travel, speed, or level of skill. Never spook animals; this can be dangerous for you and other users. Respect the privacy of adjacent landowners!
2) Keep Right: Always stay to the right as you use the Trail, or stay in the lane that has been designated for your user group. The exception to this rule occurs when you need to pass another user.
3) Pass on the Left: Pass others going in your direction on their left. Look ahead and behind to make sure that your lane is clear before you pull out an around the other user. Pass with ample separation. Do not move back to the right until you have safely gained distance and speed on the other user. Faster traffic should always yield to slower oncoming traffic.
4) Give Audible Signal When Passing: All users should give a clear warning signal before passing. This signal may be produced by voice, bell or soft horn. Voice signals might include “Passing on your left!” or “Cyclist on your left!” Always be courteous when providing the audible signal - profanity is unwarranted and unappreciated.
5) Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind before changing position on the Trail, regardless of your mode of travel.
6) Control Your Bicycle: Lack of attention, even for a second, can cause disaster - always stay alert! Maintain a safe and legal speed at all times.
7) Do Not Block the Trail: When in a group, including your pets, use no more than half the trail, so as not to block the flow of other users. If your group is approached by users from both directions, form a single line or stop and move to the far right edge of the Trail to allow safe passage by these users.
8) Yield when Entering or Crossing Trails: When entering or crossing the Trail at uncontrolled intersection, yield to traffic already using the other trail.
9) The Use of Lights: (where permitted) When using the Trail before dawn or after dusk be equipped with proper light. Cyclists should have a white light that is visible from five hundred feet to the front, and a red or amber light that is visible from five hundred feet to the rear. Other Trail users should use white lights (bright flashlights) visible two hundred fifty feet to the front, and wear light or reflective clothing.
10) Do not Use this Trail Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: It is illegal to use this Trail if you have consumed alcohol in excess of the statutory limits, or if you have consumed illegal drugs. Persons who use a prescribed medication should check with their doctor or pharmacist to ensure that it will not impair their ability to safely operate a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle.
11) Clean-up Your Litter: Please keep this Trail clean and neat for other users to enjoy. Do not leave glass, paper, cans or any other debris on or near the Trail. Please clean up after your pets. Pack out what you bring in - and remember to always recycle your trash.
12) Keep Pets on Leashes: All pets must be kept on secure and tethered leashes. Keep pets off of adjacent private property. Failure to do so will result in a fine.
13) Prohibition on Camp Fires: Fires, for any purpose, are prohibited within the Trails System. Any person caught lighting a fire for any purpose will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Thanks for sharing this … I hope all the Trail users read and heed!
Just a suggestion for those walking dogs. If you have an unpredictable dog, tie a yellow string or ribbon to their leash or collar to alert others that it is not ok to pet them.
Great idea Dana!
Here’s a thought…how about not petting dogs you aren’t familiar with, unless you first get the owner’s permission???
Is there a map somewhere showing the various trails in the city?
I had a link in the story to the Master Plan, I just updated it.