2014.02.26 Parks Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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heaviest traffic occur. Because paths are separated from roads, they provide many trail users (especially pedestrians, children, and average bicyclists) with a safe and enjoyable way to use the trail system. The following guidelines will help the City design and construct bicycle -pedestrian paths: a) Provide bicycle -pedestrian paths in areas where they are most needed. For example, provide paths that link residential neighborhoods to parks, schools and the downtown area. b) Where paths runs parallel to the road system, provide paths on both sides of busy or wide roads that are difficult or unsafe to cross. c) On lightly traveled, low -speed roads, provide a minimum 5 -foot separation between paths and roads. Where paths are next to heavily traveled, high- speed roads, consider providing a minimum 10 -foot separation between paths and roads and providing berms and plantings to buffer the paths from the roads. d) Pave paths with bituminous or concrete. Bituminous paving is the less expensive of the two and is most commonly used. In some cases, for example where a path is short and is not expected to carry much traffic, a compacted aggregate surface may be acceptable. e) Avoid obstacles like mailboxes, signs, and power poles. f) Provide a minimum 10 -foot wide path where the path is intended to accommodate both pedestrians and bicyclists. g) If a path is expected to be heavily used by both pedestrians and bicyclists, consider providing separate paths for each user. The two uses could be separated by striping, or they could be physically separated by distance. The pedestrian portion of the path should be at least 5 -feet wide and the bicycle portion of the trail should be at least 8 -feet wide. h) Limit the number of areas that paths cross streets. Where crossings are required, provide crossings in highly visible areas and where street traffic can be controlled. Provide curb cuts where there are existing curbs. 4. Snowmobile Trails. The existing snowmobile trails in Hugo provide winter recreation opportunities for many people. Washington County and the City of Hugo approve snowmobile trails in Hugo. The private snowmobile clubs maintain the trails with support from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. In general, snowmobiles are allowed on the outside shoulder of county and state road ditches. They are also allowed on private land with landowner permission. This plan does not recommend eliminating snowmobile trails in Hugo, but the City should recognize that the potential for snowmobile accidents and conflicts Chapter 7 7-34 Parks, Trails, & Open Spaces CH,o'g