SURVEY RESULTS
Lost in Paradise?
Do we need better signage on the American River Parkway?
The survey was distributed as part of the 50 Corridor TMA’s electronic newsletter, Commuter Connection, on August 28. 96 people responded in the two week survey period.
1. Thinking of the last five months (April – August), how frequently have you used the American River Parkway?
AnswerNumber of responses Ratio
At least weekly38 39.5%
Pretty much daily25 26%
A few times a month25 26%
Rarely4 4.1%
Other 4 4.1%
“Other” responses
3-4 times a week2 to 3 times per week
Once a month
3 to 4 a week
General Comments
I seasonally walked the American River Parkway to and from work, but it was not a year-round route suitable for pre-dawn or after-dark commutes. My interest is in reliable year-round transportation. Now I only use the parkway for occasional social bicycling.biking on trail and walking ancil hoffman loop.
I'm a member of a local club as well as live about one mile off the trail so am on it a lot.
It's getting to the point that I no longer feel secure on the trail south of about Goethe/William Pond. I'm starting to wonder why I bother paying my property taxes.
I bike along the parkway about twice a week
Only during the week do I ride. The weekend's trail traffic is too busy for me to ride.
Bike commute 3-4 days per week.
I commute to work and ride at lunch once a week
I rarely ride the parkway on the weekends due to inconsiderate bicyclists and/or walkers.
Love this excellent resource for recreation and commuting.
I am a daily bicycle commuter.
Cycle commute mon-fri.
2. Check all statements that are true
AnswerNumber of Responses Ratio
More Signage along the Parkway6265%
would be helpful
At a minimum, signs should show 5052.6%
distances/times to services
(water, restrooms, etc.)
I would explore areas off the Parkway4648.4%
If I were aware of them
Signage to light rail and services off4345.2%
The Parkway would be helpful
Way-finding signage would make the3738.9%
Parkway safer
Existing signage should be better2223.1%
Coordinated
More signage would distract from the1920%
Natural setting
Existing signage is confusing 77.35
Other 55.2%
“Other” responses
Safety rulesPlease deal with the homeless.
More signage is unnecessary
signage to public street locations is very helpful
Side path stencils
General Comments
Signage needs to be clear, concise, easily legible and well positioned, so that it is helpful and does not create a hazard.Safety top be #1 focus. Painted signs on asphalt tell walkers/joggers to stay left but large numbers of regulars and newbie's do not understand. Supplemental pole signs could provide detail to improve safety for all. Too many preventable accidents happen due to ignorance of the safety rules.
RULES
-Walkers/Joggers stay left onto dirt when possible (Walk AGAINST traffic).
-Walkers/Joggers must stay single file when bicycles approach.
-Walkers/Joggers must stay single file at curves on trail
Many people do not visit and use the parkway often. Signage helps. Big problems with walkers and joggers on wrong side of the trail. And, walkers and runners walking abreast on the asphalt create a dangerous situation for cyclists.
Signage should be able to be clearly seen while biking and if it is necessary to read more carefully, placed off the trail enough that those stopping will not impede other walkers, bikers.
It should be standardized so it is clearly recognized as a parkway sign. (Thinking of Soil Born Farms which uses their own.
Please clean up the human feces and control the unleashed dogs, maybe evacuate the mentally unstable folks first. The signs can wait until it's safe for law-abiding citizens.
Any new signage would need to be vandal proof.
I like to see mileage markers.
I don't want more signs, but for people that are not familiar with the trail near the Hazel bridge and the Highway 160 under passing may need better directional signage.
The ARBT should not become a vehicle for billboards, posters, or signage. Add them to the mile marker call stations signs or at rest areas. Any added signage needs to be minimalist. Adding no signs would be the best option.
I don't like the idea of more signs, what about using paint on the trail. Keep to a minimum, no matter what you do as it is distracting.
It would be helpful to know which park I am in and where to turn of to reach surface streets outside the park. My bike club often refers to turns by the call box that is located there, so marking them or having a better system would be great.
Signs can be done without distracting from the natural beauty and will allow people to make better use of the trail.
The "you are here" maps need to be updated along with having distance signs to and from different areas, e.g. x # of miles to River Bend Park from Discovery Park; x # of miles to Sutter Street from Sunrise Blvd.; etc.
Signs should blend with the environment.
What are examples of way-finding signs? I don't know if we are thinking about the same thing.
Would like to see signage identify major streets & park entrances. Very difficult to get SAG support if something goes wrong (I've had to walk all the way out of the park to find a street sign before I could let someone know where to find me).
too much signage might be distracting but currently there is not too much, more is needed
Existing signage is somewhat vandalized
When a paved path intersects with ARBT, it would be nice to see stenciled on the pavement of the intersecting path (not on the trail itself) something like
< Howe Avenue northbound or
< Gold Country Drive
3. When riding on the Parkway, what do you most want to know or what information would improve your ride? (choose one)
AnswerNumber of responsesRatio
More information at intersections1616.6%
To help make decisions about which
Way to go.
Trail conditions or closures1515.6%
Location of drinking water1515.6%
Or restrooms
Nearest major street to my1414.5%
Current location
Where to enter and exit the1010.4%
Parkway by bicycle or foot
Distance to major landmarks/55.2%
Restaurants/shopping/transit
Distance to my destination33.1%
Emergency phone numbers33.1%
Info on how to report hazards33.1%
Location of parking lots0
Location of bike parking0
Comments
Information about where I am on the parkway, especially in relation to the off-parkway transportation system is the most important signage for me. Posting maps with more extensive information where the maps can be studied without blocking pathways would also be helpful.I want to know there is a good network to bicycle on safely when I leave the Parkway.
I am familiar with the paved trails
Only one choice? BS
Signs at trail intersections, such as those on the Miner's Ravine Trail in Roseville, would be extremely useful on the Parkway. Distance to attractions off the parkway would be helpful on these signs.
How to avoid the homeless encampments. And the smell of human waste.
If I was new to the Parkway, it would be overwhelming to where the closest intersections would be.
All of these options are ridiculous. The list looks like it was created by a communications person looking for a job. Mile markers already tell you how close or far you are from something else. It a trail. You'll find out what's there when you arrive by foot or bike. The best thing you can do is to BAN ELECTRIC BIKES, period.
All of the abovewould be helpful
Also, how I can ride on it longer and not have to go to work :)
Water fountains seem to be getting scarcer over the years as homeless or vandals destroy them and they are never replaced. Having done a lot of marathon training on the ARP, this is highly disappointing.
The mileage markers are critical.
Minimize signage. The parkway is idylic and naturally scenic. Users can research maps of their own...
Location of drinking water/restrooms
More info at intersections
nearest major street to my current location
location of drinking water or restrooms
location of parking lots
Nearest major street would help when directing EMS.
Nearest major street, Location of water & restrooms, More information at intersections
4. When riding TO OR FROM the Parkway, what do you most want to know? Or what information would improve your ride? (Choose one)
Answer # Responses Ratio
Trail conditions or closures2829.1%
On the Parkway
Distance to the nearest entrance 2425%
To the Parkway
Whether the nearest Parkway1414.5%
Entrance provides amenities
Distance to attractions off the99.3%
Parkway (restaurants, bike shops
Transit)
Identification of which jurisdiction99.3%
You are exiting into
A list of attractions on the parkway44.1%
Near your entrance (swimming,
Boat rentals, picnic facilities)
Info on how to report hazards11%
General Comments
The "Distance to attractions off the parkway" option is equally as important to me as the option I selected.Signage indicating bicycling and walking routes to the American River Parkway is most important. People can probably check the distance from other sources in advance, but may get lost on the way.
could not find one i felt best
None of the above really, I just want to know the best route to get to or from the American River Parkway.
The signage on Miners Ravine trail in Roseville is a great example of the kind of signage needed on the ARP
Like the closure of the PCA bridge at Sunrise
This questions combines two things - information on where/what and emergency info. I think both are important
These lists are driving me nuts. Real people using the ARBT do not need signs telling them any of this crap. Keep the trail free of signs. Just keep the mile markers.
Finding out about certain closures only upon arriving at said closure is really frustrating and time consuming when commuting.
Only let me choose 1 -- 2 & 3 are:
Trail conditions/closures
Identification of where you're exiting into
same as above - can only pick one - so here are my choices:
distance to nearest entrance
amenities
trail conditions/closures
It would be good to know whether the trails are flooded.
FYI - This question only allows you to select one answer not 3. Should be check boxes.
My answers: Distance to nearest entrance, trail conditions & closures, Identification of jurisdiction
I can only pick one, not the three mentioned in the questions (same problem with the question prior to this one).
5. Is this the below sign …
Answer# ReponsesRatio
Somewhat helpful but needs4951%
More info and better graphics
Helpful2627%
Confusing/not helpful66.2%
Distracting from natural beauty44.1%
General Comments
Information is too cramped and hard to read; a larger inset showing greater detail of the 5-10 mile section I am on would be useful.Sign has deteriorated, so is difficult to read. The information that I would want appears too small to read, while too much space is given to over-sized font for low-value information. "YOU ARE HERE" is too way large compared with the other information.
You are located where the paint is missing
Subject to vandalism. Most people have cell phones, it seems an app would be more appropriate.
Not only better graphics but signage needs to be maintained.
Needs safety rules listed.
must be maintained
This map is useless when on a ride
Too much info. Should highlight more detail for vicinity
This is a good example of knowing where you are but maybe not how to get to something off the trail.
I ignore the signs. I grew up here so they're unnecessary for me.
Awful and outdated. Removal is preferable to that (won't waste time looking for you are here arrow).
Nearly useless. The only useful item is the number to call a Ranger if you don't already have it in your phone.
Still no park information. If I were not from the area I wouldn't know if I was in River Bend Park or Sailor Bar.
I have seen these signs many times but not been able to find the symbol showing where I am
When I stopped to read the sign I don't think it was helpful, but it would be good to tell you the distance to the next exit and maybe a couple of icons for restaurants, off the trail. Also, explanations of the wildlife and history of the area are really fun.
Needs an actual "you are here" marker on the map
Impossible to tell how to get on/off the trail or where you'll be when you do. Better to have a transit-style system map for distances & a detailed close up of the immediate area.
Mostly the red dot is missing so the maps are not helpful.
It would be helpful if these signs were maintained in good condition.
Signs that can be read without stopping should be considered in addition to these types of detail maps.
6. How do you most often find directions when riding on the Parkway?
Answer# ResponsesRatio
Google Maps2627%
Start ride and figure out as I go2323.9%
Ride with another person who knows1414.5%
Other1212.5%
Look at Parkway map before ride 77.2%
Ask someone33.1%
Signage33.1%
County Park web site22%
“Other” comments
Past experienceLong time user
Garmin bike computer with GPS
Create a ride with RWGPS or other software
Bike GPS
I already know where I'm going
I am familiar with the area
past experience
Knowledge
Google maps
General Comments
I only know my way along the part of the American River Parkway that I used to walk to get to work. Otherwise, I depend on my companions to know the way, since the available way-finding is so poor.I already know my way.
Riding the parkway the same way many times.
As a frequent user of the parkway, I have it memorized now and don't need directions
I don't need directions because I've ridden in the parkway hundreds of times.
Also use the mileage markers.
As long as I've been riding the parkway(more than 15 years,) I still don't know where some of the exits go
I know the parkway but if I want to check a distance or see where to take a spur, I use RWGPS
I'm already very familiar with the parkway and its landmarks.
Parkway maps are helpful
Riding the Parkway for 20+ years, it was a matter of trial and error to understanding the trail system. To the new visitor, I wouldn't feel comfortable.
Employee of Regional Parks for almost 20 years.
Experience -- I've know the trail extremely well over years of use
I generally get on the trail at the same couple of places and stay on the trail and ride. I generally ride to Discovery Park or out to Gold River to visit a restaurant.
After riding the parkway for over 25 years, I don't need any directions for services.
PLEASE DO NOT DETRACT FROM THE NATURAL BEAUTY...PLEASE
I've ridden about 20,000 miles on the trail in the last 5 years so I know the names of some of the squirrels. What would be nice is to have signage telling me what park or feature I am passing by. This helps folks know where they are at.
If I do ride alone I just try to figure it out as I go.
7. From an infrastructure standpoint, what can be done to make the Parkway more useful? (71 responses)
More water fountains along the trail, and a couple more bathroom stopsMore and better wayfinding/bike routes to/from downtown and interior neighborhoods on/off the trail.
Easier access to get to the parkway from North East Sacramento County.
Stop letting groups, like runner's groups, shut it down for their own use.
Remove all obstacle posts (bollards). Obstacle posts are a serious hazard to people riding bicycles, and their removal should be the highest priority. Provide better pedestrian and bicycling access routes to more frequent entrance and exit locations, and safer for road crossings.
Less homeless camps
Make bike path 2 feet wider. Make gravel shoulder for runners wide enough for 2 abreast.
Safer adjacent streets for walking and cycling access.
More signs indicating trail etiquette for user groups
additional river crossings.
better neighborhood connections
We need more bathrooms - there are some long distances between them on the trail. Put benches in locations providing shade all day, not in the blazing sun in the afternoon. More water fountains that are located in shady places, not out in the blazing sun!
It is great how it is!
More restrooms and drinking fountains
Maintain tree root bumps.
Complete connections. Clear trail markings to connect waypoints.
More maps showing info
More trashcans. Too many people litter because they can't find convenient trashcans.
Information for pedestrians to walk or run opposite Of the bike traffic and to make way for cyclists to pass. A reminder to both cyclists and pedestrians to share the road.
Widen the shoulder so the runners might actually use them, rather than mob the bikes off the pavement.
Repair tree trunk lumps or other damaged paved trail surfacees. Near Hazel,there are numerous repairs needed for years. they have some white paint but could potentially cause rider injury.
Improved bicycle access opportunities and more bridges.
There are too many homeless people living on the bike trail between Discovery Park and Sac State and they have aggressive dogs and are also leaving garbage everywhere.
Repair the pavement damage by roots and repair walking shoulders
Clear the rocks off the trail on the northwest side of Lake Natomas. They have been for 7 months and no effort has been made to remove them.
Keep the white line between the lanes painted. Remove debris from the bike trail. Teach walkers, runners, bikers the rules for use.
Signs at trail intersections.
More restrooms
I think the it's pretty nice as is.
No thoughts on this topic
Clearly visible information about restrooms, water fountains, emergency information, and distance between outlets to the streets and roads.