8.0. PRSR 08-12-1998 eity of Item#8.
Elk/ River
MEMORANDUM
TO: Park and Recreation Commission
FROM: Phil Hals, Street/Park Superintendent
DATE: August 12, 1998
SUBJECT: Mountain Bike Trails
In making contact with Hennepin County, Ramsey County, the City of
Burnsville, and Quality Bike Products, I have found that there are very
similar situations and concerns in other jurisdictions, but there are also
solutions available. Maintenance and usage are the two big issues that
prompt the following suggestions:
• Design trails to minimize erosion
• Separate bikers and hikers if possible, but bikers and skiers are
ID compatible since they can use the same trails in different seasons
• Make use of user groups and "Sentenced to Service Workers" for
maintenance because it is labor intensive
• Schedule city maintenance twice per year
• Limit biking to posted trails only
• Close trails during certain weather conditions
• Design trails for precision riding and not speed
• Allow mountain biking from 8/1 to 10/31 for vegetation
establishment
• Erosion can be controlled with Class 5, Road Oil (a pine tar product)
and rubber water bars
• Post rules encouraging helmets, safe riding, courtesy to other users
and restrictions that can be imposed
• Policy establishing the maximum number of trail miles within a
park
• Encourage users to self police the trails
• Clearly state that bike use is a privilege within the park and can be
revoked if rules are not adhered to
Gary Sjoquist of Quality Bike Products has offered to serve as a consultant
for mountain bike trails and a BMX truck free of charge. Mr. Sjoquist is well
known in the biking community and with regional park managers and is very
• highly regarded for his expertise in these areas.
13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD&Phone: (612) 441-7420 • Fax: (612)441-7425
• Recommendation
Staff recommends to move forward at a deliberate pace with designing and
development of mountain bike trails to avoid the pitfalls that other parks
have experienced. It would be advantageous to have Gary Sjoquist as a
consultant for this program.
•