Testing the Terrain

Off-road Cycling Pilot Project in Wirth Park

Testing the Terrain

Can a sustainable trail, which is both challenging for off-road cyclists and compatible with other park users, be established in Wirth Park?

Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Advocates (MOCA)Formed in response to the “silent

sports in Wirth Park” meeting called by the park board and Mayor R.T. Rybak, May 2002

Dedicated to environmentally sustainable off-road trails in Minneapolis

Minneapolis affiliate of Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists (MORC)

Off-road Bicycling inMinneapolis

Popular, mainstream recreational activity

Approximately 10,000 avid (ride more than 1x/week) off-road cyclists in metro area

Valued use of city parks

Trails also ideal for other uses, i.e. snowshoeing

Off-road Bicycling in Wirth Park

Trails in Wirth Park have been used by cyclists for over two decades

Many areas open to bicycles but trail network not formalized

Certain areas closed to bicycles

Today’s Presentation Agenda

Sustainable trails and how they are constructed

MORC/MOCA provide signage, trail building schools, and volunteer labor coordination

MORC/MOCA Mission

Minnesota Off-Road Cyclists is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to safeguarding the future of mountain biking in Minnesota through the promotion of responsible mountain biking, the establishment and maintenance of mountain bike trails, and the preservation of Minnesota’s natural resources.

MORC Background

Established in 1994 - Organized around saving Terrace Oaks Park, Burnsville

400 individual members (metro)1500 additional members through

affiliated clubs throughout MNFunded by membership dues and

special fund raising events

How MORC/ MOCA Work with Land Managers

Adopt-a-Trail

MORC/MOCA Adopt-a-Trail

Single point of contact for land managerTrail monitoring & user education Consulting on trail design and erosion

mitigation Coordination of periodic volunteer trail

maintenance sessionsMORC/MOCA provide trail construction

tools MORC/MOCA provide standard trail

signage for use, direction, difficulty, & safety

MORC/MOCA Adopt-a-Trail

Minnesota River BottomsTerrace Oaks - BurnsvilleLebanon Hills - Dakota CountyBattle Creek - St.PaulHarmon Park – Inver Grove HeightsChippewa Nat’l ForestDuluth, Winona, MankatoWirth Park???

SustainableTrail Construction

Trail erosion is hastened by a combination of trail users, water and gravity

Fall line vs Contour design

The Contour Trail•Erosion resistant and low maintenance

•Keeps users on the trail

•Keeps water off the trail

•Sustainable and yet fun trails are the best way to achieve the balance between resource protection and user recreation

Sheet Flow

Grade Reversals, or constant undulations in a contour trail, act as GRADE DIPS, which are another defense against water damage

Grade Reversals

How do other land managers view MORC?

“I have found that MORC has been very responsive in working on correcting trail problems.”

“Illegal trail use has been all but eliminated.” “I would encourage any agency considering

mountain bike trails to work with MORC.” John Moriarty Natural Resource Specialist, Ramsey County

Parks Department

Our Philosophy on Trail building:

Build a trail correctly the first time, use it for a

Lifetime!

Testing the Terrain

Minneapolis Bicycle Trail System Concept

Demonstration Project History

MOCA presented a project proposal to the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on March 19, 2003

The board directed staff to work with MOCA on an agreement for bike trails in Wirth Park

The MPRB requested a smaller demonstration project

Successful completion of the demonstration project will lead to negotiations to expand the trail system

Hwy 55 - Olson Memorial HwyTh

eodo

re W

irth

Pkw

y

Timeframe

We anticipate beginning construction in the spring of 2004

The pilot project evaluation period will begin when trail layout complete, tentatively Fall of 2004

One year evaluation period

Memorandum of Agreement

Trail Design StandardsMaintenance and MonitoringEducation and AwarenessSignageUser ConflictsExpensesEvaluation of the Pilot Project

Trail Design Standards - Trail Sustainability

Minimal impact to the area’s natural systems

Negligible soil lossMinimal damage to native plantings or

proliferation of invasive speciesNegligible impact on the area’s animal lifeLow-maintenance

Maintenance and Monitoring

MOCA and MPRB will regularly inspect the trails

MOCA will be responsible for maintenance of trails

MOCA will arrange for the North Central Mountain Bike Patrol to patrol area on a regular basis

Education and Awareness

Goals:1. Promote use of the Pilot Project area2.Raise awareness of the IMBA “Rules of

the Trail” to preserve trails and prevent user conflicts

Produce a pamphlet with trail map and Rules of the Trail

Signage

Signs will be installed at major access points with Rules of the Trail and trail map

Directional signage will identify designated trails for use

User Conflicts

Six member Grievance Committee (MPRB, MOCA, hiking/skiing, neighborhood)

Expenses

The MPRB will not provide direct funding for this project

The MPRB will provide staff resources to support the project

MOCA’s volunteers will construct and maintain trails

MOCA will seek grant funding for signage and pamphlet

Evaluation

Trail SustainabilityTrail MaintenancePark User SatisfactionPromotion and Awareness

Trail Maintenance and Monitoring

MOCA’s ability to maintain and monitor the trails to achieve Trail Sustainability will be evaluated

Park User Satisfaction

On-site surveysOn-line surveySurvey at bike shopsCommunity meeting

Promotion and Awareness

People’s level of awareness of the Pilot Project and the Rules of the Trail will be evaluated