Across the United States bicycle recreation and commuting is skyrocketing and has become the second most popular outdoor activity in the country based on frequency of participation.
Utah is known for hundreds of miles of pristine single track, superb road riding opportunities and a growing percentage of bicycle commuters. According to the Sierra Club, cyclists in the U.S. save over $4.6 billion every year by hopping on a bike rather than getting behind the steering wheel of a car.
In Salt Lake City, commuters and recreational cyclists are one step closer to a proposed Parley’s Canyon Trail that would link Salt Lake and Summit counties via the abandoned old U.S. 40 road bed which is located to the south of Interstate 80.
Residents of both counties have recently had the opportunity to participate in a study to determine the feasibility, estimated use and popularity of a regional trail that would connect Salt Lake’s Emigration Canyon and Bonneville Shoreline Trail to Kimball Junction and Summit County’s miles of epic riding.
The Parley’s Canyon Trail concept first surfaced in 2006, when bicycle commuters applied for a Utah Transportation Enhancement Grant to develop a safer commuting alternative to I-80 between Salt Lake and Park City. After the grant was denied, Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation Department partnered with Summit County and hired a consultant to create a realistic, multi-option plan that would discuss trail options, costs and environmental impacts.
Salt Lake County requested input from residents and found that 98 percent of those polled suggested they would use this new trail system at least four times per month and 12 percent would ride it as a viable commuter link.
Public input suggests that a trail crossing I-80 and running between the Mountain Dell Golf Course and Parley’s Summit would potentially act as a regional transportation corridor, increase bicycle and hiking visits to Lambs Canyon, provide new mountain bike access and even expand the system of Nordic Ski Trails currently available at Mountain Dell.
The Parley’s Canyon Trail Feasibility Assessment Report and public survey can be found at:
http://www.recreation.slco.org/planning/html/Parleys_Canyon.html
The 44-page assessment provides a comprehensive study of trail route options, existing conditions, environmental impact analysis, trail facility needs and a true cost estimate.
With public support and Salt Lake County backing, this new trail system presents an intriguing opportunity to create a unique and safe connection between the incredible recreational opportunities available in both Salt Lake and Park City. Look for more information on the study and assessment to emerge in the coming months!
This is terrific! Insta-reshare, thanks for breaking the news on Twitter!