Bicycle enthusiasts in Sacramento have reason to gear up for some good news. The Sacramento County Department of Transportation (SacDOT) is tapping into grant funds to roll out the first phase of the Sacramento Northern Bike Trail expansion, stretching it out to the Placer County Line. This development pedals closer to the vision of connecting communities and fostering active transportation in the area.
As the trail stands, its path halts at the Elverta Park and Ride lot, with only a mile and a half short stopping short of Placer County's beginning. To bridge this gap, SacDOT will helm a feasibility study and conduct outreach with residents near the proposed trail expansion, backed by a grant of $564,864. This move signals the wheels of progress turning, yet reminds us of the challenge in laying down literal groundwork to ensure the trail's seamless transition from one county line to another.
The Sacramento Northern Trail, which unfurls from the American River Parkway near Northgate Boulevard in the City of Sacramento, winds through unincorporated areas of the county to the doorstep of Placer – currently marked by an unpaved section. Measured steps are being taken to transform this 1.5-mile stretch into a fully paved and striped Class 1 trail, thus rendering it a more accessible and enjoyable route for riders of all stripes.
According to Sacramento County's announcement, this project aligns with the broader Sacramento Area Council of Government’s (SACOG) goal to bolster the Sacramento Regional Trail Network Action Plan and complements the ambitions outlined in the Sacramento County Active Transportation Plan. Besides the substantial contribution by SACOG’s Carbon Reduction Program, which pitches in $564,864, Sacramento County will also chip in a local match of $73,408 from Measure A funds – a testament to the investments being made into healthier, more sustainable commuting options.
Residents eager to see this trail come to fruition won't have to wait long to witness the gears turning on this project. The county anticipates that its feasibility study will commence in September, signaling the initial phase of a venture set to enrich community connections and promote greener transit options. With a total project price tag at $640,000, this extension represents both a literal and metaphorical pathway towards knitting the region together, serving as a reflection of the growing recognition of the value in active transportation infrastructure.
