neighborhoods, schools, neighborhood services, and key civic and community destinations. The Citywide system is proposed to connect to other surrounding communities and other regional systems such as the Veloweb and Bowman Branch Trail in south Arlington and future trails along the southern edge of Joe Pool Lake.
Promote a feeling of safety on all trails and routes – Trails, sidewalks, and bike routes should provide smooth corridors that feel safe and are visible. Safety is a concern of many residents, whether they are avid or casual recreational cyclists, walkers or pedestrian/bicycle commuters. In many instances historic design decisions have been made to increase vehicular traffic and/or parking capacity and speeds at the expense of cyclists and pedestrians. The lack of continuous sidewalk and bike route systems in Mansfield, especially along busy streets and in older areas of town, reduces connectivity and forces less experienced users to utilize inadequate or dangerous facilities and routes elsewhere.
Provide a variety of facility types – Provide facilities (including trails, sidewalks, and bike routes) that are suitable for a variety of activities, including running, walking, cycling and in-line skating. Provide nature trail opportunities where feasible. Consider facilities for water surface (canoe and kayak) trails along the edge of Joe Pool Lake, and up into the mouths of Walnut Creek and Low Branch Creek corridors.
Access – Access to the off-street trail system must be maximized as much as is feasible. This may range from simple sidewalk connections to the trails, to complete “trailheads” with parking and comfort facilities such as shade shelters and restrooms where appropriate. The City can encourage use of the trail system by creating easy access to the system.
Character of the City – Trail segments and key sidewalk segments should be designed so that they promote the physical and historical character of the City of Mansfield and enhance the physical appearance of the city, whether through new pedestrian features, or simply by revealing natural areas not previously visible to the general public. They should relate to the adjacent neighborhoods and surroundings. These facilities and corridors provide unique opportunities to learn about the history, culture, and accomplishments of Mansfield. Trails provide access to the natural habitat in the City, and should offer ample opportunities to learn about the environment. Include interpretive facilities where feasible to incorporate signs and features that provide opportunities for learning about Mansfield and its cultural and ecological heritage.
Trails should enhance Mansfield’s Image – The visibility of cyclists and pedestrians in a city creates a sense of human scale, friendliness, and social connectivity. Such visibility also creates a “lifestyle” or “quality of life” image for the community. In short, it is a welcome sight to see people actively moving about the city by foot or by bike. Providing adequate facilities that will attract
Chapter 7 – Trails Master Plan
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