Frequently Asked Questions
Your Questions About the Regional Trail Network, Answered.
What is the Sacramento Regional Trail Network?
The Sacramento Regional Trail Network is a plan to connect existing trails throughout the region to make it easier for community members and visitors to explore cities and counties without a car. The network crosses city and county lines to create a truly interconnected system.
How was the Sacramento Regional Trail Network developed?
The Sacramento Regional Trail Network was developed in partnership with 28 cities, six counties, numerous special districts, and state and local agencies throughout the region. Development consisted of careful review of 80 local, state, and regional plans that address trails and active transportation, and a survey of more than 3,000 community members. The resulting network focuses on filling gaps, increasing access in disadvantaged areas of the region, and creating a cohesive network that leads to civic amenities such as parks, restaurants, and more.
How many new miles of trails will the network add to the region?
If all planned trails and study corridors are constructed, it could add a total of 821 miles of trails. This would equal to a total network of over 1,000 miles.
I can already ride my bike on roads and walk on sidewalks, how is the trail network different?
Not all road and sidewalk options feel safe to use as a form of transportation for everyone. The goal is to create low-stress trail connections that are accessible to more people of all ages and abilities. Imagine riding to your favorite park on bikes as a family out of the way of busy roadways or walking to a friend’s house without having the whirring traffic beside you. The vision of this network is to provide those types of pleasant connections that make walking and biking to destinations a top choice.
What kind of trails can I expect to find in the network?
The types of trails will vary. Almost 400 miles will be shared-use paths that are away from roadways and built exclusively for bike and pedestrians. There will also be 168 miles of informal and unpaved trails, and 50 miles of protected bike lanes. About 300 miles of trails are being studied and updated later.
What are the next steps for building the network?
Constructing and funding 800 miles of new trails is going to take some time. To start, SACOG is creating a process for prioritizing trail projects that will make the most impact in areas such as the number of people being served, and access increased in underserved areas. This allows for alignment within the region on how to prioritize funding and resources available for trails in the region.
How can I help?
As the region continues to grow, having thoughtful active transportation options will be vital to community members. You can get involved by continuing to talk about and share trails with your community. To help, SACOG has created a toolkit with messaging and informational materials to help continue the conversation and support of the Sacramento Regional Trail Network.