May 23, 2022: Leaders from across the region celebrated the adoption of the Sacramento Regional Trail Network on National Bike to Work Day, showcasing the potential of trails to connect communities across city and county boundaries.

Last month the SACOG Board of Directors approved the Sacramento Regional Trail Network and a strategy to prioritize the regional coordination to develop more than 800 miles of new trails across the six county Sacramento region. The trail network will be a region-defining connection that equitably improves access to natural resources and daily destinations for all community members.

The trail network is the result of a three-year planning effort that included careful review of local, regional, and state trails plans in the 22 city and six county Sacramento region. Planning included a public survey which more than 3,000 community members who responded with what they value in bike and walking connections. When constructed, the trail network would create more than 800 new miles of trails focused on improving connections to community destinations and eliminate inequitable access.

Once the network is fully realized, it has the potential to increase household access to trails by 17.1%. That means more than 406,000 residents would have access to safer walking and biking routes. The network could spark a new wave of how community members get around the region. Active transportation can improve health, air quality, and reduce the region’s reliance on cars, building a more vibrant community.

The approved trail network:

• Provides a vision for city and counties to strategically build trails that enhance community connections and work across jurisdictional boundaries.
• Envisions low stress walking and rolling routes for all ages and abilities.
• Diminishes inequitable trail access for underserved, low-income communities.

“It’s one of the biggest things we can do to make a difference, and all of us have to work together,” said SACOG Board Chair, Rick Jennings while addressing the Board of Directors during the April 2022 board meeting, “To me, this is a legacy we all leave behind.”

The approval of the Sacramento Region Trail Network is just the beginning of a long-term vision to create a more sustainable and vibrant region for the next generation. Visit www.ReadySetTrails.com to learn more.