N_C
The first ever trails & bike route system map available for public use. This a first for the Siouxland community. Never before has there been a trail & bike route system map that the public could pick up at various public locations through out the community.
For this first edition of the map, made possible by the Chesterman Family Foundation & Chesterman Companies, (Chesterman is the local Coca Cola Bottler), there will be 3,000 copies of the map printed & made available sometime toward the middle to the end of April. The committee responsible for putting the map together still has a few things to work out regarding the graphics, etc. Then the map will go to one of the local printing companies to be made.
The map will be printed on the shiny slick type paper, though not indestructable it should last for awhile compared to being printed on regular paper. We thought about having it printed on the 3M Tyvek paper, but because in a year or 2 there will be a revision made to the map we decided it was to expensive this first time around. Eventually the map will be on the 3M Tyvek paper. When unfolded the map will be about 20" x 15" I think. When folded it will be able to fit into a jersey pocket, a bike bag, a "fanny pack" & even the hip pocket & back pocket of a pair of jean/pants/shorts.
The map will be 2 sided. One side will have the map showing the trail & bike route system as it currently exists at the time the map is printed. With blown up inserts of the trails that go around places like Bacon Creek Park, Adam's Nature Preserve, etc. The reverse side will have a list of public local contacts in the community a list of safety & courtesy guidlines for the trail & bike route system, a disclaimer, a chart indicating places of interest, the amenities along each area of the trail system, mileage, etc & a thank you to the Chesterman Family Foundation for making the map possible through their generous donation.
Below is a list of the public contacts & the safety & courtesy guidlines that will be on the map. There have been some contacts added & the safety & courtesy guidlines has been modified to be shorter & not as complex.
Local Contact Information
1. Emergency 911
2. Police & Fire Department Non-Emergency Number 712-279-6960
3. Saint Lukes Regional Medical Center 712-279-3500
4. Mercy Medical Center 712-279-2010
5. Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department 712-279-6126
6. South Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department 402-494-7535
7. Adams Nature Preserve 605-232-0873
8. North Sioux City, City Hall 605-232-4301
9. Dakota City, City Hall 402-987-3448
10. Albrecht Cycle Shop 712-258-6050 - albrcycle@aol.com
11. Scheels All Sports 712-252-1551
12. Siouxland Cyclists www.siouxland-cyclists.com
13. Missouri River Runners Club 712-239-6650 www.missouririverrunners.com
14. Tri-State Trekkers 402-494-3279
15. Siouxland Trails Foundation www.siouxlandtrailsfoundation.org
SAFETY, COURTESY AND ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
1. Always wear a helmet if you are riding a bike or skating. No matter if you are going only 1 block or 100 miles, never ride or skate with out a helmet.
2. Always stay to the right side of the trail & roadways. Only use the left or oncoming lane when passing someone slower then you.
3. Never ride against traffic. This means both the traffic you will encounter on the trails, which include walkers, runner, skaters & bicyclists. On the roadways always ride with the flow of the motor vehicle traffic, never against it.
4. Make eye contact with other traffic. This means on both the trails & the roadways. It makes you more predictable to the other trail users & motor vehicle traffic if you have eye contact with them, so they can have an idea on what your intentions are.
5. Be predictable when using the trails or riding bicycle on the roadways. Dont weave in & out of either trail traffic or motor vehicle traffic.
6. Use verbal communication when possible. Use verbal communication to signal your intentions. When passing someone always call out; ON YOUR LEFT! Another method for cyclists is to use a bell. Do this well in advance so the other trail users have enough time to move aside to let you pass. When stopping or slowing down, call out your intention of doing so before you slow down or stop. When pulling off call out your intentions by yelling out; PULLING OFF! This is so trail users behind you can have enough time to react.
7. Use hand signals. When verbal communication is not able to be used then hand signals are a good method of communication. For turning or moving to the left stick your left hand & arm straight out to your left side, for turning or moving to the right stick your right arm & hand straight out to the right. For stopping, use your left arm & bend it down at the elbow 90 degrees with your left hand pointing straight down.
8. When stopping move off of the trail or roadway. Never stay on the trail or roadway when stopping. This blocks traffic & can cause a serious accident. So move well off of the trail or roadway when stopping.
9. Stay out of blind spots as often as possible. Especially when riding a bicycle on the roadways. Make sure motor vehicle traffic & trail users know you are there. Make noise by calling out, if you have a bell use it. And always make sure a motorist knows you are there so you dont get caught in a blind spot & end up in an accident.
10. Never draft. Drafting is where you ride or skate close enough to motor vehicle traffic, other bicyclists, or other skaters to take advantage of less wind resistance. It is a very dangerous practice & should never be attempted.
11. Always use courtesy & be considerate to other trail users & motor vehicle traffic. Even if other trail users are not being considerate show them that you are better then that & maybe they will learn from you how to behave. If a motorist is inconsiderate toward you when you ride on the public roadways do not get into a confrontation with the motorist. If the motorist is a serious problem & threat try to get their plate number & contact the authorities. Otherwise just let it go & continue on your ride.
12. Give the right of way to emergency vehicles. If you ever encounter an emergency vehicle on the trails or public roadways & the lights & sirens are going give them the right of way.
13. Beware of loose gravel & dirt on the trails & roadways. Shortly after the winter season is over or after a rain storm there is often sand & gravel on the trails & roadways. Beware of this & use the trails & roadways with a little more caution until the gravel & dirt is cleaned up.
14. Beware of other types of road debris. These include but are not limited to dead animals, sticks, rocks & glass.
15. Beware cracks in the pavement. Runners can trip on, skaters & bicyclists can get their wheels caught in the cracks in the pavement which can cause an accident. Keep an eye out for any cracks & report them to the appropriate authorities listed in the contact information on this map.
16. Beware of sewer & drain gratings. When riding bicycle on the roadways are on the look out for these. They can catch a bicycle wheel & pull you down causing an accident.
17. Be cautious at railroad crossings. Many road ways & a few trails intersect with railroad tracks. Be aware when crossing the tracks as they crossing can be very rough. Also be cautious of any approaching trains. Never cross the tracks if the arms are down or the lights are flashing. Wait for the train or find a safe way around it.
18. Always stay hydrated. A simple 20 ounce water bottle is a great way to accomplish this. The longer the distance you ride, skate, walk or run the more water you will need.
19. Stay alert when using the trails or riding your bicycle in traffic. Keep an awareness of your surroundings. Pay attention to the weather. Use your eyes & ears to see & listen to what is going on around you so you can stay safe.
20. Never wear head phones. If you must listen to music then figure out a way to do so with out using head phones so you can still hear what is going on around you. Especially when riding your bicycle. There are ways today with technology that you can still listen to & enjoy music, but with out wearing head phones to do so.
21. Always obey all traffic laws, ordinances, signs & signals. This goes for both trail users & bicyclists that ride on the public roadways.
22. Always obey private property boundaries. The trails may border private property. Never trespass onto private property with out permission.
23. Always let someone know where you are going & for how long when using the trail & bike route systems & when riding bike on the roadways. If you change your route, contact someone & inform them.
24. Always carry enough money to use a pay phone, a calling card or a cell phone. No matter how long or how short of a time you will be gone, always have some form of communication available.
25. Always make sure your bicycle, skates & other equipment is in good working order. There is nothing worse then getting out onto the trail or roadway & having your equipment fail. To enjoy the trail system & roadways make sure everything is in good shape before you leave.
26. Make sure you are in good shape before heading out onto the trails or roadways. If you are not feeling very well then wait until you do before you decide to head out. This will make your experience more enjoyable.
27. Never consume alcohol & ride bike, skate or use the trails & roadways. This is very dangerous for you & everyone else around you. And it is illegal.
28. Always eat right before using the trails or riding bicycle on the roadways. And leave plenty of time for your food to digest before doing so. This way you have enough energy to enjoy your time on the trails & roadways.
29. Do not litter. If you end up with trash because you had something to eat either dispose of it in the proper manner by using a garbage can or keep it with you until you find a garbage can. But do not throw it on the ground. Leave the trail system & roadways better then you found them.
30. HAVE FUN!
Like I said the safety & courtesy guidlines has been shortened & combined so it will fit on the map. With the current amount of text it would never fit.
The Siouxland Trails Foundation has a team of 5 committee members working very hard to get this accomplished, plus other outside help & a whole bunch of community support. We are very proud of our work on this & hope it is a huge success.
I would appreciate anything anyone here as to say that is CONSTRUCTIVE about this project that the Siouxland Trails Foundation is doing. Please NO destructive comments.
I also welcome any questions that anyone here has about this. I will try to answer them as best I can.
When the map is complete it will be on several web sites. I will post links to it at that time so everyone here can view & even print it if you wish.
Thank you.
John
For this first edition of the map, made possible by the Chesterman Family Foundation & Chesterman Companies, (Chesterman is the local Coca Cola Bottler), there will be 3,000 copies of the map printed & made available sometime toward the middle to the end of April. The committee responsible for putting the map together still has a few things to work out regarding the graphics, etc. Then the map will go to one of the local printing companies to be made.
The map will be printed on the shiny slick type paper, though not indestructable it should last for awhile compared to being printed on regular paper. We thought about having it printed on the 3M Tyvek paper, but because in a year or 2 there will be a revision made to the map we decided it was to expensive this first time around. Eventually the map will be on the 3M Tyvek paper. When unfolded the map will be about 20" x 15" I think. When folded it will be able to fit into a jersey pocket, a bike bag, a "fanny pack" & even the hip pocket & back pocket of a pair of jean/pants/shorts.
The map will be 2 sided. One side will have the map showing the trail & bike route system as it currently exists at the time the map is printed. With blown up inserts of the trails that go around places like Bacon Creek Park, Adam's Nature Preserve, etc. The reverse side will have a list of public local contacts in the community a list of safety & courtesy guidlines for the trail & bike route system, a disclaimer, a chart indicating places of interest, the amenities along each area of the trail system, mileage, etc & a thank you to the Chesterman Family Foundation for making the map possible through their generous donation.
Below is a list of the public contacts & the safety & courtesy guidlines that will be on the map. There have been some contacts added & the safety & courtesy guidlines has been modified to be shorter & not as complex.
Local Contact Information
1. Emergency 911
2. Police & Fire Department Non-Emergency Number 712-279-6960
3. Saint Lukes Regional Medical Center 712-279-3500
4. Mercy Medical Center 712-279-2010
5. Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department 712-279-6126
6. South Sioux City Parks & Recreation Department 402-494-7535
7. Adams Nature Preserve 605-232-0873
8. North Sioux City, City Hall 605-232-4301
9. Dakota City, City Hall 402-987-3448
10. Albrecht Cycle Shop 712-258-6050 - albrcycle@aol.com
11. Scheels All Sports 712-252-1551
12. Siouxland Cyclists www.siouxland-cyclists.com
13. Missouri River Runners Club 712-239-6650 www.missouririverrunners.com
14. Tri-State Trekkers 402-494-3279
15. Siouxland Trails Foundation www.siouxlandtrailsfoundation.org
SAFETY, COURTESY AND ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
1. Always wear a helmet if you are riding a bike or skating. No matter if you are going only 1 block or 100 miles, never ride or skate with out a helmet.
2. Always stay to the right side of the trail & roadways. Only use the left or oncoming lane when passing someone slower then you.
3. Never ride against traffic. This means both the traffic you will encounter on the trails, which include walkers, runner, skaters & bicyclists. On the roadways always ride with the flow of the motor vehicle traffic, never against it.
4. Make eye contact with other traffic. This means on both the trails & the roadways. It makes you more predictable to the other trail users & motor vehicle traffic if you have eye contact with them, so they can have an idea on what your intentions are.
5. Be predictable when using the trails or riding bicycle on the roadways. Dont weave in & out of either trail traffic or motor vehicle traffic.
6. Use verbal communication when possible. Use verbal communication to signal your intentions. When passing someone always call out; ON YOUR LEFT! Another method for cyclists is to use a bell. Do this well in advance so the other trail users have enough time to move aside to let you pass. When stopping or slowing down, call out your intention of doing so before you slow down or stop. When pulling off call out your intentions by yelling out; PULLING OFF! This is so trail users behind you can have enough time to react.
7. Use hand signals. When verbal communication is not able to be used then hand signals are a good method of communication. For turning or moving to the left stick your left hand & arm straight out to your left side, for turning or moving to the right stick your right arm & hand straight out to the right. For stopping, use your left arm & bend it down at the elbow 90 degrees with your left hand pointing straight down.
8. When stopping move off of the trail or roadway. Never stay on the trail or roadway when stopping. This blocks traffic & can cause a serious accident. So move well off of the trail or roadway when stopping.
9. Stay out of blind spots as often as possible. Especially when riding a bicycle on the roadways. Make sure motor vehicle traffic & trail users know you are there. Make noise by calling out, if you have a bell use it. And always make sure a motorist knows you are there so you dont get caught in a blind spot & end up in an accident.
10. Never draft. Drafting is where you ride or skate close enough to motor vehicle traffic, other bicyclists, or other skaters to take advantage of less wind resistance. It is a very dangerous practice & should never be attempted.
11. Always use courtesy & be considerate to other trail users & motor vehicle traffic. Even if other trail users are not being considerate show them that you are better then that & maybe they will learn from you how to behave. If a motorist is inconsiderate toward you when you ride on the public roadways do not get into a confrontation with the motorist. If the motorist is a serious problem & threat try to get their plate number & contact the authorities. Otherwise just let it go & continue on your ride.
12. Give the right of way to emergency vehicles. If you ever encounter an emergency vehicle on the trails or public roadways & the lights & sirens are going give them the right of way.
13. Beware of loose gravel & dirt on the trails & roadways. Shortly after the winter season is over or after a rain storm there is often sand & gravel on the trails & roadways. Beware of this & use the trails & roadways with a little more caution until the gravel & dirt is cleaned up.
14. Beware of other types of road debris. These include but are not limited to dead animals, sticks, rocks & glass.
15. Beware cracks in the pavement. Runners can trip on, skaters & bicyclists can get their wheels caught in the cracks in the pavement which can cause an accident. Keep an eye out for any cracks & report them to the appropriate authorities listed in the contact information on this map.
16. Beware of sewer & drain gratings. When riding bicycle on the roadways are on the look out for these. They can catch a bicycle wheel & pull you down causing an accident.
17. Be cautious at railroad crossings. Many road ways & a few trails intersect with railroad tracks. Be aware when crossing the tracks as they crossing can be very rough. Also be cautious of any approaching trains. Never cross the tracks if the arms are down or the lights are flashing. Wait for the train or find a safe way around it.
18. Always stay hydrated. A simple 20 ounce water bottle is a great way to accomplish this. The longer the distance you ride, skate, walk or run the more water you will need.
19. Stay alert when using the trails or riding your bicycle in traffic. Keep an awareness of your surroundings. Pay attention to the weather. Use your eyes & ears to see & listen to what is going on around you so you can stay safe.
20. Never wear head phones. If you must listen to music then figure out a way to do so with out using head phones so you can still hear what is going on around you. Especially when riding your bicycle. There are ways today with technology that you can still listen to & enjoy music, but with out wearing head phones to do so.
21. Always obey all traffic laws, ordinances, signs & signals. This goes for both trail users & bicyclists that ride on the public roadways.
22. Always obey private property boundaries. The trails may border private property. Never trespass onto private property with out permission.
23. Always let someone know where you are going & for how long when using the trail & bike route systems & when riding bike on the roadways. If you change your route, contact someone & inform them.
24. Always carry enough money to use a pay phone, a calling card or a cell phone. No matter how long or how short of a time you will be gone, always have some form of communication available.
25. Always make sure your bicycle, skates & other equipment is in good working order. There is nothing worse then getting out onto the trail or roadway & having your equipment fail. To enjoy the trail system & roadways make sure everything is in good shape before you leave.
26. Make sure you are in good shape before heading out onto the trails or roadways. If you are not feeling very well then wait until you do before you decide to head out. This will make your experience more enjoyable.
27. Never consume alcohol & ride bike, skate or use the trails & roadways. This is very dangerous for you & everyone else around you. And it is illegal.
28. Always eat right before using the trails or riding bicycle on the roadways. And leave plenty of time for your food to digest before doing so. This way you have enough energy to enjoy your time on the trails & roadways.
29. Do not litter. If you end up with trash because you had something to eat either dispose of it in the proper manner by using a garbage can or keep it with you until you find a garbage can. But do not throw it on the ground. Leave the trail system & roadways better then you found them.
30. HAVE FUN!
Like I said the safety & courtesy guidlines has been shortened & combined so it will fit on the map. With the current amount of text it would never fit.
The Siouxland Trails Foundation has a team of 5 committee members working very hard to get this accomplished, plus other outside help & a whole bunch of community support. We are very proud of our work on this & hope it is a huge success.
I would appreciate anything anyone here as to say that is CONSTRUCTIVE about this project that the Siouxland Trails Foundation is doing. Please NO destructive comments.
I also welcome any questions that anyone here has about this. I will try to answer them as best I can.
When the map is complete it will be on several web sites. I will post links to it at that time so everyone here can view & even print it if you wish.
Thank you.
John