We are excited to begin the second phase of our trail mapping and signage project. This phase, which we aim to complete in 2023 includes creating new maps for each of our trail systems. These maps will be available digitally, connected to popular trail apps, as well as appear at trailheads across the Valley. To display these maps, we plan to install new trailhead kiosks at each trail systems--some will receive two or three kiosks.
The overall project cost is estimated to run $17k. We're currently applying for grants to cover a significant portion of that cost, and submitted an application to IMBA's Dig-In fundraising platform, which matches any amount of money we raise from January to April dollar for dollar up to $5k. We'll share more fundraising details as they become available. Below are some more details on the project:
Why We Need Maps and Kiosks
Creating consistent trailhead and digital maps for the six public trail systems in our area is necessary to make our diverse, multi-use trails more welcoming and safer for new riders, more enjoyable for our existing riders, and help visitors find and navigate our local trails. We currently lack those assets for several systems.
VMB maintains more than 80 miles of singletrack in our region, and six unique trail systems that offer everything from old-school tech to new school jump trails. We have beginner friendly lakeside trails, and an amazing urban trail system only three miles from downtown Allentown, Pennsylvania’s third largest city. All trails are within a 20 mile radius of our downtown core and in a region that has more than a million residents.
Many of the trails systems are new, purpose built for mountain bikers, or established trails that have undergone significant improvements recently. While we have a wealth of trails, we lack clear, cohesive signage, welcoming trailhead kiosks, and easy to follow maps. In 2022, we completed the first step of this project, installing directional signs at each system. This effort represents the next critical step: producing clear, consistent, easy to follow physical and digital maps for each trail system and installing trailhead kiosks to display those maps and other important information–welcomimng riders to the trails and providing the information they need to have a safe, fun, enjoyable experience.
Given the trail locations near urban cores, we have the potential to welcome so many more riders to our trails, especially those from diverse backgrounds who haven’t been represented in the mountain bike community. Informational signage, maps, and welcome kiosks will make our trails more accessible to them. The lack of signage is often cited as one of the main reasons more people do not use several of the trail systems.
With proper signage, helpful maps, and welcoming trailheads, we expect to see even more users of our trails, leading to healthier communities, more volunteers to assist with stewardship, and an economic boost to our region from additional recreation-based tourism.
What About These Maps?
We're considering several outfits to produce maps for each of our trailsystems, including a local rider (now living in Europe) who has created maps for the D&L, City of Easton, and other local groups. We expect to finalize a contract in early December. Whomever we select, the goal is to produce accurate, engaging helpful maps that we can display in the new kiosks, share digitally, and that are compatible with trail apps. Each map will show the trail system in detail, including important points of interest, helpful information, and details and background that help new and existing riders have a better, safe, more enjoyable experience.
And the Kiosks?
We are working with landmanagers to identify the correct size and design of kiosks to fit their requirements. We expect each one to contain the VMB trail map, other essential info for riders, QR codes for digital versions of the maps and trail info (for on the trail navigation) and other relevant details. We'll construct the kiosks using volunteers (if you're a contractor or know of anyone who's good with building things with wood who can help, let us know!). We think we'll need at least 10 kiosks, and will aim to have them installed by summer 2023.
When We're Finished:
When completed, we'll have installed more than 200 signposts across the valley, 10 kiosks and for the first time ever have clear, accurate, consisten maps for all our trail systems. We want to build an incredible mountain bike community--one that supports our members and long-time locals as well as welcomes new riders from nearby or who are visiting from out of town. This project will make that so much easier.