Public Engagement Summaries

The first phase of community outreach for the Strategic Trails Plan took place in March - May 2024, and included a variety of engagement tools and opportunities. Feedback was centered around the community's experiences, challenges, opportunities, and values related to the paved trail system. Additional phases of public engagement occurred throughout 2024, and into 2025.

A few key takeaways and themes that emerged from the public engagement were:

Phase I (Marcy - May 2024)

• Trails for all. Everyone should have access to trail opportunities and the planning and design of trails should account for the great variation in abilities, cultural backgrounds, modes of movement, and diversity of the community.
• Community Connections. Priority connections for the community include neighborhoods, schools, parks, natural areas, and linkages to other trails.
• Interconnected Network. Trails are a key component of the City’s system of facilities for active transportation and recreation and should be considered congruently with those facilities to provide a seamless and safe user experience.

Phase II (May - November 2024)

• Complement On-Street Infrastructure - Trails should complement, not replace on-street bicycle infrastructure. In many areas of the city, the existing and proposed on-street infrastructure is low-stress.
• Balancing Trail Access - Homeowner concern for loss of privacy if trails are developed within irrigation ditch corridors and very close to homes.
• New Trails in the Northeast - Strong support for investment in NE Fort Collins trails and interim facilities while future development processes unfold.
• Trail Safety Education - Need for additional trail safety education regarding user behaviors/etiquette.
• Partnerships Produce Results - Collaborative trail development in Northern Colorado has resulted in the successful completion of numerous projects that connect Fort Collins to neighboring communities. The City should continue to leverage partnerships for a coordinated approach to network development.

Phase III (December – June 2025)

• Trails as a mechanism for environmental stewardship: Trail development should integrate environmental analysis and best practices to understand potential impacts to habitat and sensitive ecosystems and eliminate or mitigate negative impacts through close collaboration with the Natural Areas Department and compliance with applicable federal, state, and city regulations.
• Continue proactive community engagement: The planning process for the STP has successfully engaged community members. On-going communication with the community on trail-related topics should continue beyond plan adoption.
• Expand outreach focus: Trail safety and etiquette education should expand to include community awareness on paved trail impacts to sensitive habitats and wildlife, such as bicycle volumes and speeds. Outreach should provide ways to avoid or mitigate these impacts.