Folsom Boulevard Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing Feasibility Study

The City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department has begun a feasibility study for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over Folsom Boulevard, between Blue Ravine Road and Glenn Drive. The goal is to identify a safe, convenient, cost-effective active transportation connection across Folsom Boulevard, linking transit, neighborhoods, businesses, and recreational attractions such as the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area.

The feasibility study will consider possible alternatives for establishing an east-west gap closure across Folsom Boulevard and the feasibility for its implementation.

In spring 2023, the city hosted an Online Community Questionnaire to present four preliminary alternatives for the overcrossing for the public’s consideration, as shown in the map.

A public workshop was held October 19; it included a project update from the study team, and the opportunity for attendees to share input on proposed alternatives and aesthetic concepts for the bridge. The city also conducted an online community survey in October to solicit additional input on the refined alternatives and bridge concepts.

The alignment options and design concepts were reviewed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and Planning Commission in November 2023; both commissions recommended the North Alternative Alignment, which was presented to the Folsom City Council for final approval at their January 23, 2024 meeting. The North Alternative Alignment was approved by the council as the preferred alternative alignment. Parks & Recreation staff are authorized to apply for grant funding through the  Caltrans Cycle 7 Active Transportation Program for design/engineering and construction of the overcrossing.

Public Outreach Process 

Contact City of Folsom Senior Trails Planner Brett Bollinger if you would like to participate in future  public outreach events or with questions about the Folsom Boulevard Bicycle/Pedestrian Overcrossing Feasibility Study.

 The proposed trail alignment is approximately 1.25 miles long and is located on the east side of East Bidwell Street. The proposed trail would extend from Iron Point Road on the south to the existing Humbug-Willow Creek Trail, located approximately 1/2-mile north of Oak Avenue Parkway. The proposed project would complete segments of Class I Trail between Iron Point Road to Broadstone Parkway (approximately 1/2-mile), and from Scholar Way to the north where the trail will connect with the existing Humbug-Willow Creek Trail (approximately 1 mile).

Notice of Intent to Adopt a Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration

A 30-day review period for the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) begins December 14, 2023. All interested individuals and public agencies are hereby invited to submit written comments on the document. The IS/MND will be made available during the 30-day review period at the Folsom City Clerk’s office, 50 Natoma Street, second floor, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The IS/MND is available to download.

The appendices for the IS/MND are available to download.

Written comments on the document can be sent by regular mail or email to:

Brett Bollinger

Folsom Parks & Recreation

50 Natoma Street, Folsom, CA 95630

email bbollinger@folsom.ca.us

The full name and physical mailing address of the agency, individual, or organization must be included in the comment. Please use the phrase “Folsom-Placerville Rail Trail Project Mitigated Negative Declaration” in the subject line. Comments must be received at the above address by 5  p.m. January 15, 2024.

Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Summary

 The IS/MND identified potentially significant impacts for the following California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) issue areas: Air Quality, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology/Soils, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Hazards & Hazardous Materials, and Tribal Cultural Resources. The IS/MND includes mitigation measures that would sufficiently reduce impacts related to the issue areas listed above to a less than significant level. The IS/MND determined that the project would not result in any impacts that would remain significant and unavoidable after implementation of all feasible mitigation measures. Specific mitigation measures to reduce potential impacts are discussed in their respective chapters.

City of Folsom Active Transportation Plan (ATP)

The Active Transportation Master Plan (ATP) combines and updates the master plans for both pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the City of Folsom. It will guide the planning, development, and maintenance of existing and future bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the city, including recommended citywide active transportation network improvements and Safe Routes to School.

This planning effort is made possible by funding from the SACOG 2019 State of Good Repair Planning and Project Development Grant Funding Program.

The Draft ATP was open for public comment from March 18 through April 24. City staff reviewed all of the comments submitted during the draft period incorporated them into the final version of the ATP (please note: the file is large and may take some time to load depending on the speed of your computer or mobile device). Formal adoption of the ATP was made by the Folsom City Council June 14, 2022.

Contact Brett Bollinger, City of Folsom Senior Trails Planner, with questions about the ATP.

Folsom's Adopt-A-Trail Program

The Adopt-A-Trail program was developed by Folsom Parks & Recreation to provide the opportunity for community members and organizations to beautify, restore, and help maintain the city's treasured trail system. Through the dedication of our volunteers, the trail system receives the extra attention needed to help keep the trails maintained.

Adopt-A-Trail program overview:

• Trail sections are adopted in one-mile segments.
• Adopters are required to make a one-year commitment with regular trail checks and cleanup days. Minimum requirement of one cleanup day per month. Work hours vary depending on trail conditions and weather.
• Contract can be renewed or terminated annually; contract begins the day the group/individual signs the agreement.
• Participants are not required to be Folsom residents.

Adopt-A-Trail Sponsorship Opportunities
There is no charge to take part in the Adopt-A-Trail program as an Adopter or cleanup day participant. However, individuals, groups, or businesses can choose to become a sponsor if they would like to help support Folsom’s trail system financially.

One-year Adopt-A-Trail sponsorships are available for $1,000 per trail section; five-year sponsorships are available for $4,000.Sponsorships are made through the City of Folsom Parks & Recreation Department. Donated funds will be used for the continued maintenance of the section(s) selected by the sponsor and additional trail system needs. Email Senior Trails Planner Brett Bollinger to inquire about trail sponsorship opportunities.

Adopt-A-Trail Program Coordinator
The Friends of Folsom Parkways serve as the Adopt-A-Trail Program Coordinator and are the main point of contact for questions and to provide assistance with the adoption process. Email the Friends of Folsom Parkways for more information and to participate in the Adopt-A-Trail program.

Learn More About the Adopt-A-Trail Program and Adopt or Sponsor a Section of Trail

• Map with Adoptable Trail Sections
• Adopt-A-Trail Handbook
• Adopt-A-Trail Application

Contact the Friends of the Folsom Parkways with questions about the Adopt-A-Trail program.

Map of Folsom’s trail systems are below. You can also pick up a copy of the main trail map at the Parks & Recreation registration counter at 48 Natoma Street.

Folsom Trails Map

Hinkle Creek Trail Map

For more information, visit the Hinkle Creek Nature Area page.

Folsom Plan Area (FPA) map of planned trails

For more information, visit the Folsom Plan Area page.

Trail Rules

• Bike Right: cyclists keep to the right side of the trail (i.e. to the right side of the center line), maintain a safe speed, and pass on the left side of oncoming walking pedestrians. Move to the right after passing.
• Walk Left: walkers and runners should keep to the left side of the trail (i.e. to the left side of the center line and on the pavement or shoulder), facing oncoming bicycle traffic. 
• Dogs on Leash: dogs must be kept on a leash (maximum 6-foot length, including retractable leads) at all times.
• Stopping on Trail: pull completely off the trail if you need to stop.
• Stay on Trail: stay on developed trails to preserve the terrain and vegetation. Bicycles and pedestrians are not allowed on unauthorized, non-paved trails.
• Follow all Traffic and Trail Signs:  make sure to yield to traffic signs and follow any marked detours. Always watch for vehicle traffic, particularly where it crosses the multi-use trail.
• Bike and Walk Single File: riding, walking, and running single file helps keep the trail clear of congestion and reduces the chances of an accident.
• 15 MPH Speed Limit: the trail system is not designed for extreme biking; riding at high speeds pose a hazard to you and those around you.

Trail Etiquette

• Know where you should be on the trail as a cyclist or pedestrian.
• Please be a good steward of the trails and leave no trace.
• Don’t litter, and pick up after dogs.
• Stay on developed trails to preserve the terrain and vegetation.

• You can report maintenance issues online or by smartphone using SeeClickFix Folsom.
• Download the SeeClickFix Folsom app
• Report abandoned shopping carts by phone or text to 800-913-5639 or online.
• Contact Senior Trails Planner Brett Bollinger at 916-461-6632 or email bbollinger@folsom.ca.us.

On-demand bike lockers are available at the Glenn Drive and Historic Folsom (Sutter Street) stations. These lockers can be accessed by using the BikeLink System.

Register for the On-Demand System

Weatherproof, secure bike lockers are also available for rent at the Regional Transit light rail stations in Folsom. For more information about bike lockers rental leasing, please call 916-461-6601, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Folsom City Council approved two changes to the Folsom Municipal Code (FMC) Ordinance related to vehicles permitted on the Class I bike trails within the City of Folsom responsibility. This does not include the Lake Natoma Trail or Folsom Lake Trail, which are within California State Parks area of responsibility.

FMC Section 10.26 regulating the use of Electric Personal Assistive Mobile Devices (EPMADs) was deleted as EPMADs are effectively regulated by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) Section 313(a). FMC Section 10.40 pertaining to use of Electric Assist Mobility Devices on Class I Bike Trails (e-assist bicycles, scooters, and EPMADs (Segway). The new Ordinance may be found here: FMC Section 10.40 pertaining to use of Electric Assist Mobility Devices.

The 1994 Humbug Willow Creek (HBWC) Parkway Master Plan is an additional tool with which the Parks & Recreation Department implements trail development and design standards for properties abutting the Humbug Creek and Willow Creek open spaces.

The Humbug-Willow Creek Design Guidelines were established to implement trail development. Adopted by City Council on March 24, 1998 by Resolution No. 5632.

The Johnny Cash Trail Art Experience is an $8+ million project located along the city’s renowned 2.5-mile Johnny Cash Trail. The completion of this public art project is dependent on robust donations and sponsorships. As funds become available, the planned works of public art will be commissioned and installed. Learn more about the Art Experience and donor opportunities at folsomcasharttrail.com.

There are over 30 miles of trails planned in the FPA. Trail development will occur as residential development takes place. Contact Brett Bollinger at 916-461-6632 or by email for information about the trail projects.