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Proposed bike trail would go from Napa to Calistoga
A couple rides a tandem bicycle along Silverado Trail north of Napa on Thursday morning. Discussion has begun on a valley-long bike trail. J.L. Sousa/Register | Buy photos
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CommentSomeday Napans may be able to walk or bike all the way to Calistoga on a trail just for them.
Trail boosters have completed a study on developing a Class I bike and walking trail stretching from Napa to Calistoga — and eventually south to the ferry terminal in Vallejo.
Trail boosters have completed a study on developing a Class I bike and walking trail stretching from Napa to Calistoga — and eventually south to the ferry terminal in Vallejo.
The Napa County Transportation and Planning Agency commissioned the study in the spring to consider a trail that would stretch 22 miles between Napa and Calistoga. The $100,000 study was paid for by all the cities and the county and is more than 250 pages long. The concept is being called the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
“We want to get our story out there ... lets make this a reality,” said Chuck McMinn of St. Helena, who has started a group, the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. The group has a Web site, www.napavalleyvinetrail.org, and its goal is to gather support for the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
“We want to get our story out there ... lets make this a reality,” said Chuck McMinn of St. Helena, who has started a group, the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition. The group has a Web site, www.napavalleyvinetrail.org, and its goal is to gather support for the Napa Valley Vine Trail.
The feasibility study looks at the challenges of constructing a Class I bike path, which will be physically separated from any roadway, said Eliot Hurwitz, program manager with NCTPA.
Three locations are being investigated — one scenario has the path paralleling Highway 29. A second version is near the Silverado Trail. The most ambitious route follows the Napa River through the heart of the Napa Valley.
Three locations are being investigated — one scenario has the path paralleling Highway 29. A second version is near the Silverado Trail. The most ambitious route follows the Napa River through the heart of the Napa Valley.
“This is just a feasibility study. The next step would look at what it would take to build it and the challenges,” said Hurwitz. “It will be a big deal. It is a very exciting opportunity to let Napa show some real visionary leadership, while protecting our quality of life.”
The price tag for building a bike and walking trail would be around $1 million per mile. Hurwitz envisions paying for it with a combination of private contributions, federal and state money.
Work on the Napa Vine Trail would be done in segments. Some pieces are already in place, such as a segment of the Bay Trail in American Canyon, Napa’s River Trail between Lincoln Avenue and Trancas Street and Calistoga’s path south of town to Dunaweal Lane.
“A good way to get a sense of what this could look like, go see the new path the city of Calistoga has done to Dunaweal Lane. It is beautiful. It’s used by joggers, bikes, walkers and moms pushing strollers. It’s not just a bike path. It’s something used by the community,” said Hurwitz. “Something like this has been on a lot of people’s minds.”
A public input session is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at the NCTPA’s conference room at 701 Randolph St.
Hurwitz said the long-range goal is to offer residents and tourists an alternative to driving.
He envisions guests coming to the valley from San Francisco via the ferry and biking to Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga. “There is a market for this ... there (are) people who are attracted to something like this.”
McMinn said, “I have been thinking of something like this for a long time. I think it would be great to show off the beauty of our valley.”
He and his wife own Vineyard 29 winery north of St. Helena.
McMinn said support is growing. Some of the supporters include Napa Valley Vintners, Land Trust of Napa County, Friends of the Napa River, Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon, the Napa Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Napa County Parks and Open Space District. “All these organizations agree with us to make this trail a reality.”
McMinn prefers the trail option that runs down the center of the valley. “The challenge here is it crosses private lands. My goal is to make this a win-win situation for those landowners. I want to make this something they can be proud of and support. No vineyard land will have to be taken out of production. It is strictly voluntary. We want the property owners involved in the process.”
He added that there are about 150 parcel owners to deal with to make this happen.
“This is an easy project to get behind. Everyone thinks it is a great resource,” McMinn said. “Through this study, we’ve got everybody’s eyes open that this is a possibility.”
Bike enthusiast Dieter Deiss, of Calistoga, a member of the NCTPA bike advisory committee and the Calistoga Bike Committee, has “always dreamed of a bike route connecting the cities of the Napa Valley” — similar to his native Germany, where the concept was embraced at the end of World War II. He’s lived Upvalley since 1987.
“Our primary reason for doing this is to improve the quality of life for the people that live here,” Deiss said.
“I am convinced this is for the well-being of the citizens ... to be able to walk and bike. I’m optimistic.”
Deiss also favors the trail option that runs the center of the valley “so everyone can experience the breathtaking beauty. You can’t experience that behind a steering wheel on Highway 29. This will give you a whole different experience of the valley.”
Deiss thinks the synergy behind the Napa Vine Trail is one of the better examples of government, businesses and citizens working together. In one year something that was only an idea has resulted in a completed feasibility report with three trail options.
“We want a route that is in total harmony with whoever is affected,” Deiss said. He does not envision the trail being a straight line.
He thinks the timing is perfect for the trail as everyone begins to jump aboard the green movement, deal with high gas prices and try to reduce traffic congestion in the Napa Valley.
“With this trail we could become a known destination for having one of the most beautiful walking and bike trails in the country. We are years behind Marin and Sonoma counties and the Bay Area Trail,” Deiss said. “We just have to catch up.”
The Napa Vine Trail feasibility study is available at www.nctpa.net.
The price tag for building a bike and walking trail would be around $1 million per mile. Hurwitz envisions paying for it with a combination of private contributions, federal and state money.
Work on the Napa Vine Trail would be done in segments. Some pieces are already in place, such as a segment of the Bay Trail in American Canyon, Napa’s River Trail between Lincoln Avenue and Trancas Street and Calistoga’s path south of town to Dunaweal Lane.
“A good way to get a sense of what this could look like, go see the new path the city of Calistoga has done to Dunaweal Lane. It is beautiful. It’s used by joggers, bikes, walkers and moms pushing strollers. It’s not just a bike path. It’s something used by the community,” said Hurwitz. “Something like this has been on a lot of people’s minds.”
A public input session is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. at the NCTPA’s conference room at 701 Randolph St.
Hurwitz said the long-range goal is to offer residents and tourists an alternative to driving.
He envisions guests coming to the valley from San Francisco via the ferry and biking to Napa, St. Helena and Calistoga. “There is a market for this ... there (are) people who are attracted to something like this.”
McMinn said, “I have been thinking of something like this for a long time. I think it would be great to show off the beauty of our valley.”
He and his wife own Vineyard 29 winery north of St. Helena.
McMinn said support is growing. Some of the supporters include Napa Valley Vintners, Land Trust of Napa County, Friends of the Napa River, Napa County Supervisor Diane Dillon, the Napa Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Napa County Parks and Open Space District. “All these organizations agree with us to make this trail a reality.”
McMinn prefers the trail option that runs down the center of the valley. “The challenge here is it crosses private lands. My goal is to make this a win-win situation for those landowners. I want to make this something they can be proud of and support. No vineyard land will have to be taken out of production. It is strictly voluntary. We want the property owners involved in the process.”
He added that there are about 150 parcel owners to deal with to make this happen.
“This is an easy project to get behind. Everyone thinks it is a great resource,” McMinn said. “Through this study, we’ve got everybody’s eyes open that this is a possibility.”
Bike enthusiast Dieter Deiss, of Calistoga, a member of the NCTPA bike advisory committee and the Calistoga Bike Committee, has “always dreamed of a bike route connecting the cities of the Napa Valley” — similar to his native Germany, where the concept was embraced at the end of World War II. He’s lived Upvalley since 1987.
“Our primary reason for doing this is to improve the quality of life for the people that live here,” Deiss said.
“I am convinced this is for the well-being of the citizens ... to be able to walk and bike. I’m optimistic.”
Deiss also favors the trail option that runs the center of the valley “so everyone can experience the breathtaking beauty. You can’t experience that behind a steering wheel on Highway 29. This will give you a whole different experience of the valley.”
Deiss thinks the synergy behind the Napa Vine Trail is one of the better examples of government, businesses and citizens working together. In one year something that was only an idea has resulted in a completed feasibility report with three trail options.
“We want a route that is in total harmony with whoever is affected,” Deiss said. He does not envision the trail being a straight line.
He thinks the timing is perfect for the trail as everyone begins to jump aboard the green movement, deal with high gas prices and try to reduce traffic congestion in the Napa Valley.
“With this trail we could become a known destination for having one of the most beautiful walking and bike trails in the country. We are years behind Marin and Sonoma counties and the Bay Area Trail,” Deiss said. “We just have to catch up.”
The Napa Vine Trail feasibility study is available at www.nctpa.net.
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Exasperated wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:18 AM:
napan79 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:19 AM:
Paddy wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:06 AM:
napan007 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:56 AM:
DJ! wrote on Oct 6, 2008 9:15 AM:
Common Sense wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:00 AM:
Demo Cracy wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:32 AM:
tgrl707 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:37 AM:
nvunite wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:00 AM:
mikeb wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:00 AM:
WatchDoggie wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:02 AM:
But remember: The bike trail will still have to cross some very highly-trafficked intersections at the various crossings. Unless these crossings are well-regulated, you may actually see MORE casualties from riders getting t-boned by oblivious drivers. "
musikluvr wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:05 AM:
steph wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:10 AM:
I love it!
But a million bucks a mile? Can we make it cheaper? "
Demo Cracy wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:41 AM:
rage against wrote on Oct 6, 2008 11:48 AM:
As for funding, isn't there a way we could put a very small tax on the billions of tourist that flock to our little valley. I would think we could enough moeny in one season, if we could figure out the legality. Hopefully this isn't one of those great ideas that everyone really wants, but doesn't care enough to make happen.
If anybody knows of how I or anyone can help make this a reality, let me know. "
suze wrote on Oct 6, 2008 12:57 PM:
telebender wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:05 PM:
merri wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:16 PM:
steph wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:29 PM:
How do we mitigate the property owners' concerns about hazard liability, when a person falls off their bike on private property then wants to sue the private property owner?
As long as the tax money is managed properly and directed to the build (using competitive bidding) and upkeep of the trail (as opposed to bureaucracy) then I'd even support a small sales tax or gas tax or toll.
(I'm about to get crucified by the bikers. Better put my helmet on.) "
blundc wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:59 PM:
napa_mom wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:28 PM:
SouthNapa wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:52 PM:
This would be a solid idea if it meant that cyclists weren't on the Highway and the Silverado Trail, but we all know that won't happen. They will continue to ride side by side and force drivers to cross a double yellow line to get around them and give drivers dirty looks if they dare honk the horn at them.
In tough economic times, this is a waste of money and will do nothing to keep cyclists from riding the existing roads. "
cutting wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:31 PM:
Joe wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:56 PM:
cutting wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:20 PM:
Baraki wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:10 PM:
That said, I do ride my bicycle from time to time and would definitely ride that trail round trip once in a while... "
antipc wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:24 PM:
The wannabe Lance Armstrong’s are the dangerous ones. I’ve been driving in this valley for over 32 years & riding for over 40 years. The spandex wearing self-centered cyclists are a huge problem. They have zero respect for traffic & expect vehicles to watch out for their stupidity. Joe is correct, given a choice the cyclist will lose… one life compared to several, is a simple decision. Get over yourself. Riding in traffic lanes (where there is a bike lane) is illegal & riding country roads with no bike lane is taking your life in your own hands. Slowing down is not always possible & pulling trailers that take up the whole lane is a constant.
We don’t need or want your Critical Mass attitude here, stay in Berkeley, S.F. & Marin County.
Thanks for playing, now go home. "
mrtopproducer wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:29 PM:
otto wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:17 PM:
cutting wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:44 AM:
It is legal for bicycles to ride in traffic lanes if they have a reason.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21202.htm
If there is no shoulder, then cars must only pass bikes when it is safe for them to do so without endangering themselves or the bicycle rider. Cars may have to actually slow down sometimes. When you're towing a trailer you should not drive so fast that you cannot safely slow to avoid slow moving traffic in your lane. "
kevin wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:35 PM:
A bunch of drunk bicyclists crossing every crossroad up and down the valley. Are we going to install stop lights at every crossroad? How much will THAT cost?
I thought we didn't have enough money to fix the roads? If you can come up with $30 Million for this, then you can afford to FIX THE POTHOLES!
Quit telling us you need MORE MONEY for road repair... "
antipc wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:54 PM:
cutting wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:21 PM:
rage against wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:07 PM:
"Traffic may need to wait a bit to pass", are you joking?
On a road with no shoulder and steady traffic bicycles should not ride at all! A road with no shoulder means, a road with no room for a bicyclist to ride.
I know of two people in the valley who ride their bikes on the highway because they have no cars and have to get to their respective destinations. They never ride side by side, and they always stay well within the bike, even if there is some glass that might harm their precious tires. They would rather spend the $2 to get new inner tubes then risk the lives of themselves and others.
And yes, cars should have to slow down sometimes, but not for someone else's pleasure ride or exersize time. In those cases, which account for easily 99.99% of the bikes out there, those people who want to get their exersize or enjoy a leisurely bike ride should find an empty road or trail and stop obstructing the rest of us. I know there are plenty of other paths, some of them created strictly for bicycle use, to ride on other than 29 and silverado.
If this community is nice enough to build a bike trail for all of the bicyclists out there, I hope the bicyclists are mature and responsible enough to use that trail and stay off of the roads that are made for the hardworking, automobile-driving folks of the Valley. "
cutting wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:18 PM:
suze wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:49 PM:
antipc wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:07 PM:
Good luck not becoming a statistic. "
musikluvr wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:59 PM:
jersey guy wrote on Oct 8, 2008 8:31 AM:
suze wrote on Oct 8, 2008 1:13 PM:
I think that more bike lanes and paths would be an excellent thing. Riding bicycles is fun and great exercise for all ages, it just needs to be safe for all road users. This bike path through the valley would be a great thing in my opinion; but I agree with Musiklovr, there should be a toll/fee. Taxpayers are hard pressed right now. "
adolph oliver busch wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:50 PM:
antipc wrote on Oct 8, 2008 6:57 PM:
No thanks. "
Madison Jay Hamilton wrote on Oct 8, 2008 10:09 PM:
napadad wrote on Oct 10, 2008 4:30 PM:
antipc wrote on Oct 10, 2008 8:24 PM:
reason-ator wrote on Oct 11, 2008 2:13 AM:
napadad wrote on Oct 11, 2008 11:41 AM:
Raven wrote on Oct 12, 2008 9:24 AM:
antipc wrote on Oct 12, 2008 7:30 PM:
reason-ator wrote on Oct 13, 2008 11:19 AM:
jonb3333 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:04 PM:
That would be a bad thing!??!?!?!?!?!
Just do it napa county, don't listen to the know - it - alls.
Safety first. If your family member or friend was struck by a car walking or biking on the silverado trail, you wouldn't be condemning a good thing for all. "
jonb3333 wrote on Oct 19, 2008 9:06 PM:
a trail should've been made years ago when the wholw thing would've been a million $. Build it. "