This is an exciting time for the city’s bikeway and trail network, with several new projects currently in the planning and construction stages.

The 16-mile Humbug-Willow Creek Trail is nearing completion, which will provide access to the state’s Lake Natoma Trail and connect to the American River Parkway system. Last year, the first phase of the Dos Coyotes segment and two bridges spanning the creek were added; now funding has been secured through a California Recreational Trails grant for the final 2,000 feet of trail, scheduled to begin construction in spring of 2014.

Also slated for early next year is the Levy Trail, a small segment that will connect Levy Park to the Humbug-Willow Creek Trail. This segment has also received funding through the state’s Recreational Trails Grant program, and includes one small wood bridge.

The new Johnny Cash Trail is scheduled to break ground this fall, named after the “Man in Black” and his famous song “Folsom Prison Blues.” This trail segment, located within Folsom State Prison property, borders Natoma Street for much of the way and also includes the city’s second bike/pedestrian overcrossing. The overcrossing will span Folsom Lake Crossing Road and include towers on both sides that resemble those of the prison. Fabrication of the overcrossing will be completed offsite, and then the two steel segments will be trucked to Folsom, bolted together on site, and lifted into position by crane in the overnight hours. Federal and state grants are funding the project’s $3.7 million costs.

The new Lake Natoma Waterfront Trail is expected to break ground this fall, providing a “passive” walking and hiking trail that includes portions of pavement and packed dirt. This state grant-funded project is a cooperative effort between Folsom, the Bureau of Reclamation, and State Parks to provide a fully accessible trail from the Historic District to the lakefront. The trail can also be used to access the American River Parkway.

In recognition of the city’s trail system and efforts to encourage cycling for transportation and recreation, the League of American Bicyclists recently honored Folsom as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly City. With the upcoming additions to the trail system, as well as those planned for the future, the city strives to reach Gold Level status in 2016.

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To download your free Folsom trails map, visit www.folsom.ca.us/depts/parks_n_recreation/bike_trails/bike_map.asp, or purchase a copy for $2 at the Folsom Senior & Arts Center (48 Natoma Street).