The complexity of Topeka trails lead cyclists to the streets and necessitate vigilance — both on the trails and off.

“I think it’s great to run the trails,” said Willie Lambert, a local Ultra Runner and the owner of Great Plains Running Company. “For many, it’s an opportunity to be a kid again, jump over logs, get dirty, see the trees, and stomp through the puddles.”

But trails aren’t only for runners; they are for walkers and cyclists alike.

“Whether you’re walking around Lake Shawnee or the Governor’s Mansion, you are doing something really good for yourself,” said Lambert. “It’s a great way to become part of the surroundings. On trails you get absorbed into a much more rewarding, soulful expression than looking at it from the outside.”

Topeka has many options for trail enjoyment, and they’re popular spots for recreation, whether  they’re traversed by wheel or by foot. But when the traffic varies, safety and common kindness are a necessity. And when running and cycling are taken to the streets, interpersonal and vehicle awareness need to be stepped up another level.

“For pleasure riding, I enjoy the ever-expanding Shunga trail,” said Bob Hoard, a local Topeka cyclist. “While it would be nice to tear along at 30 mph, there are the walkers, little kids, dogs and other slow moving traffic that encourage speed fiends to slow down and enjoy the scenery.”

Robert Fitgerald, founder of the Topeka Community Cycle Project believes that the trails can be a great place to learn cycling skills, but him and most of his acquaintances use bicycling as a mode of transportation. “I ride Shunga sometimes when I need to go northeast to southwest across town, but I’m not much of a trail rider. I ride for utility, running errands, and general transportation. That means I’m on the road 99% of the time. Riding in Topeka is safe and enjoyable when you are prepared, know your routes, and assert yourself in the lane.”

Cyclist Steve Atchison prefers to stay off the streets, instead taking advantage of the Shunga Trail, with its city-wide reaches.

“The Shunga trail allows me to get across town safely,” said Steve Atchison of Topeka. “I like to avoid heavy traffic and narrow streets where cars can’t get around me . . . but on the trail I don’t have to worry about that. There are fewer road hazards like pot holes and bad dogs to worry about. Without the Shunga Trail, I could not get across town at all. There are still some parts of town that are difficult to get to, but as they extend the trail that will change.”

“I also take side trips on the Landon trail, but it doesn’t really go anywhere so it seems kind of pointless,” said Hoard.

Right now, the Landon trail might not go anywhere, but according to Lambert, there are plans in the works to connect the small portion of Landon that hooks with the Shunga trail to the larger Landon Trail. “Landon will be a gateway,” said Lambert. The Landon Trail will connect into the Flint Hills Trail which connects with the Prairie Spirit Trail which goes south from Ottawa. In turn, the Prairie Spirit Trail is poised to connect to the massive Rails to Trails program that connects trails across the entire continental United States.

Councilwoman Karen Hiller (District 1) shared about trail extension in Topeka, “The City has also committed, in its 5-year Capital Improvements Plan, to continue the steady annual development of the trails system in Topeka, with a big bump planned for 2014.  That all will include completion of the Landon Trail as far as it is possible, and also includes trails on both the north and south sides of the Kansas River from roughly MacVicar to Downtown areas.”

Jon Carney, the Superintendent of Parks for the City of Topeka’s Parks and Recreation, said that there are trail projects planned to start in 2010 that include extending the Deer Creek Trail, the Shunga Trail East, and the Shunga Trail West.

View a map of the complete Topeka Trails System, courtesy of the City of Topeka

One of the more popular known trails is nearby the Governor’s Residence, but officially this is known as MacLennan Park.

“They are continuing to develop the Governor’s Mansion trails westward until they can hook it up with the Kansas Museum of History,” said Lambert, “but there are private property issues.”

Topeka continues to grow its trails, but it also looks to improve road conditions for cyclists.

“I’m a street cyclist myself,” said Hiller. “So, besides the tremendous numbers and support of cyclists we have, I have personal experience and personal interest.”

The City adopted the Complete Streets concept formally in November 2009.  The intent was to apply those concepts immediately as the half cent sales tax projects roll out.  That said, there is some major work to be done, because the concepts are so new for people to realize fully what that means.  For bicycles, we need to address not only road surfaces, but the sensors for vehicle activated signal changes, issues of bike lanes versus bike paths versus simply street riding, perhaps the amount of time allowed for stoplights to go from yellow to red, and a lot of education for both drivers and cyclists, just as examples.

“There is also supposed to be a Bikeways Study in 2010.  In fact, it should have started in March, to be completed in September.  However, it has been held up due to the Kansas Department of Transportation putting at least a temporary freeze on the funds.  An advisory group has been formed and will be chaired by me,” explained Hiller.

With these improvements, expect more cyclists on the roads.

“I’ve been in Topeka for ten years now and [am] really starting to enjoy biking here. It seems like a lot of other people are too,” said Hoard.

“Biking is my hobby,” said Atchison, “but it’s starting to turn into real transportation. My wife got baskets for my bike so now I can use the bike to get some groceries or a gallon of paint or cucumbers at the Farmer’s Market. Imagine what it would be like if most Topekans rode to work and school. A little social hour on the move before the busy day begins.”

Cyclists, pedestrians, and motor vehicles alike need to be aware of road safety for those using two-wheeled, human-powered transportation. “Riding on the sidewalk is not safe,” said Fitzgerald. “The risk of hitting pedestrians increases and drivers do not expect to see a bicycle darting across an intersection or cross walk from the sidewalk. A person walks three to four miles per hour. When a bicyclist is on the sidewalk riding 12-15 mph they are much more likely to get hit, especially when drivers are rarely stopping behind the cross walk.”

[ June 2010 | Macie Smith | photos by Adam Koger ]

Willie Lambert’s Tips for Trail Safety

-       Always let somebody know where you’re going to go.

-       Take water.

-       Don’t litter.

-       Use bug spray, there are ticks.

-       Use sunscreen.

-       Especially on the single track trails, you can run into a snake. It’s a good idea to know the difference between a copper head and a black head. There are Copper Heads at Lake Clinton.

-       Be respectful of any land barriers, in some areas along the trails there is private property.

-       Stay on the trails and don’t make your own.