New Bike Trail in North Natomas Needs Name

The ribbon-cutting festivities included remarks by NNTMA Board President, Derek Chernow; Councilmember Angelique Ashby; and Ofelia Avalos from the City of Sacramento Department of Public Works. / Photo: NNTMA

BY OLIVIA LOY, NORTH NATOMAS TMA
FOR THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

There’s only one thing missing from the newest bike trail in Natomas – a name.

A few dozen people officially welcomed the walking and biking trail at a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in October.

The four-mile-long trail runs adjacent to the East Drainage Canal, from West Elkhorn Boulevard south almost to San Juan Road. It cuts through North Natomas in a north-south direction, passing Natomas Marketplace and connects to downtown Sacramento via public transportation and other pathways.

The trail’s grand opening also marks the official completion of the NNTMA’s connectivity book, a pedestrian and cycling-friendly blueprint for North Natomas, consisting of 45 improvement projects ranging from curb/median cuts, crosswalks, lighting, signalization, and this trail.

“The opening of this trail is another step in furthering our mission to get people out of their cars and into healthier, more sustainable forms of transportation, whether that’s on foot or bike,” said Becky Heieck, North Natomas Transportation Management Association executive director.

The trail was completed in partnership with the City of Sacramento Public Works Department; the City of Sacramento’s Jesse Gothan and Ofelia Avalos; Donahue Schriber’s Natomas Marketplace; city Councilmember Angelique Ashby; and the volunteer-based Connectivity Committee.

“This trail means we have more connectivity,” said Heieck, “something that is vital in creating a bicycle culture in North Natomas. We’re proud to have helped pave the way.”

The only thing left to do, according to Heieck, is to give the thoroughfare a name.

Submit your ideas for trail names to the North Natomas TMA via NNTMA.org.

ocal cycling enthusiasts including those from the Heritage Park Bike Club and students from local North Natomas schools, immediately embarked on the trail on foot, bike or scooter after the ceremony concluded. / Photo: NNTMA