Northampton passes Rail Trail Rules ahead of first section’s opening

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors held a public hearing on a proposed ordinance establishing rules for use of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, including a ban on most motorized vehicles.

The ordinance would designate the trail as a public, non-motorized transportation facility and recreational shared-use path. It would also establish operating rules and civil penalties for violations.

Ron Wolff, executive director of the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation, thanked the Board and the county attorneys from Northampton and Accomack for their work on the ordinance.

Wolff said the first completed section of the trail is scheduled to open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 20. The time has not been finalized, but he said organizers are hoping to hold the event around 10 a.m.

The first section extends approximately five miles from Cape Charles to Cheriton.

Wolff said the ordinance is based largely on regulations already used for trails elsewhere in Virginia. It would prohibit golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles and Class 3 electric bicycles, which can exceed 20 mph, but allows Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles. Motorized wheelchairs used by people with disabilities would be permitted.

Wolff explained that the trail is privately owned by Canonie Atlantic Co. and leased to the Eastern Shore Rail Trail Foundation. Because the property is privately owned, local law enforcement currently has limited authority to enforce trail rules.

Adoption of the ordinance would allow the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police to enforce the regulations. Accomack County approved a similar ordinance last month.

The trails throughout Virginia generally operate from dawn to dusk and that those hours would be posted at the trailhead. He said the Foundation could also add the hours to the posted rules which will be posted with other information at kiosks at the trailheads.

He thanked the Northampton County Public Schools Career and Technical Education Center for building the first kiosk, which has already been installed at the Cape Charles trailhead with assistance from the town’s public works department.

The kiosk still needs to be stained and fitted with glass display cases for maps and trail rules, but Wolff said that work is expected to be completed soon.