City of Fairfield, CA
Rockville Hills Regional Park
2023 User Survey Summary
The City of Fairfield received a total of 1,395 user responses to its 2023 user survey at Rockville Hills Regional Park. The answers to those questions have been summarized below.
How do you currently use Rockville Hills Regional Park? Mountain Biking (66%); Hiking (53%); Nature Observation (27%); Dog Walking (19%); Trail Running (11%); Picnicking (10%); Other (4%); Fishing (1%) How often do you visit Rockville Hills Regional Park?
Less than once a month (39%); 2-5 times a month (36%); 5-10 times a month (12%); more than 10 times a month (8%); never visited (3%); first time visitor (2%) When you visit, how many people come with you?
1-3 people (62%); none (23%); 4-5 people (12%); 8 or more people (2%); 6-7 people (1%) Do you have safety concerns when visiting Rockville Hills Regional Park? NO (83%); YES (17%)
If you have safety concerns, what are they?
A. Bicycles and E-bikes: Many respondents express concerns about the behavior of cyclists and e-bike riders. Complaints include speeding, not yielding to pedestrians, not observing safety precautions, and being a hazard to other park visitors.
B. Wildlife: Safety concerns related to wildlife include rattlesnakes, mountain lions, and aggressive cows.
C. Homeless: Several respondents mention encounters or concerns about homeless individuals in the park, some of whom exhibit erratic or aggressive behavior.
D. Vehicle Safety and Break-ins: Parking area safety is a recurring concern, with reports of car break-ins and vandalism.
2 | City of Fairfield, CA
Rockville Hills Regional Park
2023 User Survey Summary
GEOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES GROUP
E. Trail Maintenance: Some respondents mention issues with trail maintenance, overgrown paths, fallen trees, and branches obstructing the trails, posing safety risks.
F. Loose and Unleashed Dogs: There are complaints about dogs running off-leash and sometimes being aggressive or causing conflicts.
G. General Park Security: Some respondents mention concerns about safety in isolated or less-trafficked areas of the park.
H. Safety While Alone: Many respondents express concerns about safety while visiting the park alone, particularly for female visitors.
I. Lack of Trail Etiquette: Some respondents mention a lack of trail etiquette, with bikers not yielding to pedestrians or hikers not sharing the trail responsibly.
J. Fire Hazards: Safety concerns related to fire hazards include the risk of fire in dry conditions and the potential for dangerous behavior related to fires.
K. Terrain and Trail Conditions: Safety concerns related to uneven or steep terrain, slippery paths, and potential hazards on the trails.
L. Suspicious or Aggressive Individuals: Concerns about encounters with aggressive or unsettling individuals within the park.
M. Speeding Cyclists: Specific concerns about cyclists traveling at high speeds, especially on narrow paths, creating potential hazards.
N. Other Safety Concerns: Miscellaneous concerns, such as encountering unruly park visitors, irresponsible drone use, underage drinkers, and underage smokers.
Would you support the use of e-bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park? YES (66%); NO (34%)
Please provide any additional comments as they relate to the park.
The overwhelming majority of responses were related to e-bike usage given the previous two survey questions were specific to e-bikes. Therefore, the summary below is mostly specific to the allowance of e-bikes in the park.
It's important to note that the opinions expressed in the responses are varied and reflect the diverse perspectives of the park users. Some are supportive of E-Bikes, emphasizing accessibility and benefits for certain groups, while others have concerns abo ut safety, trail impact, and potential conflicts between different trail users.
Reasons Given in Favor of E-bikes:
A. Promote & enable outdoor activity and accessibility/inclusivity. o Allows certain demographics the ability to enjoy biking outdoors, such as the elderly or those with disabilities, who typically would be unable to. o Enhanced park experience and exploration for all, but especially those above.
B. Comparison to mountain bikes, which are already allowed in the park. o Many people indicate that e-bikes will not result in much difference.
C. E-bikes are supportive of youth and mountain biking team activities.
D. Suggestions to set rules for safe e-bike use and specify the allowed e-bike types.
E. Would be great for Solano Search & Rescue training – suggested by the Captain of SSR.
F. Perceived risks and misunderstandings given by non-bikers is frequently mentioned by people in favor of e-bikes; that those ‘against’ do not have a proper understanding.
o Some ‘against’ survey responses showcase this, as it seems that some people think e-bikes are like motorcycles or motorized dirt bikes.
Reasons Given Against E-bikes:
A. Safety of pedestrians and environmental impact concerns of more bikes. o Negative impact on the experience of non-bikers & general preference for a non-biking environment.
o Fear of negative impact on wildlife and damage to the trail and natural environment/habitats in the area.
• Although, some people acknowledge that with mountain bikes allowed already, this will not result in additional impacts. It seems that those giving these responses would prefer bikes not to be allowed at all.
B. Impact on trail overload – people fear this will increase traffic on the trails.
C. Concerns about enforcement/regulation and education of the masses even if e- bike rules and regulations are put in place.
D. Concerns about unfamiliar riders, trail etiquette, and unauthorized motor vehicles.
Reasons both For and Against E-bikes
A. Other parks already allow e-bikes.
o Some people want Rockville Hills Park to stay e-bike free for this very reason. o Others question why this park does not allow e-bikes when other parks do.