The Tipp City Council heard a presentation on the project Dec. 21 from Brad Vath, assistant city manager. Presentations to Troy and Piqua councils/commissions are expected in the coming weeks.
The signs are modeled after the highway exit signs used by the Ohio Department of Transportation on the interstates. The signs feature logos of businesses offering gas, food and recreation at the upcoming exit.
The city wayfarer signs will feature, in order of priority, businesses offering outdoor recreation, food, retail, entertainment and attractions.
The cost for each local business signed onto the project is $250 for three years.
The signs would cost $1,000 to $1,500 each. They would be paid for using funds from the Barbara Sharkey Shook Bikeway Enhancement Fund.
The Tipp City signs would be located on city-owned property and placed along the bikeway near the Ohio 571 (Main Street) crossing and at Parkwood Drive (near the City Park).
The program was scheduled for introduction to downtown businesses yet this year.
Tipp City council gave verbal support to the program with departing council member Dee Gillis saying there could be businesses fighting over getting one of the limited slots on the signs.
The need for wayfarer signage gained more attention following the May Cycling Summit held in Piqua, said Scott Myers, Miami County Park District executive director.
“One of the things that came out of the Cycling Summit was the importance of identifying ways for visitors to get off the trail and to the businesses and create economic activity,” he said. “This will help with that.”
Applications and policies are being finalized as the meetings with councils are arranged. The goal is to have sign installation before summer, Myers said.
The park district has two trail counters on the river recreational trail. One is located on the Dye Mill Road section between Tipp City and Troy. The other is one the Twin Arch section between Troy and Piqua.
The counters show 87.122 users in 2014, Myers said. Those numbers do not include city trails or other park district trails such as those on the Stillwater Prairie and Charleston Falls.
About the Author