Greenways Branding and Signage
Consistently branded signage across all types of greenways can help identify the various links as parts of an integrated network. The County has already es- tablished a template for signage used to identify trail- heads and for informational panels at waysides ( Figure 37 ). This signage is used to identify parking lots and provide information such as maps, rules, and other interpretive information. The existing signs in- clude several types of informational panels and re- quire time to read and digest the content. These signs are best viewed and accessed while standing outside of the greenway ’ s traveled way. Wayfinding is distinct from the existing signage by providing a limited set of directional guidance that may be read and understood without requiring green- way users to stop moving. Beyond the logo, the con- tent of wayfinding signage correspondingly needs to be limited to arrows, destinations, and distances. To be predictable, destination names and distances should use a consistent set of fonts and colors. Fur- ther, the content is best understood when all signs follow consistent naming conventions and hierarchies of primary and secondary destinations.
Many greenway users find it valuable to see the name of the roadway being crossed included in conjunction with or as a part of the destination - oriented wayfind- ing signage at intersections. While consistent branding may be incorporated, there is flexibility to adjust the sizes, colors, and materials to fit the signs to the context and type of greenway. For example, wayfinding signs oriented to commuting bi- cyclists will typically be larger, show destinations on a green background, and use metal. By contrast, way- finding signs along a hiking trail through a natural ar- ea may be smaller and could use colors or materials such as wood that fit the local ecosystem. Signs in- tended to be read by bicyclists in motion should fol- low the font, minimum size, and reflective visibility standards for bicycle shared use paths in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). It is im- portant to note that the MUTCD applies to paved shared use pathways, but not natural surface trails. Added benefits of signs that follow the MUTCD stand- ards for materials and retro - reflectivity are increased durability and reduced maintenance.
Figure 37. Existing branded trailhead design
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY GREENWAYS AND TRAILS MASTER PLAN
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