In a series of meetings beginning next week, Miami’s public officials will consider plans for MTB trails on Virginia Key. If built, these trails could become the second of a double whammy of great trail networks in South Florida–along with the 10-plus miles of singletrack at Oleta River State Park.

The City Commission is slated to make a final decision on the masterplan that includes the trails project as early as July 22.

From what I hear, these trails will be amazing. The terrain and elevation changes on Virginia Key are perfect for an extensive network of singletrack mountain bike trails. However, after two-plus years of planning, there has been a holdup involving the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department. See my earlier post on this project.

For more info on what people can do, visit the Virginia Key Bicycle Club on facebook. MTB trail organizers are asking that supporters write a letter to Miami’s mayor. Even a handful of letters can sometimes make a difference on local issues such as this one!

Planners are aiming to strike a balance between ecological preservation and recreational use/development on Virginia Key.

From the Miami Herald’s July 13 edition: “Miami city planners are set to unveil the newest version of the oft-delayed and much-revamped Virginia Key Master Plan in a rapid series of public hearings before city commission consideration next week.

The first stop will be at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (July 20) at the Waterfront Advisory Board’s regular meeting at Miami City Hall, 3500 Pan American Dr.

The Parks Advisory Board gets the next look on Thursday, before the new Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board votes on July 21.

The plan — which is meant to transform the ecologically rich but much-abused island into a recreational and environmental showcase — is scheduled for commission review during the regular July 22 meeting.

Previous versions of the plan have been tagged by critics as having too much development and too little in the way of ecological restoration. The city commission last year postponed consideration to give planners additional time to address those concerns.”