CRISFIELD — The first project of the Crisfield Economic Development Commission was given the green light to proceed by the City Council so its proposed bicycle and walking tour map will be ready when tourists arrive this spring.

Featuring four trails ranging in length from 1.5 miles to 7 miles they each have their own theme with accompanying history and local color. The map is being sponsored by the Friends of Crisfield and EDC Chair Billie Jo Chandler said it won’t cost the city anything.

Over time she sees the trail being augmented with selfie stations, and an audio tour, activated by pointing a smart phone at a QR code at specific locations posted along the way. Her favorite spot is the oyster shell pile by the Small Boat Harbor, which “a lot of people don’t know about.” It’s on the Red Crab Trail which is a mix of sightseeing, history and culture.

The others include the Oyster Trail, which starts at the City Dock which was the site of the train depot, the Blue Crab Trail which passes old homes and Somers Cove Marina, and the Decoy Trail which is the longest. The commission would like to call it the Ward Bros. Decoy Trail if there are no trademark infringements.

Arrows on the map will point to the direction of the Ward Workshop, Janes Island State Park, and to the county’s Terrapin Run rail trail which starts just outside the city and follows the former railroad right- ofway to Marion.

“The map is like an onion, it will have many layers,” Mrs. Chandler said.

Councilman Mike Atkins said he’s a huge fan of anything that moves on two wheels, and recommended the commission where possible piggyback on Somerset County Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s “Trail Mix” which has signs in the city for walking, biking and kayaking.

For example the Crustacean Causeway starts in the municipal park and the 413 Rail to Trail starts at the City Dock. Where trails converge have one sign for both. Dr. Atkins made the motion to support the map to move forward, and it was passed 4-1 with Councilman Jimmy Ford voting no.

Not answered by the council was the EDC’s other request, that is how to mark the roads to identify each trail. Mrs. Chandler said marking the road surface is preferred over posting signs, and the Friends of Crisfield would donate paint, but guidance on this was necessary from the city.

“I think you guys will be pleased with the map,” she said. “It will enhance the economic growth of this town.”

Councilman Casey Goldsborough recommended that Police Chief Dave Dalfonso or one of his officers drive each of the trails to see if there are any safety concerns. Mr. Goldsborough said the curve by Woodson Elementary School is one location where bicyclists could be endangered by speeding motorists.