Bike route discussion draws 25

Eric Redinger's talk on creating bike routes drew 25 people to Cape Girardeau's library Wednesday night.

Redinger, a bicyclist who sometimes pedal to his job as assistant director of recreation services at Southeast Missouri State University, wants to see some city streets retrofitted for bike routes. He said it would cost less than $34,000 to add paint stripes to road shoulders and "Share the Road" signs.

"I'm a big fan of sidewalks, bike routes and multiuse trails," he told those gathered and encouraged them to learn more about a national movement called "Complete Streets."

For older cyclists, especially those who want to avoid pedestrians, Redinger cited Independence Street, between Mount Auburn Road and East Rodney Drive, as a perfect candidate for a bike route.

"It does not have a sidewalk," he said, adding that the route is part of the Cape LaCroix Trail system. "In the long run, we would love to complete this trail."

One audience member, Janice Miller of Cape Girardeau, appealed to bicyclists to pay more attention to walkers on the Cape LaCroix Trail.

"Please bike riders, try to make it safe for everyone," she said. "Just give me some warning to get out of the way."

Dustin Gross and other cyclists at the meeting told her mixed-use trails like Cape La-Croix may need etiquette signs.

The Rev. Bob Towner of Christ Episcopal Church said he is a new bicycle owner.

"My wife and I just made a commitment to have two 'no driving' days a week," he said.

Redinger was the guest speaker for the Southeast Missouri Climate Protection Initiative's first meeting of the season. He encouraged his audience to attend public hearings on Cape Girardeau's comprehensive plan to support bike route suggestions.

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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