Section of Route K now designated as bike route

Route K just west of Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau to Highway 25 at Gordonville now has signage in two areas that identify it as a bike route.

More than 25 members of Velo Girardeau Club and other bicyclists pedaled the new route Saturday.

The bike route uses the shoulder of the road, about 5 1/2 feet wide, marked with a white line and rumble strip.

John Dodd has been an avid cyclist for at least 25 years and is owner of Cycle Werx in Cape Girardeau.

"I personally like the route because it's close to town," he said, adding that the rumble strip helps "in leaving the whole shoulder open. It protects you a little if a car comes far enough to the right of its lane."

Dodd contacted Missouri Department of Transportation project designer Timothy Pickett, which led to meetings that resulted in signage and maintenance sweeping four times a season.

Dodd said he believed more signs will be added later on.

Cyclist Tom Farden of Cape Girardeau said he believed the bike route would be a catalyst for more designated bike routes within city limits.

Youngest to pedal the new route was Peyton Redinger, 5, who was accompanied by his mother, Jen, and 11-year-old brother Brennan. Brennan's bike had a flat tire, so he walked beside his mom and Peyton, who rode with training wheels.

The oldest cyclist was Judy Cureton, 70, of Cape Girardeau, who has been riding most of her life. Cureton, who has ridden across the U.S., said cycling "is more than a hobby. It's an addiction."

Gordon Glaus, a Cape Girardeau lawyer, also considers cycling "a bit of an addiction. I got tired of jogging and bought a mountain bike. It's a great way to work out and a lot of fun. I don't find that combination in a lot of other activities."

Bike to Work Week

Bike to Work Week begins Monday and concludes Friday, which is also National Bike to Work Day.

Tammy Leible of Cape Girardeau, an electrical designer for Fru-Con Engineering, has been building up for Bike to Work Week by cycling to work on days when the weather is good. The trip takes an hour by bike. Leible said cycling unwinds her and, "I get my workout in."

The Velo Girardeau Club will kick off casual rides at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Boardman Pavilion in Cape Girardeau.

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133

Were you there?

Does this affect you?

Have a comment?

Log on to semissourian.com/today