Sunday, October 17, 1999
Backers: Bike trail would be boon
Riverpath planners see economic benefit
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Supporters of a proposed 45-mile “Riverpath” recreational trail linking Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties hope to duplicate the recreational and economic successes of Ohio trails.
“I live on Route (Ky.) 8, and I see this as an asset and an opportunity for Northern Kentucky,” said Kim Patton, a partner with GBBN architects. “It's the quintessential cooperative effort. We're talking about linking three counties and 10 cities.”
For three years, Mr. Patton has worked with Northern Kentucky government and civic leaders to develop a recreational trail that roughly follows the Ky. 8 corridor near the Ohio River.
A project of Forward Quest, a non-profit Northern Kentucky development group that's trying to plan for growth through 2020, the Riverpath would be for cyclists, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters.
To fund the project, supporters are exploring every thing from federal grants to local government assistance.
“Development of that path will popularize the use of the bicycle for transportation purposes,” said Keith Logsdon, a Northern Kentucky planner and avid cyclist. “Around the country, it's being proven that when you upgrade your facilities, bicyclists use them.”
Mr. Logsdon, who also serves on the Kentucky Bicycle Commission and the Riverpath Committee, said a recent National Bicycle Walking Study showed that “well over half the trips made in an auto are less than five miles in length.”
“Any short trip we make could potentially be on a bike,” he said. “That would cut down on traffic congestion and pollution, not to mention the health benefits it would provide.”
Besides the recreational benefits, members of the Riverpath Committee guiding development of the recreational path say it would be a financial boon.
As evidence, they point to a recent study showing how the Little Miami Scenic Trail — Ohio's longest bicycle and walking trail — generates more than $2.4 million a year for Warren County's economy.
“If you look at some of the trails in Ohio, you'll find businesses that cater to (users),” said John Vissman, vice president of Forward Quest. “Some have drive-up windows for bicycles, or they add to their menus to provide the high energy food that bicyclists want.”
Northern Kentucky's 45-mile Riverpath would start at the end of Ky. 8 in western Boone County and end at Mentor at the southern end of Campbell County.
Members of the Riverpath Committee are negotiating with companies, utilities, local governments, and others to allow parts of the trail to briefly deviate from Ky. 8.
Mr. Patton also has sent a letter to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet asking that any improvements made to Ky. 8 be “bicycle friendly.”
By that, Riverpath Committee members mean that
any highway projects don't include rumble strips, or, if they do, that the lanes be widened to accommodate bikes. And when turn lanes are added, the committee asks that they accommodate bikes.
As the Riverpath is developed, members of the committee say they see it as benefiting the local economy.
“Statewide, we're selling the bicycle program as an economic development tool,” Mr. Logsdon said. “A lot of small cities have been bypassed by highways. As we develop bike paths, bicyclists would ride through these cities and spend money.”
Melbourne Mayor George Koopman agreed.
“When I close my eyes, I can see some of these old buildings out here turned into antique shops,” he said.
Besides providing an economic boost, the Riverpath would provide an emotional lift to the 650 residents of a town still reeling from the effects of a devastating flood, Mr. Koopman said.
A bike path across busy Ky. 8 also would provide safe access to Campbell County's Pendery Park for everyone from children to seniors, whether they be walking, jogging or biking, Mr. Koopman said.
“I think sometimes you just have to do things to make people feel good,” Mr. Koopman said. “We've got this magnificent facility three-quarters of a mile away, yet we can't get to it.”
Mr. Koopman has proposed developing a section of the Riverpath through his city as a prototype for communities along Ky. 8.
Eventually, Riverpath supporters envision it as becoming part of a larger transportation system, with links to Ohio recreational trails.
“We're thinking regionally, how this relates to Greater Cincinnati as a whole,” said Dr. Herb Booth, a Riverpath Committee member.
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