HEBRON — Thomas Hart says he is tired of risking his life when he rides his bicycle on two-lane North Bend Road near Hebron.

        Mr. Hart was one of about 200 people Thursday who gave state highway officials opinions on how to fix a three-mile stretch of North Bend.

        The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is improving the road — also known as Ky. 237 — between Interstate 275 and Kara Lane. Thursday's open house at North Pointe Elementary School was the first step in the process.

        Three solutions are being offered: two lanes north, two lanes south and a turn lane in the middle; two lanes each direction with a median; and one lane each way and a turn lane.

        All choices include sidewalks and bike paths. Mr. Hart, who rides about 250 miles a week, can't wait.

        “It's a little hairy going down (North Bend) to (Ky.) 8,” Mr. Hart said. “You're hanging your tail out.”

        Mike Bezold, the Transportation Cabinet project manager in charge, said it will be 2004 before the state starts buying rights-of-way, and 2006 before construction begins.

        Mr. Bezold said the state recommends five lanes between I-275 and Worldwide Drive; five between Worldwide and Tanner Road; four between Tanner and Graves Road; and three between Graves and Kara Lane.

        Judge-executive Gary Moore said four or five lanes go a long way to linking the Tree Tops, Deer Creek, Thornwilde and other subdivisions. But Steve and Shonda Snelbaker definitely don't want multiple lanes.

        “There's not a lot of room,” Mr. Snelbaker said. “Just widen it a little and lower the speed limit.”

        Mr. Bezold said the state would also straighten some curves and consider lowering the speed limit to 35 mph. North Bend's speed limit is 45 mph now, but some of the curves force drivers to slow to 25 mph.

        The state is also considering speed humps, raised intersections, raised crosswalks and other safety features.

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