Cedar Rapids cyclists check out trails plan

Joe DeLory bicycles to work, church, and shopping, and he doesn't mind sharing the road.

“I feel safe on the roads, and the roads take me where I want to go,” DeLory said.

DeLory and dozens of other cyclists turned out Monday night to help shape a future with more transportation options. During a two-hour open house at they provided comments and suggestions for the city's trails master plan that will guide planning and construction through 2040.

When delivered to the City Council in June, the plan will spell out how to expand the present 45-mile trail network  to about 150 miles, putting a trail within 10 minutes or a half-mile of every Cedar Rapids resident.

Earlier this month, Mayor Ron Corbett floated the idea of using $3.2 million to $3.5 million a year for trails instead of street projects. That's the amount the Corridor Metropolitan Planning Organization receives for transportation projects, and Corbett figured using the money to link existing trails would be a more effective use of the funds.

Corbett's proposal got a cool reception, but other funds may be available over the next few years. Al Bohling, community development team leader for the city's consulting firm Shive Hattery, said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood supports efforts to make cycling a transportation alternative in an era of expensive energy.

“Not just thinking of them as recreational trails, but have them be a part of the transportation system,” said Bohling, who estimated the full 30-year plan will cost about $150 million.

DeLory's already there. He calls himself “practically retired,” but rides his bike every weekday to the downtown Census office where he's got a temporary job.

“I'm very excited about this,” said DeLory as he examined a series of posters outlining the network's expansion.

Much of the expanded network will share existing city streets, which Bohling said is the preference of experienced riders.

“That's the experienced rider, and that's typically what you're going to get when you talk about a commuter,” he said.

DeLory said he's seen “a great improvement” since the city applied pavement markings and warning signs after designating 33rd Avenue SW a cycling route – a “sharrow” arrangement, in transportation planners' parlance.

“I'm very confident I can predict the behavior of motorists,” DeLory said.