Wooster to Fredericksburg bike path to include new signs

Soon signs will go up designating the official bike path route connecting Wooster to Fredericksburg. It's all due to the hard work and dedication of numerous area individuals and groups.

The path to Fredericksburg is part of a larger plan that involves new bike paths within Wooster and throughout the extended area, ultimately connecting Wayne County to a statewide network of paths.

Kurt Holmes and Christopher Buehler are co-chairs of a citizen-led bike path committee.

"The committee began as sponsored by the City of Wooster," Holmes said.

As the project grew, leadership transitioned to the community group.

The focus of the committee has been to promote and facilitate the development of trails both inside the city and within the county.

"Our current ask of city council was modest support of the signage to connect the Rails-to-Trails route ending in Fredericksburg with the south side of Wooster," Holmes said.

Holmes explained it is a route used heavily not only by cyclists, but also by pedestrians and nonmotorized vehicles.

The new signs will not only provide guidance to those following the path, but also will serve "as an alert for motor vehicle traffic," Holmes said.

The addition of the bike path both in and around Wooster and Wayne County is considered to be of tremendous value, not only to the local cyclists, but also to others who will use them.

"The paths generally are a fabulous addition to our local resources and promote a healthy lifestyle," Holmes said.

Holmes explained that wherever possible the path was taken off the roadway, which has greatly improved the ease of use and safety for local citizens.

It is hoped connecting local and county routes with the statewide and national system of trails will draw more cyclists to the area.

Andrew Dutton is the planning and zoning manager for the City of Wooster and has been a member of the bike path committee for over four years.

"The route will offer a signed bike route that residents of Wayne County can utilize and connect to the larger Ohio to Erie Trail," Dutton said. "The route would also provide an opportunity for visitors riding the Ohio to Erie Trail access to Wooster and Wayne County. With the noted strong support for cycling in the community, Wayne County could become a destination for cyclists."

According to committee member Scott Myers, the current project will involve placing signs wherever needed along the route connecting Wooster to Fredericksburg.

"We went around to all the townships where signs would be located," Myers said, "in order to get their permission."

Myers worked with Chuck Malta and stressed how friendly and helpful the surrounding townships were in assisting with the process. "The trustees were all delightful to deal with," he said. "They were supportive and instrumental to our efforts."

Myers said many routes were reviewed. Selection criteria for the final route included roads with the least amount of traffic and the fewest blind hills.

They also tried to avoid any steep inclines. "So all levels of cyclists could use the route," Myers said.

Another factor in choosing the route was the potential to ultimately move to a dedicated path located off the roadway.

Myers said the entire process involved the assistance and cooperation of a large number of groups and individuals. "Many people have been involved for several years in making this happen," he said, "including county engineers, Chuck Malta, Bill Buckwalter of Ride On bicycle and bike repair shop, co-chairs Holmes and Buehler, Brian Gwin of Ohio State, and area township trustees."

Wayne trails is a partnership of the City of Wooster, Wayne County, the Ohio State University and Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County.

A fund has been established at the Wayne County Community Foundation to provide charitable assistance to Wayne trails to promote, develop and maintain trails throughout Wayne County, the Ohio State University and Rails-to-Trails of Wayne County.

Deductible contributions may be made by check payable to the Wayne County Community Foundation with a memo note, Wayne trails fund. Mail to the Wayne County Community Foundation, 517 N. Market St., Wooster, OH 44691.

A fundraiser bike ride to benefit Wayne trails is planned for May 19 in Wooster from 12:30-4 p.m. The event will include two different trail options. Tickets are $25 and include the ride, a T-shirt and a meal ticket. Tickets may be purchased at www.WayneTrails.eventbrite.com.