Group asks for construction of a bike trail to Freeport

Calling it a public safety issue, Freeport resident Dale Putnam on Monday told both city and county officials that a bike trail needs to be built to Freeport.  "We're talking about the safety of our kids," Putnam told the Winneshiek County Board on Monday morning.  Having kids ride their bicycles along Old Stage Road "is deadly at this point," said Putnam.

Freeport resident Heidi Rockweiler agreed.  She told Monday night's Decorah City Council meeting that she has nearly been hit by a car or truck six times while riding her bike along Old Stage Road.

130 Freeport residents have signed a petition asking that the bike trail be built.  Both city and county officials on Monday indicated their general support of the concept, but said many details would need to be worked out, especially concerning funding.

Putnam estimates the bike trail would cost from $350,000 to $410,000.  It would connect to the existing bike trail in back of the Wal-Mart store, travel in back of the store, then travel along Old Stage Road in the right-of-way of the road.

City and county officials say they will continue to discuss the proposal.