Lexington passes 100-mile mark on paved bikeways

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The city of Lexington celebrated the completion of the city’s 100th mile of paved bikeway Monday.

Mayor Linda Gorton and members of the Urban County Council held a news conference along West Hickman Trail in Veterans Park to announce the milestone.

“This Thanksgiving week, many of us will be talking about what we’re thankful for,” Gorton said. “There are many things I’m thankful for in Lexington, including the people who had the foresight to start investing in bike trails and bike lanes many years ago. As a result, citizens today have opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy some exercise, or to bike to work or school.”

The 100 miles includes paved surfaces designated for bike use, such as bike lanes, lanes shared with vehicles, and shared use trails.

The City reached mile 100 along the West Hickman Trail in Veterans Park, which connects the park and Veterans Park Elementary School to an existing bikeway system.

The city’s first bike lane was installed on Waller Avenue in 1995. In 2000, there were only 6.1 miles of paved bikeways in Fayette County. Today, bike lanes can be found on many roads, including Main Street.

Another trail under construction is Town Branch Commons, which will run through downtown and link the City’s two major trails, Town Branch Trail and the Legacy Trail. After its completion, Lexington will have 22 miles of uninterrupted bike and pedestrian paths.