New bike route signed near Cape Girardeau

Route K just west of Wal-Mart in Cape Girardeau to Highway 25 at Gordonville now has signage in two areas that identify it as a bike route.

More than 25 members of Velo Girardeau Club and other bicyclists pedaled the new route Saturday.

The bike route uses the shoulder of the road, about 5 1/2 feet wide, marked with a white line and rumble strip.

John Dodd has been an avid cyclist for at least 25 years and is owner of Cycle Werx in Cape Girardeau.

"I personally like the route because it's close to town," he said, adding that the rumble strip helps "in leaving the whole shoulder open. It protects you a little if a car comes far enough to the right of its lane."

Dodd contacted Missouri Department of Transportation project designer Timothy Pickett, which led to meetings that resulted in signage and maintenance sweeping four times a season.

Dodd said he believed more signs will be added later on.

Cyclist Tom Farden of Cape Girardeau said he believed the bike route would be a catalyst for more designated bike routes within city limits.