FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 24, 2015) -- Bicycle enthusiasts will soon have an additional path to take at Fort Benning. Construction is underway on a new path that will link 10th Division Road to Indianhead Road.
"This particular section has had a lot of interest from bike riders, because they like to use 10th Division Road to get to Lawson Army Airfield," said Rick Clapp, chief of the Engineering Division, Directorate of Public Works said.
Clapp said the Directorate of Public Works has been developing a bike path master plan for Fort Benning over the last few years.
"This is a part of that plan," he said.
Last year, because its safety and fitness benefits made it a priority to garrison commander, the directorate received additional funding for the project.
As the path moves through the Main Post area, it will follow existing streets. The existing deteriorating sidewalks will be removed and replaced with concrete, Clapp said.
Clapp said that while these paths are often referred to as bike paths, they are not only for the use of bicyclists.
"We like to call it a bike path, but it's also used quite a lot for running and walking. As a result, we call it a multiuse recreation path now," Clapp said.
The new path, Clapp said, promotes three major benefits for Fort Benning: safety, fitness and sustainability.
Currently bicyclists ride on 10th Division Road, which is winding and heavily used, as they head to the airfield.
"This will allow them to travel off the road," Clapp said.
Clapp said it also promotes fitness because it gives Soldiers and their Families additional options for walking, running and biking.
In addition to safety and fitness the path will promote environmental sustainability.
"For people who use bikes for commuting, it has an environmental benefit. Because they won't be using their vehicles as much, it will cause less air pollution," Clapp said.
Future multiuse paths include on Indianhead Road, so bikers have safer access to the airfield and also to connect the Dixie Road path where it intersects 1st Division Road to the terminus of the Riverwalk.
The expected completion date for the path on 10th Division road is Nov. 1.
Social Sharing