By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – Hoping to bring a dedicated bike lane that would connect State Highway 37 with the city’s waterfront, the council will seek a $10,000 grant from the St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency.

The city’s Complete Streets Active Living Task Force has been working to bring a bike lane to Ogdensburg with hopes of increasing bike traffic in the city and making it safer for cyclists.

Scott Wright, who has spearheaded the effort, presented to the board Monday regarding the progress the task force has made so far.

The current proposal would provide a bike trail that would run start at State Highway 37 head down E. David Street and connect to Paterson Street. From there the trail would head up Riverside Drive ending at the Dobisky visitor Center.

Most of the trail would include green markings on the road to let drivers and cyclists known where they should be on the road. However, on Paterson Street, which is much wider than the other streets, the task force plans to establish a dedicated bike lane that would allow for two-way bike traffic in a clearly marked section of the road.

Wright estimated the signage, paint and stencils for the project to cost between $15,000 and $20,000.

Wright said once the stencils are purchased the task force could reuse them and save significant money on future projects.

Mayor Wayne Ashley raised some concern regarding the local police. He questioned weather Chief Andrew Kennedy approved of the plan.

Wright said Kennedy was supportive of the effort.

The ultimate goal, according to Wright, is to establish bike lanes that kids could use while cycling to school. He said getting cyclists off 37 and into the city could provide an economic boost to the city.

He also noted that St. Lawrence County is the 5th unhealthiest in the state. Wright suggested that dedicated bike lanes could provide an incentive to get people out on their bikes.

Wright said the St. Lawrence Health Initiative has contributed a $10,000 grant and is working on a program that aims to teach elementary students about bike safety.

He said the River Agency grant would help get the first leg of the project complete.

The ALTF was established by Council in 2014 with the adoption of our Complete Street’s Policy February 2014. The group is composed of members of the School District’s Wellness Committee, Claxton-Hepburn’s Wellness Committee, the Boys and Girls Club, and community members with an interest in active living, pedestrian connectivity, cycling, etc.