In Rochester and across the nation, cycling has been enjoying a huge popularity boost. The Rochester area is home to many popular bike trails, and thanks to a recent grant from the state Department of Transportation, those trails are about to get a major boost.

The Department of Transportation has designated $2.3 million from its $67 million tourism and economic initiative to Monroe County where it will be used to enhance bicycle, pedestrian, and multi-use paths. Brighton has received $1.3 million to fund its $1.7 million Highland Crossing Trail project ,which intends to connect a section of the Erie Canal trail in Brighton with a section of the Genesee Riverway Trail near the University of Rochester, and the other $1 million will be used to fund a new trail along Elmwood Avenue.
The proposed projects would result in major upgrades for local cyclists, creating direct routes that pass by UR, MCC, and downtown Rochester. The Highland Crossing Trail project will create a trail beginning at Brighton Town Park, off Westfall Road near South Clinton Avenue, which will ultimately tie into the Genesee Riverway Trail near McCLean Street. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

The other $1 million was given to support a $1.5 million “cycle track” project along Elmwood Avenue. The eight to 10 foot wide two-way bike path will be separated from vehicle traffic, running between the Genesee River and Mt. Hope Avenue. Construction on the three-quarter mile project should begin in summer 2015.

The Department of Transportation’s $67 million grants will fund projects throughout the state to increase the presence of accessible sidewalks, improve pedestrian access to public transport, improve opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians, and preserve and convert abandoned railroad corridors for trail use.

Residents are supportive of the Monroe County initiatives to improve area bike trails. Recent statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics revealed that 31.8% of American children are either overweight or obese, and many families are excited about the prospects for change that new trails will bring. Undoubtedly, better trails will bring more opportunities for exercise and healthy activities to Rochester residents, helping us to build a healthier community.