How nice would it be to ride your bike up and down the coast of Georgia and not have to worry about traffic or car exhaust?
Well one group is working to make that dream a reality.
News Three’s Alice Massimi has more on this bicycle friendly initiative and how it could help boost the local economy.
It’s hard not to notice there are more bikes on the streets of Savannah...
Whether you see them parked outside stores or sharing the road with them.
Pushing the pedals is now a necessity for some and a popular pastime for others.
“We know that trails are a very desirable amenity for new home buyers even more so than golf courses,” explains Drew Wade of the Savannah Bicycle Campaign.
He’s one of many along the coast working to create a Coastal Georgia Greenway.
“Most of the trail sits within a very close distance of a large portion of the coastal population.”
Or at least it will once it's completed...so far there are only small pieces you can ride...the goal is to connect them all together to create a 450 mile long path up and down the coast.
The route was in the works more than 10 years ago -- now rekindled by a 20 million dollar grant proposal from the country's Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
“Essentially going from River Street through downtown, along the S and O Canal to Tom Triplett Park in Pooler and then from there swerving out to the S and O Canal Museum.”
Enormous in scope, Wade says it’s worth it on many levels.
“On the economic side it's a very good draw from a tourism standpoint because we know from data in Florida the most asked question at the Florida Visitor Center is where can I ride my bicycle safely.”
A telling sign that Georgia better get moving before they get passed by.
The group is hoping find out in February if they've been awarded the grant money.
For more information log onto coastalgeorgiagreenway.org.
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