By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@thecitizennews.com

If you thought you saw a large number of bicyclers riding through the county last night, you were right.

As part of a plan to develop a county-wide bicycle path system, teams of cyclists pedaled around the county last night to get a feel for the county.

Along with county residents, the county's engineering firm of Robert and Company also participated in the ride to see where the paths should be placed.

The Coweta County Bike Routes Plan is a federal grant-funded transportation enhancement project to support cycling in the county.

The study will establish a master plan for on- and off-street bicycle routes to be implemented in the next few years.

Up to 80 percent of the funds being used for this project have been provided by the Federal Highway Administration, with the Coweta government funding the remainder of the project cost.

The county is responsible for implementing the project and obtaining federal reimbursement from the Georgia Department of Transportation.

To submit input into the formation of a bicycle routes master plan, send responses by e-mail to the address listed below.

In this first phase, Coweta County intends to develop the bicycle routes master plan and place signs along designated roads. Further improvements are expected in later phases.

Key questions:

1) Describe the best possible county-wide network of bicycling infrastructure.

2) What are the most important elements of a bicycle route plan?

3) What are the most significant/popular bicycling destinations within the county?

4) What are the best county roads for cycling?

5) What areas of the county would most benefit from off-road bicycle paths and trails?

6) As a cyclist in Coweta County, what are your greatest concerns?

7) Your name, address, phone, e-mail, occupation.

Additional comments/questions are welcome. Send them to:

Lee Walton, Planner; Robert and Company; 96 Poplar Street N.W.; Atlanta 30335-6001. E-mail l.walton@robertco.com; Phone 404-577-4000; Fax 404-577-7119.