The Butler-Freeport Trail Council is working to identify bicycle routes through Butler which, in addition to connecting the city's parks and businesses, would become a hub for regional bike routes.

A well-planned system of bicycle routes throughout the city will promote bicycle tourism, economic development and healthier lifestyles, in addition to being safer for riders, said Chris Ziegler, president of the Butler-Freeport Trail Council.

"I'm amazed how quickly it's moving now, and it is a project that could be moved upon rather quickly, not being high-cost," Ziegler said.

The trail starts in Laneville, Armstrong County, and covers about 20 miles through Freeport, Cabot, Marwood, Herman and into Butler.

"It could be connected to Butler within the next six weeks, depending on the weather and other commitments of our crews," Ziegler said.

Experienced and casual riders alike took to city streets on Friday to test out proposed routes through the city.

"We're asking experienced cyclists to give us their comments, to see if they would like it changed or tweaked in any way," said Jonathan Dreher, chairman of the design committee for Butler Downtown.

"More than 100,000 people used the trail last year, and we want to bring those people downtown."

Ziegler said bicycle routes through the city would act as an economic catalyst, bringing out-of-town riders to the area seeking recreation, shopping or food. They also could attract local cyclists into the city.

The proposed routes would provide city residents with an alternative means of transportation for short trips to city venues such as Pullman, Father Marinaro and Memorial parks, the Island neighborhood's farmers' market and the downtown.

"The other reason for putting in these trails is for local residents, to encourage them to use alternative means to work or go about their daily business in a new way," Dreher said.

Shared streets and signs appear to be the best option for Butler, whose streets are, in most cases, too narrow for independent bicycle lanes.

Additionally, Ziegler said Butler lacks the volume of bicycle traffic to justify independent lanes.

"A lot of the streets we use are one way, so they are a bit wider to work with. We will re-evaluate that as we move along," she said.

"One of the other reasons we're doing (the route test rides) is just to get motorists used to seeing bicyclists on the road, making it safer for both. We will be doing multiple rides like this"

Two agencies would provide design criteria for bike routes through the city.

The American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials establishes which roads can safely share vehicle and bicycle traffic.

Using the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, that association also would help determine street signs that would contribute most to the safety of both drivers and riders.

"Everyone's excited to see the trail getting finished into Butler. But what do we do once we're there? We need to concentrate on providing a safe route through the city," Ziegler said.

Butler's city council would have to approve the final routes and the accompanying regulations.

Pittsburgh has adopted similar regulations in its effort to become more bicycle friendly, Ziegler said.

One finishing touch is where cyclists can secure their bikes while shopping or eating in town.

"We haven't really approached anyone yet about bicycle racks. Some businesses have expressed interest and would provide their own," Ziegler said.