DeKalb bicyclists may have new paths to explore in the next year.

“The bike path addition currently planned is to be located along the north side of Fairview Drive between Route 23 (Fourth Street) and Heritage Drive,” said Steve Maney, intern for DeKalb’s transportation planner.

The construction of this new bike path is set to begin this summer and should be completed by the end of the year, said DeKalb transportation planner Brian Dickson.

“The project will cost a total of $260,000,” Dickson said. “$92,000 will be provided by the city of DeKalb, and $168,000 will be provided by the Federal Highway Administration.”

DeKalb is also bringing in an outside consultant to help with future projects such as bike path connectivity and on-street bike routes.

“The consultant will be hired to identify gaps in the existing bike trail system, find ways to create more trail connectivity and examine the possibility of on-street bike routes,” Maney said. “In addition, the plan seeks to identify funding sources for bike trail additions, as well as who might undertake future bike trail construction projects.”

The driving force behind these changes is the DeKalb/Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS).

“The DSATS Committee looks at all facets of transportation and figures out how to connect both cities and try to see what would be beneficial to both communities, NIU included,” said Sycamore City Engineer John Laskowski.

More information about bike trails throughout the state is available at www.dot.state.il.us/bikemap/trailist.htm.