Another segment of the overall Vilas County bike trail system was approved this week (Feb. 19) when the county Highway Committee approved close to three miles of Highway W right-of-way in the town of Winchester for the WinMan bike route to Manitowish Waters.
The committee wanted support for the trail from the town of Winchester and town chairman Rick Clem told the county they support the trail, indicating safety was the primary reason to get bikes off the county highway. “This is a great plus for our community,” Clem said, adding his only concern was “water issues in placing any culverts.”
The estimated trail cost is $700,000 which will all come from private funds. There were several concerns expressed by citizens to the committee, including any planned fencing, having 500 feet of boardwalk that could limit public access to state property, and if the trail surface will be for both bikes and snowmobiles.
Lee Stengela (STEN-gula) wondered about adding problems for residents along the bike path and increase in crimes. Highway Committee member Jerry Burkett, who is also on the county Law Enforcement Committee, indicated when reviewing Sheriff's department reports he “could not find where there was an increase in crime due to a bike trail.”
