Agency to release proposal for Red Rock bicycle trail

Bob McCall is serious about his cycling, and so is his buddy Mark Dallas.

During a break in their 45-mile, round-trip ride Tuesday through Red Rock Canyon, they spoke about the Bureau of Land Management's plan to make the journey along state Route 159 safer for recreational bicyclists by constructing a trail through the desert that avoids the highway where cars and trucks whisk by a few feet away at 60 mph.

"I'm all for it," said McCall, 46. "I would like to have that option."

During a two-session open house Thursday, BLM officials will release their preferred alternative for the trail, which is expected to cover more than 26 miles from the outskirts of Las Vegas west to Blue Diamond through the national conservation area.

The route was derived from public input at two previous open houses.

Dallas, 43, said that although the trail probably will be a popular path for recreational cyclists, those who are more serious about the sport and training for races might stick to the highway.

"You're not going to get big groups to use it," he said. He wondered whether changing the speed limit back to 45 mph would be cheaper. That was the limit until several years ago when state transportation officials decided to increase it to 60.

Even with a wider road and painted bike lanes with "Share the Road" signs, cars continue to speed by "honking at you," Dallas said, "like you're in their way."

Jed Botsford, the BLM's lead outdoor recreational planner, said the $250,000 feasibility study for a trail for bicyclists is expected to be finalized by the end of February.

No cost estimate for the trail was available this week, and potential funding sources will not be identified in the study.

Thursday's open house will be held at the BLM's office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, from 12:15 to 2 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m.

Contact reporter Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308.