Jerry Miller of West Jefferson runs a subsoiler blade alongside the Roberts Pass portion of the Ohio To Erie Trail bike path in London. The idea is to cut through tree roots to prevent them from growing under the asphalt and causing bumps in the path.
(Posted Oct. 29, 2014)
By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
The Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails (FMCPT) is conducting an experiment.
The problem: Tree roots are growing under the portion of the Ohio To Erie bike path that runs through Madison County. In some places, those roots are heaving up the asphalt, creating bumps that can catch cyclists off guard and off balance.
The experimental solution: Run a subsoiler blade several inches deep along both sides of the trail, cutting the tree roots and, hopefully, preventing more roots from causing more damage.
“We won’t know if it worked for a couple of years. We’ll see if any more pop up,” said FMCPT member Alan Knowles. “It’s something we’ll probably have to do every couple of years.”
Jerry Miller, an FMCPT member, did the honors Oct. 23, providing the tractor, blade and his time. Madison County’s 14 miles of bike path run between Clark County and Wilson Road near the Franklin County line. Miller covered the 14 miles twice, first on one side of the trail, then on the other, cutting through cottonwood and locust roots measuring about a half-inch in diameter.
FMCPT, a non-profit group of volunteers, dedicates money and manpower to the trail’s upkeep and development. To learn more, go to www.fmcpt.com or visit “Friends of Madison County Parks and Trails” on Facebook. The group meets at 7 p.m. the third Wednesday of each month at the Madison County Senior Center, 280 W. High St., London.
