Sandusky Bay Pathway bike path could span 80 miles

SANDUSKY — They're gearing up to build the region's biggest bike path.During Thursday's State of the City address, officials mapped out a trail network system to expand the Sandusky Bay Pathway by about 40 times its current length.Today, the incomplete 2-mile-long waterfront network primarily stretches along Sandusky Bay. Planners, however, want to fulfill blueprints first conceived more than a decade ago.In 2017, when officials first announced their intentions to bolster the bike path, they envisioned it spanning from Sandusky's west side, connecting through downtown and linking up with a proposed east end waterfront park called The Landing.All told, within 15 years, the 13-mile course would create public access throughout Erie County's largest city.But city manager Eric Wobser indicated how planners want to increase its length and decrease the construction timeline.He expressed his desire for the pathway to bridge an area between Port Clinton in Ottawa County to Vermilion in Lorain County. Plus he wants it completed within a decade's time."This project is a unique partnership and a once-in-a-generation opportunity to connect our community to Sandusky Bay via a world-class bike trail and destination green space," Wobser said. "Landing Park will become an iconic Sandusky destination, joining Cedar Point and the Lake Erie islands. Most importantly, this is a public resource that will benefit local residents and tourists alike."Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.This mapping image shows what the Sandusky Bay Pathway trail could look like if extended to 80 miles, spanning an area between Port Clinton in Ottawa County to Vermilion in Lorain County.An artist rendering shows the Sandusky Bay Pathway creating a pier track spanning over water. The pathway would connect with this area and ideally stretch 13 miles through Sandusky. Upgrades along the pathway are outlined in Sandusky's $95 strategic plan, which outlines publicly funded upgrades scheduled for implementation now through 2022.