Mayor Morrissey joined local leaders to celebrate the first phase of the plan. The route will run from Rockford College on the east.. to Riverside and Halsted boulevard on the west.

"I think Rockford has a great trail system already.. by adding a network of routes to get to the trail system..or even through town, helps to make it so you can use your bike for transportation". says Ed Barsotti.

Riders can pick up maps at local bike shops that show all the safe routes around Rockford.