Oak Mountain State Park Cycles Into Summer

by Max Greene

Summer is almost here, and with the free time and warmer weather that comes with it, students nationwide will be hitting the outdoors soon. Oak Mountain State Park is one such place people will be flocking to.

"Of course with spring, the attendance drastically rises," said David Johnson, park manager. "Plus, school will be letting out towards the end of this month, so it skyrockets this time of year."


In addition to the Xterra triathlon the park is planning this summer, they are also in the planning stages of completing the bike lanes on John Findlay Drive. Due to lack of funding, the stretch of road between the North Trailhead and the back entrance gate was the only part of John Findlay Drive that was not given bike lanes when they were initially constructed.

"That section back there is so popular, with all the curves going that are back there," said Johnson. "It just made sense to go on and finish it all out."

Oak Mountain will be completing all bike
lanes on John Findlay Drive.

The decision to complete the project seems a positive change among cyclists. "“I wish they’d repave the whole thing, because it is a little rough in places. But yeah, that would be nice.” said Lauren Wolfe, first time Oak Mountain cyclist.

With bike lanes among most areas of the park, cyclists get to have their own space. But it also a matter of safety, which is something that both the park and its visitors appreciate.


“It also helps us out with traffic accidents because now we have an extra shoulder on the road," said Johnson. "But all the bikers I’ve talked to are excited to see it come in.”