The city of Ames and the Ames/ISU Bicycle Committee are looking to expand bike paths in the Ames area.

The expanded paths could be used for recreational or commuting purposes, said Scott Logan, city traffic engineer.

The plan is being considered as part of the proposed 1995-2000 Capital Improvement Plan.

“Many students commute, and [the bike paths] provide a fast way for many students to get to campus,” Logan said.

Funding for the bike paths has come in the past from local tax funds, a 1 cent city sales tax and from bicycle licensing fees, but the city recently procured additional funding from other sources.

One path would run along Elwood Drive, from Mortensen Road to South 16th Street. Another would follow Hyland Avenue, from West Street to Ontario Street. A third proposed path would be built along Grand Avenue, between 24th Street and 30th Street.

The Ames/ISU Bicycle Committee and the Public Works Department have been working on a long-range plan for bike paths that would extend into the next five years. On Thursday, Sept. 7, the committee will review a list of more proposed bike paths. The meeting is open to the public. It will be held at 5 p.m. in the council chambers at 515 Clark St.

Other bicycle plans in the works include an evaluation of maintenance problems on the existing paths, a bicycle licensing educational campaign and a possible expansion of bicycle parking in Campustown.