It is tempting, but now is not the time to take that first ride on the Indiana-Michigan River Valley Trail in Niles Charter Township.

Construction crews are still in the process of completing a 3.3-mile portion of the trail in Niles Township that will stretch from U.S. 12 south to the Indiana-Michigan state line.

Blacktop has been laid and smoothed in recent weeks, making it easy to envision hopping on a bicycle and peddling down the new path.

The problem is that many features designed to make the path as safe as possible have not been installed yet.

There are no stop signs where the trail intersects the roads.

There are no signs warning motorists of a trail crossing.

The improved crossing signal at the dangerous U.S. 12/S. 3rd Street intersection has not been put in.

These are just a few reasons why residents should stay off the trail until it is finished.

Construction crews have set an estimated completion date for the end of July or early August.

A month and a half is not too long to wait to make sure you have a safe and fun first ride on what will be a great addition to the community.

 

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of Publisher Michael Caldwell and editors Craig Haupert, Ambrosia Neldon, Ted Yoakum and Scott Novak.