By Bill Napper

CARLINVILLE — Those wanting to form a bike trail to Macoupin from Madison County got a huge boost last week when Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed an amendment to the Metro-East Park and Recreation Act. This amendment allows Macoupin County to be included in the Metro-East Park District.

Beautiful trails can be found in Madison County, just south of Macoupin. This is the handiwork of the district whose primary role is the development, operation and maintenance of a public system of interconnecting trails and parks throughout the counties of: Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Clinton, Jersey. Macoupin has joined the list.

Those wanting to build such a bike trail who made up the ITS Trail Committee view this as very good news as they work for expansion of the trail through Macoupin County.

The ITS Trail, when completed, will be one of Illinois’ longest continuous rails-to-trails projects. It will meander some 95 miles through the countryside of Madison, Macoupin and Sangamon counties, connecting the area from St. Louis to Springfield.

Macoupin County Board Chairman Andrew Manar said being included in the Metro-East Park District allows the board and ITS to collaborate in the expansion of the bike trails and also allows communities within Macoupin County to work together for future development of bike trails and green space.

The ITS group is very active and meets often to work toward forming the recreational trial.

They have taken part in several homecomings and trail rides as well as other recreational activities in order to spread the word in its quest to bring the trail to fruition.

They plan to take part in the Coal County Chamber of Commerce on Saturday Sept. 22. The event consists of three different routes: a 15 mile family ride, a 30 mile ride, and a metric century (63 miles). The ride starts at Benld Elementary, and winds through the surrounding countryside, including Staunton in the longer ride. The area has several old coal mines, and the ride goes past many of them. Last year’s ride was a great success, and organizers expect the second annual ride will be even better.

The ITS group has received several resolutions of support from local governmental bodies, including support from: Senator Dick Durbin, Staunton City Council, Eagerville City Council, White City Council, Benld City Council, Mt. Olive City Council, and the Macoupin County Board, just to name a few.

Other organizations such as the Staunton Chamber of Commerce, Coal Country Chamber of Commerce, Gillespie - Benld Rotary Club, and the Rt. 66 Trail Executive Council have also been supportive.