EASTBRUNSWICK- An $80,000 grant from Middlesex County will allow the township to extend its bicycle path.

The pathwill be extended fromFernRoad toHeavenly Farms and run throughDideriksen Park, said council President Catherine Diem. She said the plan is for construction to take place this spring when the weather is more accommodating.

"The term 'bike path' is almost misleading because a lot of runners use the trails, Diemnoted.

The present path begins at Brunswick Square Mall, runs through Great Oak Park and continues along Ryders Lane to the municipal complex at Cranbury Road. At one point, riders have to use the sidewalk on Summerhill Road to connect parts of the path.

Diem said the path along Ryders Lane is a safe alternative to walking or riding on the road. "It's also a good alternative to driving," she said.

Diemsaid her family likes to use the path a lot, and it serves as a "good exercise area."

Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin said she used to be an avid bicyclist, but in East Brunswick there is no place to bicyclewithout the risk of being hit by a car. In fact, she said she knows a number of peoplewho have been hit while riding bicycles.

CouncilmanDonaldKlemp,himselfanavid bicyclist,andPinkinagreedthat if the townhad more trails,more peoplewould ride bikes.

Pinkin said the area of the township where she lives is not good for bicycling because as of a lack of shoulders on the road.

"The bike path is really important due to safety issues," she said, adding that she did not let her children ride bicycles for fear of accidents.

She said the pathwill nowextend toCrystal SpringsAquatic Center, and allow people to get from township soccer fields to the swimming facility and eventually the new community center.

Pinkin,who has bicycled fromNewJersey toVirginia and been on a biking vacation, said the path affords a nice alternative to driving.

"It's also a good way to meet your neighbors," she noted.