The public is invited to participate in a kickoff meeting May 8 of the Nevada Stateline-to-Stateline Bikeway Working Group, which will receive input on its draft vision, design principles and objectives for a 30-mile trail connection between Stateline and Crystal Bay, Nev.

The group includes representatives of the Nevada counties in the Basin, the Nevada Division of State Parks, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, the USDA Forest Service and other agencies with planning authority and land ownership along the Nevada side of the Lake.

For the past two years, the group has focused on securing funding for a feasibility study and initial planning and design for two demonstration projects along the route. 

The trail segment would provide residents and visitors the opportunity to access popular beaches and view points without using their automobiles, reducing parking and traffic congestion in the area, and providing an unparalleled recreation experience in the trail itself. 

A major portion of the funding for the feasibility study comes from the voter-approved Nevada State Question 1 bond.

Additional funding comes from the Southern Nevada Public Lands Management Act and a Federal Scenic Byways grant.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the community meeting where project consultant EDAW will explain the concept of the bikeway and gather input on the project vision, design principles and objectives.

The meeting will be held 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, 128 Market Street, Stateline, Nev.

Visit www.nvtahoebikeway.com for information on the project, to sign up for future mailings, and for links to other bicycle planning efforts in the Tahoe Basin.