Please do something about the barrier at the bridge over Eighth Street on the Badger State Bike Trail.

We spent a small fortune preparing what is now one of the most beautiful bike paths anywhere, then we advertise it to attract people to Monroe. Many weeks ago, a barrier was erected at the bridge and the sign says "bike trail closed." No explanation, no directions how to get around the bridge and use the trail on the other side. The sign implies that the bike trail is closed from that point on. The first time I saw the sign, I was headed south on the bike trail and assumed the sign meant the entire bike trail from there on to the south was closed, so I had to turn around and go the other direction. I pity anybody who tries to bike through Monroe and comes upon that barrier, as they are likely to think the same thing.

There are many ways that the barrier could have been made more friendly. For example, if it was absolutely necessary to put up a barrier, they could have indicated on the sign how to get around the bridge and come up and re-enter the bike trail on the other side. However, crossing busy Eighth Street is probably more dangerous than crossing the bridge. Better yet, they could have put temporary fencing, or even better yet, they could have put up the permanent railings.

I bike this trial several times a week, and I'm incensed every time I see that threatening barrier.

This barrier is a disgrace, and the bridge crossing should be fixed immediately.