On the map: Baraboo leaders plan stop on U.S. Bicycle Route

Parks and recreation planners in Baraboo are exploring a plan to turn an old pumphouse along the Baraboo River into a stop on the U.S. Bicycle Route System.

An interstate system for bicyclists, the USBS is being developed by the Adventure Cycling Association and state transportation departments. The Baraboo link would be part of the route from Madison to Reedsburg, according to the report from the Baraboo News Republic.

An advantage in developing Bicycle Route 30 is that there are existing bike-accessible trails along about 75 percent of the propose route, according to Robbie Webber, a biking educator from Madison.

One proposed path for BR 30 through the area enters Sauk County at Sauk City and follows county roads north of the village to Reedsburg. Bikers on that route can take advantage of the paved bike path along Highway 12 for much of their travel, Webber said.

Another route brings riders across the Merrimac Ferry and then north to Baraboo before traveling on to Reedsburg.

Webber said she believes the possible route through Baraboo has advantages over the one that goes through Sauk City.

"You get to Baraboo there's a lot of services, you can get food, there's a bike shop, there's a hotel," she said. "It's a good destination for various tourist attractions."