April 1, 2008 5:10 PM EDT

Johnson County - Fitness and safety are two of the benefits of a proposed bike trail from downtown to areas south of Indianapolis. The trail would link the Indianapolis Zoo to Johnson County and into Morgan County.

For commuters to the north, the Monon Trail gives bicyclists an easier, safer alternative to getting downtown. Now a proposed plan would offer the same convenience to riders on the south side.

"Right now if you want to enjoy a trail and live here you have to put your bike in a car and go somewhere where there is a trail," said Anita Knowles, Johnson County Council.

While Greenwood recently paved a path for recreation within city limits, there is no countywide bike trails plan. That's what Johnson County council member Anita Knowles is pushing for.

"It's a long-range plan that will cost millions of dollars but it will happen some day," said Knowles.

In the meantime, Johnson County may see the benefits of a  proposal in Indianapolis to link the downtown zoo with communities to the south.

The new bike trail would follow the path of the White River from the zoo to the northwest edge of Johnson County and into Morgan County.

"You're seeing a lot more people commuting, with gas prices, and  fitness in general," said Bob Locke, Bicycle Garage Indy.

An avid bicyclist and the manager of Greenwood's Bicycle Garage Indy, Locke considers the practical benefits of a bike trail. "The more people ride, the better my business is," he said.

Locke is not alone. "Businesses like to locate where there is a high quality of life," he said. He also likes the idea of a safe route.

IndyParks already designated Bluff Road a bike route from north to south, but a bicycle-only path like the Monon would offer something more.

"I think that would really bring a sense of security to those people," he said.

Like their neighbors to the north, there are those in Johnson County who would like the advantages of a new bike trail. While it's in slow gear, they believe it will eventually get rolling.

Indianapolis is hoping to be one of six communities to get $50 million in federal funding for the bike trails plan. Johnson County is working on adopting its own county-wide trails plan.

Indy Greenways