A bike system has been long desired in the community of Hays as evident in the 1995 Comprehensive Plan, past citizen initiatives and the most recent completion of the strategic Comprehensive Plan.

Although it is not an entire paved system for a fraction of the cost, the City submitted a 26-mile bike lane/multipurpose path system for Kansas Transportation Enhancement funding.

On June 5, 2013, the City was notified of $430,185 in awarded funds for the $812,000 project. The construction and implementation of the system will begin soon with noticeable results by fall 2013/2014.

Upon receiving notification, City Manager Toby Dougherty stated, “Now the hard work begins, which primarily relies on community partnerships and citizens for education and marketing of the system. The award of this funding and fruition of the project is evident of this CAN DO community/county to achieve the quality of life amenities it desires”.