Plans for a bicycle trail linking Mt. Pleasant to Oakland Mills remain in flux, as the county seeks a suitable path for the trail to follow.

The latest plan, to widen the shoulders of Oakland Mills Road for use by pedestrians and cyclists, fell apart because of the water pipes that run alongside the road's southern shoulder.

Speaking with the supervisors this morning, county engineer Bill Belzer noted that maintenance or repairs of the pipes would involve closing off the shoulder, forcing cyclists out on the road.

"Right now, the city has three spots torn up down there," Belzer said. "To put it on that side would be a disaster, because you wouldn't be able to use a bike."

That could force the county back to its previous plan, which would build a separate trail running in the ditch alongside the road. But right-of-way and geographical issues would require such a pass to cross the road twice, once at Oakland Oaks Subdivision and again at Oakland Mills.

For more, see our Feb. 24 print edition.