The big question was whether ALDOT was going to gouge out the paved shoulder with a rumble strip.
I'm happy to report ALDOT listened to the bicycle community
and put the gouged out rumble strip on the White Line
instead of in the middle of the paved shoulder
where most bicyclists would prefer to ride.
The wide paved shoulder allows two cars to pass each other
and a bicyclist all at the same time, SAFELY.
No one has to swerve into another lane. Motorists win. Bicyclists win.
An additional benefit is the loud audible warning that a cyclist can't help but hear
when a vehicle starts to veer over the white line onto the paved shoulder.
A out and back ride between Dauphin Island and Bayou La Batre
is about 36 miles. Add a few side trips like along Shell Belt Road
and to the end of Fort Gaines and you'll end up doing a half century (50 miles)
on mostly smooth, wide shoulder. I am in bicycle heaven.
Adventure Cycling Association's Southern Tier Bicycle Route
goes along this section of state highway so it is a vast improvement for those riders.
Big Kudos to the ALDOT group behind the widening and repaving of Hwy 188!