MOUNT AIRY, N.C. -- Bicyclists in Mount Airy will soon be riding In the first designated bike lanes in the city. The Department of Transportation is re-paving a stretch of North Main Street from Grace Street to Greenhill Road.

DOT engineers suggested adding the bike lanes at the same time because Main street is wide enough.

"It never came to mind,” said City Engineer, Mitch Williams. “I mean, it's been a bike route for about 10 years, and this is the first resurfacing in 10 years, so it makes sense. Again, they're trying to reduce maintenance cost. Shift the traffic towards the center. Slow the traffic down, calm it a little bit."

The lanes should be open by this summer.