SUN PHOTO BY GREG MARTIN, gmartin@sun-herald.com

A group of bicyclists takes an inaugural ride on the Phase 3 segment of the Linear Park just moments after a half dozen past and present Punta Gorda City Council members cut a ribbon to celebrate the project's completion near Pittman Street and West Olympia Avenue Wednesday afternoon. Once a final phase gets completed this spring, the pedestrian and bike trail will connect the west end of the Harborwalk with U.S. 41 at Virginia Avenue in downtown Punta Gorda.