(a) The Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to construct bicycle trails and bikeways in this state after the routes of such trails and bikeways have been determined by the Department of Natural Resources or by local governing authorities and approved by the Department of Transportation pursuant to this article.

(b) Nothing contained in this Code section shall be deemed or construed to prevent local governing authorities or private associations and organizations from constructing bicycle trails in this state, provided that the power of eminent domain shall not be exercised for the acquisition or construction of such trails.