Thank you for all of the comments and great information posted so far. As a result of riding the bike path, I've learned to say "on your left" in 5 different languages.

Sidney_b, is that Lincoln, NE? I need to point my city to another city who has had success with yellow lines.

BikeMomma, thanks for the informative links! BTW, I'm a county employee.

I could be 100% wrong - but I remember reading somewhere that multi use paths were built as a response to receiving money from the Federal government to increase the use of bicycles. The recipients of this money had several options on how to spend it which included widening the street and adding bike lanes. The bike paths were built instead because they were more cost effective than rebuilding the roads. Somewhere along the line, the paths became multi-use.

I'm verifying this information where I live through my city government and bike club advocate and if true will be the basis for my argument on making improvements so that the paths are made more suitable for their original use.
I'll let you guys know what I find out!

Carmen