The City of Richmond has plans to improve a section Forest Hill Avenue which also happens to  coincide with US Bike Route 1 — a long distance bike route from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. 

Though this section of road is considered an “urban, minor arterial road” for local traffic, it is a major thoroughfare for long distance, commuter, and recreational cyclists and pedestrians.

Though proposed plans don’t call for dedicated bike lanes, the Virginia Bicycling Federation has asked that the City of Richmond incorporate them, and other bike related accommodations, as part of the $12 million enhancement project. (Please see Champe’s letter to the City of Richmond, on the Hills and Heights blog.) 

This corridor is a bottleneck for bicycle and pedestrian traffic between downtown Richmond and southwestern suburbs, and surrounding Chesterfield County.  Due to existing natural, transportation and physical barriers, few convenient alternatives to Forest Hill Avenue exist. Many cyclists feel this is a tricky stretch of road to maneuver and want to make sure adequate changes are made to accommodate cyclists. [continue reading…]

The New York Times has named Virginia’s cul-de-sac ban one of their design ideas of the year for 2009. We agree! While cul-de-sac neighbornoods are perceived as safer, they force cyclists and pedestrians onto busy arterial roads, and make trips within the neighborhood much longer — undoubtedly contributing to the decline in biking and walking over the last 30 years. We’re very pleased that Virginia is taking the lead with this issue.

Where cul-de-sacs already exist, cut-through paths can greatly improve bike and pedestrian connectivity.

Note that bicycle highways was also named as an idea of the year. We’re pleased with that, too!

Update: Tom Bowden’s editorial explains why rethinking the cul-de-sac is such a good idea.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer receives VBF's Bicycling Friendly Award. L to R: Jake Helmboldt, Ron Corio, Bud Vye, Pierce Homer, Champe Burnley, Sheryl Finucane.

Following the ribbon cutting ceremony opening the Richmond section of the Virginia Capital Trail, the Virginia Bicycling Federation presented Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer with VBF’s Bicycling Friendly Award.

Under the leadership of Secretary Homer, over $100 million in funds have been spent on bike and pedestrian facilities, including over $20 million in ARRA (Stimulus) funds.  Besides the Virginia Capital Trail, some major projects include the Dismal Swamp Trail, High Bridge Trail, and the Roanoke Greenway.

VBF commends Secretary Homer for his leadership, and prioritizing active transportation during these difficult economic times.

Governor Tim Kaine cuts the ribbon to open the Richmond phase of the Virginia Capital Trail

A crowd of over 150 people gathered in Richmond today for the official opening of the riverfront section of the Virginia Capital Trail.  Governor Tim Kaine, Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones, Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer and other local dignitaries  cut the ribbon, officially marking the  to opening of the trail section.

“Whoever came up with the idea is an absolute genius,” said Mayor Jones, “To connect the two capitals and put them together as a place that people could ride and walk to is absolutely amazing.  I predict people will come from all over America…  (to ride the trail).”

Governor Kaine spoke of the benefits of the trail as, “A great asset for the region and Virginia,” as well as the health benefits citizens gain when they exercise and lead healthier lifestyles.

Kaine announced that the Capital Trail had been a priority during his administration and used the ceremony as an opportunity to announce that the trail is fully funded. 

Completion of the trail is expected in 2014.