As reported by the Washington Post, Loudoun County officers ticketed several riders for running stop signs during last weekend’s MS charity ride.

Citing complaints from motorists about cyclists “crowding the roads and running stop signs,” the Sheriff’s Dept. says their ticketing is a safety issue. But cyclists say it’s poor form, even if they had rolled a few stop signs. The ride is a major annual event that attracts hundreds of cyclists, and raises over $700,000 for MS research.

What do you think? Should cyclists always be subject to letter-of-the-law enforcement, even during organized rides? Or is this some kind of a backlash?

The League of American Bicyclists (aka LAB, Bikeleague) is seeking a membership director, “to manage all functions related to membership, including but not limited to the recruitment, retention and engagement of members. The director is also responsible for database oversight and website management as they relate to membership.”

Update: please see the details of the Winning Campaigns Training, including schedule and pricing information. All are welcome, but VBF members get a discount. We’re also handing out a few scholarships to worthy VBF members. Deadline for early registration is Nov. 2.

This year we’re teaming up with the Alliance for Biking and Walking to offer their Winning Campaigns Training as part of our annual fall retreat. All VBF members are welcome, and encouraged to attend. Our fall retreat is also where we elect our officers, and plan our business for the upcoming year.

Though this year’s retreat will be in Richmond instead of a state park, we’ll still find a way to get some good riding in. The networking opportunities will be great as always. We’d love to have every bike club in Virginia send somebody! Mark your calendars — Fri. Nov. 13 to Sun. Nov. 15, 2009. Costs for the Alliance training are listed at the above link. VBF retreat cost — including food and lodging — will be announced later, but it’s always very inexpensive. For more information, or to RSVP, contact Jeff Miller of the Alliance for Biking and Walking.

As of April 6, 2012, the High Bridge itself is open.

Yesterday we announced a preview ride of a new section of the High Bridge Trail, which will open to the public June 6. Here’s another report from that ride, by Ric Losey.

DATELINE: May23, 2009, High Bridge Trail State Park, Farmville, Va.
by Ric Losey

Bicycle tire tracks and signs of use on the new High Bridge Trail State Park at last! No doubt that was the sentiment of park Director Eric Hougland as he stood aside a newly opened portion of the western end of the trail that runs out past Farmville and makes a bee-line for Prospect watching members of RABA (Richmond Area Bicycling Association) roll back into the trail head after the public’s first official use of the new section.

One could only imagine the thoughts passing through Mr. Houglands mind as he finally bears witness to the hard work his department has put into this project. Citizens on the trail for the first time, must have been like watching a son or daughter during a recital. And there is no doubt that his pride is well deserved, the trail is an instant success and a thing of beauty from start to finish. Mr. Hougland’s department has created a world-class marvel that will become a tourist destination. [continue reading…]