At VBF’s Fall Retreat, Jeff Peel from the League of American Bicyclists talked at length about the new Bicycle Friendly States program, the scoring system, and why Virginia ranked 23rd in 2008. Here’s where Virginia lost points:

• No 3′ passing law
• No cell phone restrictions for drivers (full credit for total ban, partial credit for hands-free requirement)
• No bike parking requirement for state-owned facilities
• No mountain biking plan
• No CO2 reduction plan that includes biking as a means to reduce CO2 emissions
• No rumble strip policy that includes 4′ clearance for bicycles
• No system to tally percentage of highways with paved shoulders
• State bike routes lack signage
• State bike map does not include suitability ratings
• No bicycle-related questions on state drivers test
• No reporting of bicycle usage in outdoor recreation
• No performance measures in state bike master plan

Your comments are encouraged!

This is a press release from the City of Lynchburg, also available as a PDF file.

On Wednesday, November 19, the City of Lynchburg and the University of Virginia will host an Open House for residents, business leaders, and anyone interested in the environmental health of the City. The Open House will take place at the Lynchburg Community Market, 1219 Main Street, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Open House is structured to allow attendees to attend at any time during the two-hour timeframe. Stations will be set up throughout the Market so attendees can comment on ideas for stream habitats and stormwater, tree canopy, trails and cultural resources and parks. Students will showcase their ideas based on recent research they have conducted in the community and ask for community input. Community ideas will be used to make final recommendations in a report due to City staff in December.

The project is a collaborative partnership between the City of Lynchburg and the University of Virginia. Graduate students at the University of Virginia are helping Lynchburg to plan for its “green infrastructure.” Green infrastructure is the interconnected network of waterways, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas; greenways, parks, and trails that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, sustain air and water resources and contribute to health and quality of life. In urban areas, tree canopy helps keep the city cooler in the summer while also absorbing pollutants from the air. At the workshop, students will reveal just how much air pollution is treated by city trees. They will also suggest options for better protection of streams as well as ideas for improving the trail network.

According to UVA professor Karen Firehock, “Students benefit from this applied study by gaining real-world planning experience while Lynchburg gains new ideas for improving the environmental health of the city at no charge.”

“It’s important for people to understand the intrinsic value of our green infrastructure and how it plays a vital part in our community”, said City Environmental Planner Erin Hawkins. “This partnership will provide us with valuable information as the City continues in its efforts to protect its natural resources.”

Biking Bis, a bicycle touring blog, has a neat article about US Bicycle Routes in Virginia, and plans for new routes in Virginia and other states. VDOT bike coordinator Jakob Helmboldt talks about these new routes, and Virginia’s new state bike plan. Check it out.

Update: our report from this event can be seen at https://www.vabike.org/afton-cookie-lady-receives-gift-from-raba/

Living in Afton, June opened the Bike House in 1976 for cyclists riding the TransAmerica Route when the route first opened 32 years ago.

June got the idea to open her house to riders when Peggy Reynolds, riding with her poodle, “Poo”, stopped by June’s House, exhausted and in need of some water on the climb up Afton Mountain, just a few days into her cross country bike ride.

For over thirty years, over 14,000 riders from around the world have stayed in the Bike House and eaten fresh baked cookies, free of charge.

(For an in-depth history, visit the website, http://www.crazyguyonabike.com and click on the Cookie House Registry.)

June’s health has been failing over the past few years and RABA wanted to raise funds and help the Cookie Lady’s cause. An effort to help June began earlier in the summer. The club raised fun through events such as its annual, Heart of Virginia Bike Ride and Festival as well as other activities. The efforts were truly successful with donors from fifteen states contributing to this worthwhile cause.

RABA is planning to present the funds to June at her home in Afton on Sunday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m. After the presentation, we are planning a joint ride south along the Blue Ridge Parkway with Waynesboro’s, Mile Post Zero Club, returning to Afton for pizza and drinks ($3) in the parking lot.

All pace groups are welcome to ride along.

If you’d like to join us for this ride please RSVP via http://www.eventbrite.com/event/211510634 which also lists ride details.

If you have any questions, please contact Champe Burnley 804.358.5801, champe_burnley@hotmail.com