As most Virginians (should) know, our beloved Chesapeake Bay is in trouble, suffering from nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, oxygen depletion, and toxic contamination. So the Chesapeake Bay Foundation has launched its Cyclist for the Bay campaign, whereby cyclists can be part of the solution. Those who take the Cyclist for the Bay pledge will receive free water bottles and stickers, a pledge card with useful Bay information, membership in a Cyclist Network for Chesapeake Bay cycling information, and discounts on merchandise from the Foundation’s online store.

Fess Green was a friend of mine, so this is difficult to write about. He died April 29 from injuries received in an accident April 23, when 20 year old Ryan Sherman failed to yield to oncoming traffic and made a left turn across Fess’s path.

Ryan Sherman had a history of recklessness behind the wheel — driving too fast for road conditions, and driving “outside restrictions on his license.” (In other words, he probably drove anyway while his license was suspended.) But despite this history, after killing a man, Ryan Sherman received only another temporary suspension of his license, and had to pay only $1500 of a $2500 fine. I am speechless.

Help determine the future of popular trails like the IMBA Epic Southern Traverse during the George Washington National Forest forest plan update. The process, which is restarting after a year-long lull, features five public meetings, July 14 through July 28, to identify management needs for the forest. Mountain bikers packed the house last year and we need you to attend these meetings and voice support for more and better singletrack.

George Washington singletrack faces real threats, including trail-to-road conversions to support mineral leasing and closures due to budget cuts or management changes. But we have a lot to gain: miles of new loop trails, protected access for bicycles, a larger trails budget and improved trail restoration after fires.

This forest plan will guide management actions for 15-20 years, making it imperative that mountain bikers are at the table when important decisions are made. Let’s make sure we are as closely involved in speaking for better singletrack as we were last spring. [continue reading…]

When chased by an attacking dog, most people are afraid of being bitten. But the greatest danger to a cyclist, by far, is that the dog will cause a crash. Though painful and unpleasant, dog bites are rarely serious, even if they require a trip to the emergency room. Dog-bike crashes, on the other hand, frequently cause injuries that are very serious indeed.

An unfortunate example is the cyclist who suffered a serious head injury during this year’s Bike Virginia. As also reported by the Bristol Herald Courier, local cyclists cite dogs as their greatest hazard. [continue reading…]