Ride-ins will be accommodated, even when campgrounds are full.

The Virginia State Park System has announced a new policy showing  that long distance touring cyclists are always welcome in Virginia’s award winning parks.  Beginning today, Virginia’s state parks will designate areas for cyclists to camp even when campgrounds are full, to ensure that long-distance touring cyclists will always have a place to stay.

“I credit the Virginia Bicycling Federation with helping us understand the special circumstances that long-distance touring cyclists can find themselves in when the campgrounds are full and there is no reasonable alternative place to overnight,” stated Joe Elton, Virginia’s State Parks Director. “Once we understood the challenges, we called on our Operations Chief Craig Seaver and the Campground Design and Management Working Group to come up with a practical solution to the problem.  These are experienced Rangers who work routinely with all kinds of campers to find ways to enhance the outdoor recreation and camping experience,” Elton stated.   “We believe our approach provides a simple, practical solution that makes Virginia an even more attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.  Put simply, we want the Commonwealth to be the most welcoming place you ever bicycled.”

With this welcoming attitude, it’s obvious why the park system  has  received a number of national  awards.

The new policy applies only to groups of four or fewer, self contained, long-distance touring cyclists who ride in, not sagged or supported by a car that could take them to find other accommodations. Cyclists are still required to make reservations and pay camping fees, like any other campers.

With two interstate cycling routes — US Bike Routes 1 and 76 — and a number of long distance routes and trails, Virginia brings riders from around the world to tour its back roads and trails.  Virginia State Parks’ new policy sets a great precedent that we hope other state park systems will follow.

(Some restrictions apply so click here  for all the details.)

Update: sign the petition to get the National Parks on the guaranteed camping bandwagon.

The League of American Bicyclists’ 2012 National Bike Summit concluded Friday.  With over 800 attendees, the League set a new attendance record with cyclists represented from all states (except Alaska!)

VA Cyclists Meet with Congressman Bobby Scott (second from left)

Aides From Senator Warner and Webb's Offices Field Questions

Besides sessions on economic impact cycling brings to communities, health, environmental  and other benefits cycling brings to cities and towns, one of the most important aspects of the Summit are the citizen  meetings with their congressional members. 

The interests of Virginia cyclists were well represented.  Meetings were held with all eleven Virginia congressional offices as well as staff members for both Virginia senators.  A diverse group attended, representing all types of cycling.  The Virginia delegation included bike shop owners, racers, mountain bikers and college students who made the trek to Capitol Hill. 

One of the key messages was letting lawmakers  know that funding cycling infrastructure should be included in any federal transportation funding. 

Offices from  from both sides of the aisle seemed receptive to the the message  delivered. 

The VBF thanks these citizens for taking a day out of their busy schedules to attend and make the effort to improve cycling across America.

This week’s 2012 Bike Summit in Washington DC should be an interesting schmooze-fest, with the recently announced merger of three national organizations, and Richmond 2015 World Cycling Championships.

Most of our board will be there for most of the Summit. At least two of us will be pedaling what we peddle, by riding all the way Washington.

Tom Bowden will join Commute-By-Bike’s Ted Johnson to ride 110 miles from Richmond, along USBR 1. Read about their mission, and see a map, at CommuteByBike.com.

Joe Morgan is riding all the way from Norfolk, following the proposed East Coast Greenway route. Here’s his itinerary: [continue reading…]