The Blue Ridge Parkway recently went through a park planning process and environmental impact review, and has released a Draft Management Plan that will set the stage for park management well into the future. Cyclists from near and far should take the time to comment on this plan, as it could have near-permanent impact on bicycling within the park, and on the Parkway itself.
Most troubling is an over-arching reference to the Parkway being “actively managed as a traditional, self-contained, scenic recreational driving experience…”
The Parkway was formed through legislation in 1936. Its managers seem to have a vision of retaining a “golden age” of that time. But let’s be realistic, a “traditional driving experience” in 1936 was far different than how users would choose to enjoy the Parkway in the 21st century.
Motorized vehicles should not be the only way promoted to experience the Blue Ridge Parkway.
While much of the US struggles with congested and crumbling roads and bridges, the opposite is also a problem — overbuilt infrastructure with excess, unused capacity. Richmond’s MLK bridge is the poster child, overbuilt decades ago for traffic that never appeared, yet unsuited for present use which includes a lot of bike and pedestrian traffic. With luck, change is in the works. Please see the story at NBC12.com, with pictures: City planning to enhance MLK Bridge.
If you build it, will they come? They sure did in Chicago, as shown in this Streetsblog video: [continue reading…]
IMBA is asking us to sign a petition to fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This fund is used to buy open space, and help cities and counties build parks — many of which have mountain bike trails, and may be close to where you live.
If we reach 25,000 signatures by Dec. 16, the Obama administration will consider the issue and give an official response.
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