RVA News Editor Nathan Cushing recently interviewed Richmond’s new Bicycling, Pedestrian and Trails Coordinator, Jakob Helmboldt on how he will approach his job and what changes the city can expect.
Despite author and former Portland Bike planner Mia Birk’s recent presentation in the capitol city sponsored by the VBF, titled, “Could Richmond Be the Next Portland”, Humboldt states in the interview, “Richmond isn’t going to be the next Portland. We’re going to be the first Richmond.” He maintains that “Every community has their own unique issues….and challenges.”
The article states, whatever changes come about in Richmond will not be (Helmboldt’s) sole doing but that of the community. He sees himself as a true coordinator, an implementer, not a grand designer.
As reported earlier this week, Chesapeake Bay Foundation riders, Beth and John received a warm greeting and send-off from Lamplighter Coffee in Richmond this morning.
CBF Staffer Jess Barton Riding with John and Beth
The two are on a 1,200 mile ride through the bay Watershed to raise awareness of the state of the Bay and what we can do to improve the watershed, as well as children’s cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins and the American Diabetes Association.
“We all benefit from a clean Bay.” according to John. “We hope to demonstrate that healthy communities, healthy lifestyles and a healthy Bay are all connected.”
Though this incident took place across the Potomac in DC, it’s close enough to Virginia to share.
Back in February, a driver decided to have some fun bumping a bike at a stop light. Much to his surprise, the rider was an off duty DC police officer who was riding a Capital Bikeshare bike home.
Long story short, the driver was charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (vehicle), Assault on a Police Officer, Fleeing and Eluding, and Reckless Driving.
Sentencing will take place September 14 in DC Superior Court. Cyclists are invited to attend.
Job Losses Plaguing Southwest VA – Trails Can Help
The Richmond Times Dispatch recently featured a series of articles on declining communities across Virginia. The August, 14 edition featured Southwest Virginia, former home of booming coal and textile industries. Many of these industries have closed, and locals are desperate to find work.
Trails like the A.T. and Creeper have become economic engines for small towns like Damascus, where work in traditional industries is hard to come by. This type of tourism is so vital to Damascus, it bills itself as “Trail Town, USA”. [continue reading…]
From Jessica Barton, at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation:
Understand the short notice, but if possible to get the word out, please see below information on a Bay Watershed Ride that 2 Chesapeake Bay Foundation riders are in the midst of right now, and pass it along if possible.
Thanks for your time,
Jess
Join the riders this Monday morning in Charlottesville, and Tuesday morning in Richmond. [continue reading…]
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