News From Virginia Capital Trail Foundation

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to oversee completion, enhancement and promotion of the Virginia Capital Trail into a world-class amenity.
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January, 2013

From the Executive Director

Recently, the issue of a trail's impact on neighborhood crime has popped up in the discussion of the Virginia Capital Trail. As is often the case when people hear a trail is being planned near their house, one of the first reactions is fear. "It will bring vandals." "It will increase crime." This is a common objection that fortunately, is not supported by facts. Trails like the Virginia Capital Trail have no more effect on crime than sidewalks do.

Here is an interesting report citing two studies of trails and their impacts on crime in the surrounding communities. "The research that has been conducted...suggests that...a trail actually tends to reduce crime by...attracting people who use the trail for recreation and transportation." This week, Bill Lohmann of the Richmond-Times Dispatch wrote an interesting article illustrating some strong opposition to the Virginia Creeper Trail during the planning and construction phases, and the Trail's evolution into an attraction now wholly embraced by the community.

We saw opposition in James City County during construction of the Greensprings and Chickahominy phases. Neighborhoods worried about safety and privacy. Fences went up to block backyards from the Trail. But a funny thing happened once construction finished and people began using the Trail. Fences got gates and access paths appeared. Neighborhoods formed walking, riding and birding groups. No formal studies on crime have been conducted (that we're aware of), but there's strong evidence that it didn't become the issue homeowners feared.

Fear is the operative term here. The crime myth thrives on fear of the unknown. We can disseminate studies and stats, but most people gripped by this fear won't be convinced until they see it for themselves. Which we're confident they will.

In the meantime, we'll continue to advocate for this wonderful amenity which will bring neighborhoods together in a good way, and positively impact the communities it touches.

Beth Weisbrod

Executive Director, VCTF

Friends in High Places

From Left: Jimmy Carr, Del. Betsy Carr, Tom Cosgrove, Sen. Tommy Norment, Beth Weisbrod, Cullen Seltzer, Tom Hawthorne, Sam Hayes

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation sincerely thanks Senator Thomas K. Norment and Delegate Betsy Carr for their support. On a very busy opening day of the General Assembly session, VCTF staff and board members, along with V-DOT officials updated Sen. Norment and Del. Carr on the Trail project. Both legislators are passionate about the timely completion of the Virginia Capital Trail, for which we are extremely grateful.

Rocketts Landing Cap2Cap presented by Sands Anderson, May 11, 2013