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Wallets on Wheels
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Happy 2016 to everyone,
I want to share with you three articles that speak directly to our new post-completion mission. One has to do with growing more safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure, another outlines the tremendous potential of bicycle tourism and the importance of knowing how to maximize it, and the last moves the bar considerably higher as it discusses why Germany needs a bicycle superhighway.(There is no literal connection between our mission and a bicycle superhighway, but stay with me here.)
The first, a Q&A with Janette Sadik-Khan, the woman who transformed New York City streets with 400 miles of bike infrastructure, is so full of great quotes I want to line the walls of my office with them. Here's one: "People saw what was possible and that it worked." So simple and so powerful. Now that this project has made the leap from design to reality, the Virginia Capital Trail is helping a lot of people see what's possible and is, in turn, creating a culture of believers. The joy of being completely separate from cars is a revelation for new users and many become passionate supporters. We'd like to include elected officials and other influencers in that club, so extensions and spurs happen more quickly. As Sadik-Kahn says, "Culture change takes time, but cities have to move quickly with infrastructure." Let's get them all out on the trail, not in a car driving by, but walking or riding on it.
The second, an article from the Seattle Times, links bike infrastructure to tourism and economic development. This is just flat out energizing to read. We know economic impact predictions invite skepticism, but how about this: "Tourism officials and cycling advocates sometimes refer to tourists on bicycles as 'wallets on wheels.' That's because they stay longer in a state and spend more per day than other tourists." We know the tourism potential of the Virginia Capital Trail and we're working hard to see it fulfilled.
Finally, I know we're a few years away from needing a cycling Autobahn in central Virginia, but I also know the Virginia Capital Trail is being used as a commuting route for people working in Downtown Richmond as well as in Williamsburg. This is how it starts. Articles like this one make it fun to dream about what can be.
I hope you clicked on the links and felt the same inspiration I did as you read about successful initiatives based on trails just like ours. I'm happy to report that the VCTF will continue to think big since that's how this trail became a reality in the first place.
See you out there!
Beth Weisbrod
Executive Director
Virginia Capital Trail Foundation
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Have you registered for Cap2Cap 2016 yet?
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This year's Cap2Cap Ride is Saturday, May 14, 2016.
Don't miss the biggest bike party Charles City County has ever seen! Grab a friend and mark your calendars!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TODAY!
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It's Happening
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The new trail counters we installed along the Henrico County and Charles City portions of the Trail have logged 110,610 hits since the Trail opened three months ago. WOOOT! (PS -- We'll be posting live counts on our website soon!)
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Trail Tips
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Our Trail Rules signage is in production but until they're installed, here they are:
Motorized Vehicles Not Permitted
Be Courteous to other trail users
Keep right, always pass on left
Give audible warning when passing
Maintain single file
Keep dogs on leash
Clean up after your pet
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Shiplock Park
| Look what our friends at the James River Outdoor Coalition and the Richmond City Parks and Recreation department did at Shiplock Park. A changing room! The western trailhead just got better.
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W A L K
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Check out this group of walkers who decided to walk from Jamestown to Richmond. According to longtime trail supporter, Patty Kruszewski, the group did it in outings of 8-10 miles at a time, working from east to west. Soon, anyone conquering the whole trail can email us and receive a suitable prize. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, get out there!
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