Bicycling On The Blue Ridge Parkway
In 2001 The Blue Ridge Parkway started the multi-year process of developing a General Management Plan for the park. A major component of this process was public comment. When asked what issues or concerns the public had about the park there was one subject that buried any other topic, bicycle use. What made this result interesting was that comments were split 50/50 between those that were pro cycling and those that were anti cycling. Public suggestions ranged from building a bike lane the entire length of the Blue Ridge Parkway to completely banning bicycles from the park. National Park Service planners and managers were amazed at the emotional dichotomy on this topic.
In 2005 a contactor was given the job of examining the bicycle use on The Blue Ridge Parkway and the feasibility of building a bike trail along 469 mile length of the park. Although cycling is commonly found anywhere on the Parkway the study conducted by David Evans and Associates found that most of the day use was concentrated in four areas.
Waynesboro :: Mile Post 0 – 14
Roanoke :: Mile Post 105 – 121
Boone/Blowing Rock :: Mile Post 270 – 305
Asheville :: Mile Post 375 – 398
The Study’s look at the possibility of constructing a multi-use or bicycle trail along the length of the Blue Ridge Parkway found that in only 20% of the park would it be physically practicable for such construction. The majority of this would be in the Roanoke area. Such construction would take millions of dollars and at present there are no plans to even plan such a major project.
Watch for future blog entries with more information on bicycle use on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I agree with the speed limit here in the Roanoke area. It would be great to see what could be done for bike lanes as well, but a reduced speed would re-enforce the idea of the parkway being a beautiful I agree with the speed limit here in the Roanoke area. It would be great to see what could be done for bike lanes as well, but a reduced speed would re-enforce the idea of the parkway being a beautiful scenic route. I imagine that the original thought behind the road was to not think about how fast one traveled it, but the journey itself. A slower speed would reiterate that as well as help keep cyclist safe. There is room for all.
I feel that cyclist are a big enough group on the parkway that their thoughts should be weighted. I have spent time and money along the towns and stops up on and just off the parkway. It would be a shame to see those recreational dollars leave. There is more potential money in cyclotourism that can be tapped as well. A bad choice here could throw it away. scenic route. I imagine that the original thought behind the road was to not think about how fast one traveled it, but the journey itself. A slower speed would reiterate that as well as help keep cyclist safe. There is room for all.
I feel that cyclist are a big enough group on the parkway that their thoughts should be weighted. I have spent time and money along the towns and stops up on and just off the parkway. It would be a shame to see those recreational dollars leave. There is more potential money in cyclotourism that can be tapped as well. A bad choice here could throw it away.
Hey Scott. I agree. Travelers speeding on the Parkway is one of its biggest problems. Many times I drive along to visit the Moses Cone / Price Park area and am frightened because so many autos do not yield to bicyclists. It *is* a 35mph zone through there, curvy, and a steep climb, yet people are constantly getting right up on my rear end coming out of nowhere. When they pass in the double-lines and rev off knowing they are hitting at least 60mph… it’s a pain in the butt. And… I’m in a car! I feel for the cyclists. Someone nervous could easily crash out or get run over. As the Parkway rangers say… “Enjoy the views, but watch the road.” Great wisdom for all forms of mobility: bicyclists, through-hikers, motorcyclists, and those who like to just mosey along in their autos.
Having bicycled all 470 miles this year. It’s too impractical to build a bike lane, and not needed. Plenty of room for cars and bikes. A 35mph speed limit is needed in Asheville and Roanoke. Hey, it’s a park, not a short cut.