Blue Ridge Parkway Journeys

DRIVE SMART Virginia and Bike Walk Virginia are pleased to announce that Governor Bob McDonnell has proclaimed September 11-17 Virginia Bicyclist and Pedestrian Awareness Week.

In 2010, 88 people died walking or cycling on our Virginia roadways. 621 cyclists and 1,585 pedestrians were injured. By contrast, 84 people died walking or cycling in 2009.

Drive Smart Virginia and Bike Walk Virginia want Virginia motorists to ‘Share the Road’ with cyclists and pedestrians and are partnering for the third year in a campaign designed to save lives and reduce the number of injuries.

Lack of knowledge and risky behavior often leads to crashes between roadway users. Taking time to learn the laws and safety practices can save a life, especially with area schools starting back up and many students walking, cycling and driving on the roadways.

In Virginia, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. “Many people don’t realize that,” said Janet Brooking, Executive Director for DRIVE Smart Virginia. “Bikes, just like cars, have to obey all the traffic signs, signals, lights and markings.” A bicycle should always travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic.

Motorists must leave at least two feet when passing a bicyclist and pass at a reasonable speed. Bike Walk Virginia Executive Director Kimberly Perry said, “Whether you’re on a bike, walking or in a car, if you behave in a predictable manner you can reduce the risk of crashes.” Whether riding in a car or on a bicycle, all safety precautions should be used, including a safety belt in a car, and a helmet on a bicycle.

Cyclists can also protect themselves by wearing bright clothing, using flashing lights during day and night, and by securing loose clothing.

Pedestrians can improve safety by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective material or blinking lights at night. Light colored clothing is slightly helpful in making you visible at night, reflective tape or reflective fabric is much better.

For more information please contact Rob Richardson, Public Relations and Outreach Manager at Drive Smart Virginia at (804) 929-2988. Shane Cusick, Programs and Outreach Manager at Bike Walk Virginia (804) 859-4820.

Appalachian State University’s Outdoor Programs is seeking your help in identifying the High Country’s role models and young mountain sports stars. These young men and women will be recognized through the first ever A4 inititiative – Appalachian Adventure Achievement Award. Honors will include recognition on stage at the Banff Mountain Film Festivals, and a selection of prizes made possible by project sponsors.

There are two age categories for the A4: 17 and under, and 18-24 years old. Nominees must either reside or attend school in the High Country of NC (Watauga, Ashe, and Avery counties) to be eligible. Nominations can be submitted for individuals in successive years, but a nominee can only receive the A4 once for their age category. The April 1 screening of Banff will recognize the 17 and under A4 winner, while the April 2 screening will honor the 18-24 year-old A4 winner.

Deadline for nominations is March 18, 2011. For more information on nominations, and to actually submit a nomination, please check out the A4 Nomination Form.

Outdoor Programs is bringing the 15th Annual Banff Mountain Film Festival back to Boone for the “best of the festival” world tour Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, 2011. The films will be screened at Farthing Auditorium on the campus of Appalachian State University.

These films focus on themes of environment, culture and adventure in the mountains and represent the best of the best. Hundreds of entries were submitted from around the world and Outdoor Programs has selected films for this viewing that will not only educate, but will also inspire and entertain you.

Online ticket sales for Banff can be purchased through Farthing Auditorium, or if you’re in downtown Boone, NC you can pick up your tickets at Footsloggers Outdoor and Travel Outfitters. Tickets are $9 (students can grab tickets at $7).

Check out the Banff Mountain Film Festival trailer for 2010-2011: Read more »

As temperatures begin to cool a bit, more and more people are planning bicycling day trips and tours on the Blue Ridge Parkway and other National Park areas across the country.  Here are some simple rules that will help make your trip a safe one.

• Wear a bicycle helmet
• Be sure your bicycle is in good operating condition.  Carry a spare tube and tools for minor repairs.
• Wear high visibility clothing.  It sets you apart from the scenery and more visible to motorists.
• Carry a cellular phone to report emergencies but remain aware that there are many dead spots with no cell coverage in many National Park areas.  You may need to change locations to make a call.
• Avoid riding during periods of low visibility.  Fog and rain may occur unpredictably.  Reschedule your trip or allow time for flexibility to ride during periods of better weather conditions.
• Use caution when riding through tunnels.  There are 26 tunnels in North Carolina and 1 tunnel in Virginia.  It is recommended that you have an illuminated light on the front of your bike and light or reflectors on the rear.
• Temperatures vary greatly with elevation and aspect changes in mountainous areas.  Wear clothing in layers.  Hypothermia can be deadly, so take precautions to prevent it.
• Safe drinking water is available on a seasonal basis at park facilities.  Many parks will winterize water lines and systems by the end of October.  Be sure to check on what facilities are open and bring adequate water with you.  Do not drink unpurified water from streams and springs within even the most pristine park areas.  There are no areas within the United States now free from bacteria that will wreak havoc with your digestive system.
• Make an honest evaluation of your abilities before beginning a bicycle trip.  Do your research and determine what elevation changes you will be challenged by.  As an example you can find such information for the Blue Ridge Parkway by downloading this PDF:
• When cycling with a group, adjust your spacing to be single file and allow for motor vehicles to pass safely.

If driving a motor vehicle rather than pedaling a bicycle, be alert for cyclists and be sure to

Although most roadways through National Park areas do not allow commercial vehicles and large trucks you will still encounter tour busses, motor homes, and vehicles pulling trailers.  Be alert for such traffic and always assume that a possible hazard may be around each blind curve.

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. Read more »