Blue Ridge Parkway Needs Your Comments

Reader Contribution by Winona Bateman
Published on December 8, 2011

Today’s post is written by Ginny Sullivan, special projects director at Adventure Cycling Association and a lead staff on the U.S. Bicycle Route System project.

A couple of weeks ago, the Adventure Cycling blog called attention to the Roanoke Mountain Campground’s threatened closure via the Blue Ridge Parkway’s Draft Management Plan (DMP). We asked you to comment on the threatened closure; now, it seems we must revisit this request and ask cyclists everywhere to weigh in on the management goals laid out in Blue Ridge Parkway’s Plan. Be aware that you must act fast, as the deadline for comments is December 16.

Why this is important

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a major draw for bicyclists. Locally and regionally, cyclists enjoy riding the parkway’s roads and trails, both for recreation and transportation. Twenty-six miles of the parkway make up part of our oldest and most traveled bicycle route, the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail. Established as a touring route in 1976 — when some 4,000 cyclists traversed the continent in honor of our nation’s 200th birthday — in 1982 this route was also designated as U.S. Bike Route 76 through three states (Virginia, Kentucky, and Illinois). In addition, this plan has the potential to dampen efforts to designate a future U.S. Bike Route on the Blue Ridge Parkway, along with Skyline Drive. We also run a popular bicycle tour, called Blue Ridge Bliss, through the parkway each year. As an organization that seeks to create lasting experiences while honoring the landscapes of America, Adventure Cycling treasures the cultural, historic, and natural resources of this national gem.

The issues in the plan were brought to our attention by the Virginia Bicycling Federation. They led us to a National Parks Traveler article that outlines some of the controversies associated with the parkway’s plans to gain National Historic Landmark Status, along with describing their management plan. We quickly realized that none of the options proposed in the plan is entirely bicycle friendly.

What’s in the plan

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368