Bicyclists won't take backseat on Blue Ridge Parkway proposal

The National Park Service wants to manage the Blue Ridge Parkway “as a traditional, self-contained, scenic recreational driving experience.”

That might be fine for some, but unfortunately it doesn't consider the growing number of bicyclists who ride parts if not all of the 469-mile road along the crest of the eastern mountain chain in Virginia and North Carolina.

Bicycle riders from big cities on the East Coast head to the Blue Ridge Parkway to challenge their legs and enjoy the scenery. Bicycle travelers ride the length of it, camping along the way and soaking up the rich culture and history of the central Appalachians.

TransAmerica Bicycle Route travelers use 26 hard miles of the parkway between Rockfish Gap and Vesuvius; views like the one above make it completely worthwhile.

New plan

Under a new draft management plan proposed by the National Park Service, the managers wouldn't have to accommodate these human-powered users of the parkway. They're seeking a National Historic Landmark status that essentially would keep things the way they are.

The landmark status would create strict reviews for any road changes, such as improved bicycle access. It would preserve, however, the “driving experience.”

Opponents

The management plan proposal has caught the attention of the Virginia Bicycling Federation and the Adventure Cycling Association. They're urging bicyclists to comment on the current plans before a Dec. 16 deadline.

The Virginia bicycling group represents hundreds of bicyclists who make regular trips to the mountains. Adventure Cycling routes cross-country bike travelers across the mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway and hosts a bike tour down the parkway called Blue Ridge Bliss.

You can read their objections at “Blue Ridge Parkway Needs Your Comments,” and “New Blue Ridge Pkwy. Plan — Happy Motoring Only?”

Widespread displeasure

The action alert from the Virginia Bicycling Federation says the three proposals in the draft management plan are all bicycle unfriendly. The one favored by the Park Service — promoting the “driving experience” — is the worst.

The proposals go beyond the highway. All three would limit or prohibit mountain biking in certain areas. And bicyclists aren't the only ones objecting to the plan. An area planning director told the Roanoke Times that the new plan is “totally contrary to an outdoor destination.”

How to comment

If you'd like to have a say in the future of the Blue Ridge Parkway, you'll need to comment before Dec. 16.

The Virginia Bicycling Federation action alert has links to the government documents, address for commenting to the park superintendent and even suggested answers to questions posed on an online commenting system.

Also, Blue Ridge Outdoors is commenting on the issue.

My photo above taken on 1984 cross-country bike tour.