An opinion piece from the Richmond Times Dispatch
Just as the C&O Canal towpath has done for towns like Hancock, Md., and the AT for Damascus, Va., the Virginia Capital Trail is almost certain to do for places along its route -- bring in visitors and their money.
"These little towns that were barely hanging on now have coffee shops and bike shops," said foundation Executive Director Beth Weisbrod, referencing another long distance trail, the Great Allegheny Passage in Pennsylvania. "I don't think ours will be any different. I think we're going to have a lot of cool things pop up."
If the Virginia Bicycling Federation has its way, the state could soon have hundreds of miles of long-distance paths similar to the Va. Capital Trail.
On May 1, the VBF sent Gov. Kaine a letter requesting the support of a resolution the group passed requiring bike and pedestrian trails in all major rail enhancement and improvement projects in Virginia.
Translation: The Obama administration has indicated it will pour money into improving high-speed and freight rail systems across this country, and Gov. Kaine has shown a similar inclination. The VBF wants trails to be included alongside any new or enhanced rails built in the state from here on out.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a network of rails with trails across Virginia," said Champe Burnley of the Virginia Bicycling Federation.
"Virginia could set the example for other states, with the first part of a bike-and-pedestrian trail connecting New Orleans to New York."
Trails alongside these existing rail lines would be a boon to the communities they traverse, just as the C&O Canal towpath, the AT, and the Virginia Creeper Trail are and the soon-to-be Virginia Capital Trail will be.
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