Bike- Ped- Paddle

The New River Valley Bike- Ped- Paddle Plan is a document that proposes an integrated system of bicycle facilities, river access points, and pedestrian corridors into the existing highway and public transportation system. As the region expands infrastructure to accommodate highway, rail, and transit improvements the opportunity for including non-motorized options will become more challenging. Connecting urban and rural areas will promote a richer mix of residential and business land uses. The concept of providing transportation choices within the existing communities of the region will facilitate sustainable planning for the future, enhance livability, economic vitality, tourism appeal, and improve connectivity and accessibility.

In April of 1970, Virginia Highway Commissioner Douglas Fugate wrote an article for the Eno Foundation’s Traffic Quarterly and made this observation: “We should not be particularly surprised that transportation planning requirements differ from those of even a decade ago. For many reasons the nation’s people differ – there are far more of them, they tend in growing numbers to congregate in and around cities, they tend to be more affluent; and they have a new concern for all aspects of the environment in which they live. Attention must be focused more extensively on utilizing the highway as an artery for mass transportation, and on fresh concepts concerned more with moving people than with moving vehicles.”

Local communities throughout the United States are challenged to develop innovative planning solutions that preserve their unique characteristics while providing transportation choices. Innovations in technology, communication and research have streamlined, making it easier than ever before to evaluate and share different ideas and alternatives. Several trends indicate alternative transportation options are critical in our society.

The purpose of this plan is to provide information, guidelines and cohesion in the creation, expansion and coordination of a safe and effective Bikeway, Walkway, Water Trail system for the New River Valley region. This region includes the counties of  Floyd ,  Giles ,  Montgomery  and  Pulaski , the  City of Radford , and the towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Dublin, Floyd, Glen Lyn, Narrows, Pearisburg, Pembroke, Pulaski, and Rich Creek. The region also includes Virginia Tech, Radford University and New River Community College.

The 2023 plan seeks to build on, supplement, and coordinate with existing plans. The plan recognizes and acknowledges the work and foresight of the local governments, community groups, and individuals who have created the excellent and growing network of bikeways, walkways and water trails in this region.

To prepare this plan the New River Valley Regional Commission met with each of the local governments and planning departments in the region. A major goal was to update data accurately to reflect existing facilities and identify future projects. Ultimately, this Bike-Ped-Paddle Plan is a resource to be used as an overview of existing and proposed bikeway, walkway, water trail facilities.

Coordination with the Department of Transportation is essential to ensure that the New River Valley Bike-Ped-Paddle Plan fulfills statewide transportation objectives, and is consistent with federal requirements. Cooperation is also sought from state and federal agencies within the region; specifically, the National Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Bicycle, canoe, and pedestrian access to national parks, recreation and scenic areas, monuments, and historic sites are a common goal.

The New River Valley is committed to the promotion and implementation of alternative modes of transportation as a safe, reliable, healthy, and environmentally friendly alternative to motorized transportation. Accessible opportunities must exist for residents of the region to choose walking or biking as a means of getting to a destination.

The map below showcases the different areas within the New River Valley region and includes a brief introduction of each area as it is positioned within the broader transportation and recreation network.

The 2023 Plan provided the NRVRC an opportunity to work closely with local and regional partners. The final product provides the flexible framework needed to develop facilities based on local needs – while being aware of adjacent jurisdictions plans. Common interests may create opportunities for multiple stakeholders to work collaboratively on similar efforts. This information sharing resource is intended to provide better communication with local, state, regional, and federal partners. The Plan simply adds to the framework that has been ongoing for over 50 years in the New River Valley and will continue to improve with each plan update.

• Projects that connect towns, villages and community centers to existing Regional Assets
• Securing alignments for the Valley to Valley Trail
• Expanding the New River Water Trail
• Projects that connect more than one community or region
• Projects that provide connections to other modes of transportation (public transit, park and ride lots, public parking areas, water access etc.)
• Projects that connect residential areas to a school, library or historical/cultural place of interest
• Projects that connect residential areas to community assets (grocery store, employment center etc.)
• Projects that utilize local resources and environmentally friendly practices
• Projects that provide access to waterways
• Projects that establish attractive wayfinding signage for existing and proposed assets
• Projects that promote education about bikeways, walkways and water trails

The New River Valley Bike-Ped-Paddle Plan proposes the integration of multimodal systems into the existing highway, roadway and public transportation network when possible and promotes the consideration and prioritization of multimodal system integration in redeveloped or proposed roadways. As the region expands it's transportation infrastructure it is imperative to consider and accommodate non-motorized options to help alleviate roadways, enhance livability by connecting places to live, work, eat and play and increase access to health and wellbeing opportunities for all of the New River Valley communities. Connecting urban, suburban and rural areas will promote a richer and broader mix of residential and business land uses. Many parts of the New River Valley have experienced a population increase over the last decade. With major manufacturing, several higher education institutions and a blossoming tourism ecosystem, the New River Valley recognizes that by providing robust transportation choices we can help sustain and support existing communities and new growth.

Considerations:

• Capacity + Performance of existing alternative transportation network
• Accessibility + Service of network
• Impacts on Community Health + Wellbeing

The Bike-Ped-Paddle Plan identifies a variety of modes to support a comprehensive transportation system. For the purpose of this plan the following types of facilities were considered:

Sidewalks- The portion of a street or highway right-of-way designed for preferential or exclusive use by pedestrians.

Hiking Trails- A lightly constructed, narrow (less than five feet) pathway that traverses through natural undeveloped lands. These recreational corridors are specifically designed for foot travel only and often incorporate State or National Parks and historic sites.

Multi-purpose Trails- Also known as a shared-use path, is a path designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclist and equestrians. Multi-purpose trails are frequently wider (8-12').

Bikeways- A general term for any road, street, path or way which in some manner is specifically designated for bicycle travel. Regardless of whether such facilities are designated for the exclusive use of bicycles, or are to be shared with other modes of transportation.

Shared Roadways- Also know as a SHARROW (Shared Right-Of-Way), is a roadway which is open to both bicycle and motor vehicle travel. This may be an existing roadway, street with wide curb lanes, or a road with paved shoulders that may or may not be signed.

Bicycle Lanes- This is a portion of a roadway which has been designated by stripping, signing and pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicyclists.

Dedicated Bicycle Routes- A corridor physically separated from motorized traffic by an open space or barrier and either within the right-of-way or within an independent right-of-way. Typically, these corridors may also be used by pedestrians, bicycles, skaters, wheelchairs, joggers and other non-motorized transportation.

Mountain Biking Trails-A recreational corridor designed for preferential or exclusive use of mountain bicyclist. The alignments are designed for a range of difficulty to safely accommodate and challenge multiple cyclists with varying abilities      

Water Trails (Blueways) - These are recreational waterways on a river or a lake that are accessed exclusively by water. A trail may include both public and private lands.     

Support Facilities- Availability of public access and rest stop points. Included in this are boat ramps, parking areas, bike storage and security racks, canoe rentals, portages, restroom facilities, picnic areas, multi-modal connection points, etc.

The 2023 plan challenges project planners to be cognizant of, and provide for, the different levels of users within each of these categories. Furthermore, delineating alternative transportation versus recreation facilities and minimizing the conflicts between them is vital to the creation of a successful multiuse system. Alternative transportation facilities should be designed for the least experienced user. Recreational facilities should be designed to accommodate a range of users with varying degrees of ability. Lastly, it is important to plan for opportunities that will enable individuals to move from one mode of travel to another (i.e., bus to bike to boat).

Local Plans

1.      To identify a system to accommodate the variety of bikeway, walkway, water trail users.

2.      To coordinate a system of bikeways, walkways, water trails, locally and regionally; and to maintain the continuity of the bikeway,walkway,water trail system to encourage non- motorized transportation.

3.      To promote the health, safety, welfare and improve the quality of life within the region.

4.      To identify the appropriate types of facilities, and coordinate bikeway, walkway, water trail development with imminent and future Virginia Department of Transportation projects.

5.      To showcase and focus on the natural and cultural amenities of the New River Valley when proposing bike routes and walking trails, in order to maximize trail effectiveness and increase tourism within the region.

6.      To facilitate the use of recycled materials and best management practices in the construction of bikeways, walkways, and water trails.

7.      To increase the mobility of New River Valley residents by adding multimodal options to existing transportation networks and add more connections between public transit and communities where people live, work, recreate, and attend school.

OBJECTIVE 1 – To identify a system to accommodate the variety of trail users.

Inherent in the title of this document is the suggestion that three different activities will be considered at the same time. The creation of an effective multimodal system requires developing facilities for transportation, as well as, recreation and minimizing the conflicts between them. It is also necessary to be aware of, and provide for, the different levels of users within each of these categories. A good rule of thumb is to design new alternative transportation facilities to accommodate for the least experienced user; recreational facilities should accommodate a range of users with varying degrees of ability.

It is important to plan for opportunities that will enable individuals to move from one mode of travel to another (i.e., bicycling to hiking). Below is a list of specific uses and considerations for planning new facilities:

 Pedestrian Use:

There are different kinds of pedestrian activities including: jogging, walking, running and hiking. For a jogger or a runner to readily utilize a trail system it must be clear of obstacles, close to home, and provide adequate site distances and clearances around curves. Some runners prefer asphalt or hard surfaced trails and others prefer natural surface trails that avoid intersecting with major vehicular roadways.

A trail might appear to function in relatively the same way for people who walk for health reasons and for people walking for relaxation and enjoyment. However, it is important to program these activities differently. A fitness trail component might cater to the health minded user, while attractive plantings and pleasant views can be enjoyed by all. Siting benches along the trail benefits all users and increases inclusivity of user mobility.  

Hiking is another form of pedestrian use of a trail system and the New River Valley has many excellent opportunities for this activity. Many hiking trails differ from multi-purpose trails in that they are usually natural surface and are found in more remote locations away from population centers. It is common for hikers in the NRV to camp overnight trailside and it is important to provide safe facilities. Day hikers require convenient access to trails with facilities and amenities like picnic tables and trash receptacles.  

Bicycle Use:

Cyclists have different expectations of the biking experience and require different kinds of facilities for their enjoyment and fulfillment based on their level of riding experience. A sport cyclist may require long distance routes and prefer the ability to travel at high speeds. The more passive bicycle rider may enjoy slower speeds, scenic quality, and points of interest. A variation on the recreational biking theme is mountain biking. This form of cycling involves off road travel on durable bicycles. Regular maintenance is needed for these facilities because trail wear can be accelerated, and erosion and sedimentation problems can develop.

The national forest offers mountain biking on its multipurpose trails in the region. The Forest Service stresses the importance of staying on the marked trails to minimize the environmental impact on the forest and also encourages bikers to be conscious of their potential conflict with other users, especially horseback riders. Horses may become alarmed by bicycles.

Bicycle Commuting typically involves riders in close proximity (10 miles) to the employment/population centers. Providing adequate facilities that provide safe travel for different classifications of riders can be challenging. There is a growing interest in the region to interconnect the bicycle and pedestrian system to the public transportation network in order to promote a multimodal system. With the development of more accessible facilities and the encouragement of alternative mode of transportation, opportunities for commuting by foot or bicycle can be expanded. Separated paths are strongly desired, as well as support facilities such as bike fix it stations.  

Watercraft Use:

Water trails offer users a series of access sites as well as adequate support facilities between the access sites. The 31 miles of the New River in Giles County is currently the only existing designated blueway in the region, but other waterways, like the Little River in Floyd County are being considered. Support facilities along the New River Water Trail include campsites, rest stops, sanitation facilities, potable water, and sources of information to aid in trip planning. The New River Water Trail Expansion is currently taking place in the City of Radford, Pulaski County and Montgomery County. This includes additional or enhanced boat launches (totaling 41 river access points North of Claytor Lake), improved signage along the 61 miles of River Trail, and accompanying website/mapping updates. An element of this multimodal Bike, Ped, Paddle Plan is to provide secure long and short-term parking for vehicles, bicyclists and trail users switching to canoeing/kayaking. Such facilities will be jointly used by both New River Trail State Park and New River Water Trail users. 

Users with Disabilities:

Physically challenged individuals should be of primary consideration in planning any public recreation project. It is essential not only to provide access, but make accommodations by considering design standards, minimum slopes, and proper furnishings. Providing access has been mandated by the federal government in the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. Connecting with and listening to the needs of people’s with disabilities during early stages of the planning process can help to support a culture of inclusivity.  

Other Potential Uses:

Additional uses such as skating, skateboarding and use of motorized/ peddle assisted bikes, scooters, and skateboards may occur on some trails. It is necessary to plan for and structure trails that can accommodate these activities in an effective manner. Where these activities are incompatible, signs should be posted to restrict activities or limit speed. Another solution to discourage incompatible trail uses could involve selecting appropriate surface materials. For example; a compacted granular surface accommodates walking and cycling but causes difficulty for those with smaller wheels. Unfortunately, this strategy can hinder walking with a baby stroller or cause difficulty for someone in a wheelchair.

Baby strollers and bicycle trailers are additional concerns and jurisdictions should decide how to accommodate these uses. Providing adequate space and enforcing proper facility etiquette will enable a variety of uses such as roller skating, skate boarding and in-line skating, while at the same time maintaining the enjoyment and safety of others.

OBJECTIVE 2 – To coordinate a system of bikeways, walkways, and water trails locally and regionally; and to maintain the continuity of the Bike- Ped- Paddle system to encourage non-motorized transportation throughout the region.

An assortment of facilities already exists in the region and additional planning for new facilities has been ongoing for the last 30 years. The Bike- Ped- Paddle Plan for the New River Valley recommends connectivity between different localities and encourages alternative modes of transportation development in jurisdictions that do not presently have formal plans.

One of the most formidable challenges in the region is developing long-term maintenance plans for facilities. Transportation maintenance funds are limited and traditional volunteer organizations age without dedicated successors. Seasonal alternative uses could be integrated into the design of facilities to regulate activities for each season. By changing the use for each season, the labor-intensive maintenance could be reduced along recreational corridors to once or twice a year. For example, when a trail becomes snow covered; one jurisdiction may want the snow cleared from the facility to allow cyclists and pedestrian’s access, while another may want to permit cross-country skiing.

The Towns of Blacksburg and Christiansburg, counties of Montgomery and Pulaski and the City of Radford have current plans for bikeway and walkway development. Other towns and counties within the region have begun to articulate alternative modes transportation in their comprehensive plans and share the aspirations of those jurisdictions with existing facilities. For example, the Trails in Floyd program collaborated with the Virginia Tech Community Design Assistance Center to create a trails corridor plan, for Floyd County and the Town of Floyd.

This plan also supports connections to neighboring regions. The New River Trail State Park begins in the Town of Pulaski and extends to Galax, Virginia. In May 2000, the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service agreed to connect the New River Trail to the Virginia Highlands Horse Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trails. Once complete, this will result in a 160-mile, multi-use trail from Abingdon to Pulaski. A proposed future phase to this project is the Valley to Valley Trail which would use the aforementioned trail system and further connect far Southwest Virginia to the New River Valley and Roanoke Region by aligning with the Radford Riverway, the Huckleberry Trail and the Roanoke River Greenway.  

The Great Eastern Trail (GET) is an 1800 mile, volunteer constructed, long-distance trail from Alabama to New York. Currently, the GET extends into Giles County with 28 miles of completed trails, and over 250 total miles of additional trail planned through Virginia. This part of the project would most likely connect the New River Valley sections of the Appalachian Trail with a spur from Bluestone Park, West Virginia. The Community Design Assistance Center at Virginia Tech is assisting the GET Association to map potential routes between gaps of existing trails.

As mentioned previously, the New River Valley is fortunate to have Bike Route 76 – one of only two officially designated bicycle routes in Virginia. Several of the New River Valley localities have re-prioritized Bike Route 76 marketing and are interested in pursuing a Cycle Friendly Community designation through the League of American Cyclists.  The Adventure Cycling Association has partnered with the American Association of State Highway Officials (AASHTO) to develop a broader plan that is intended to connect America through a network of numbered bicycle routes. The vision for the plan is to connect people, communities and the Nation with a designated bicycle route system. The end goal of the USBRS is a 50,000-mile network of routes spread out across the country.

The New River Trail, Bike Route 76 and Great Eastern Trail are examples of facilities spanning two or more regions, intended to enable users to travel great distances and promote the continuity of alternative use systems. Other inter-regional connections are possible with major points of interest in southwest Virginia. Potential links include the New River, the Roanoke River Greenway, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

OBJECTIVE 3 – To identify and determine the appropriate type of facility, and coordinate Bikeway-Walkway- Water Trail development with future and imminent Virginia Department of Transportation projects.

Improving communication between local and state agencies is the first step towards eliminating project redundancies. Costs are significantly lower when linear construction of a roadway, bike lane or trail can occur simultaneously within the same right-of-way. Additionally, savings can occur when alternative transportation facility alignment is considered before the planning of new roadways.

These savings can accrue due to efficiency in the mobilization of a construction crew, accessibility for machinery and materials, and bulk purchases of construction materials. Costs are also reduced when acquisition of land can be minimized. Furthermore, as studies for transportation improvements are conducted, each mode should be analyzed for inclusion within the project area.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Policy for Integration of Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations identifies bicycling and walking as fundamental travel modes that are an integral part of an efficient transportation network. The strategic approach for this Policy is to consistently incorporate the consideration and provision of bicycling and walking accommodations into the decision-making process for Virginia’s transportation network. Virginia highway construction funds can be used to build bicycle and pedestrian accommodations either concurrently with highway construction projects or as independent transportation projects.

VDOT is to initiate all highway construction projects with the presumption that the projects shall accommodate bicycling and walking. Factors that support the need to provide such accommodations include, but are not limited to the following:

1.            Project is identified in an adopted transportation or related plan.

2.            Project accommodates existing and future bicycle and pedestrian use.

3.            Project improves or maintains safety for all users.

4.            Project provides a connection to public transportation services and facilities.

5.            Project serves areas or population groups with limited transportation options.

6.            Project provides a connection to bicycling and walking trip generators such as employment, education, retail, recreation, and residential centers and public facilities.

7.            Project is identified in a Safe Routes to School program or provides a connection to a school.

8.            Project provides a regional connection or is of regional or state significance.

9.           Project provides a link to other bicycle and pedestrian accommodations.

10.         Project provides a connection to traverse natural or man- made barriers.

11.         Project provides a tourism or economic development opportunity.

General exceptions to provide accommodations include one or more of the following conditions:

1.            Scarcity of population, travel, and attractors, both existing and future, indicate an absence of need for such accommodations.

2.            Environmental or social impacts outweigh the need for theses accommodations.

3.            Safety would be compromised.

4.            Total cost of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations to the appropriate system (i.e. interstate, primary, secondary, or urban system) would be excessively disproportionate to the need for the facility.

5.            Purpose and scope of the specific project do not facilitate the provision of such accommodations (e.g. projects for the Rural Rustic Road Program).

6.            Bicycle and pedestrian travel is prohibited by state or federal laws.

The Policy directs those involved in the planning, funding, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the state’s highways as the responsible parties for applying the guidance set forth. VDOT will work with localities to select and design accommodations based on local needs. VDOT will also maintain bicycle and pedestrian accommodations as necessary to keep them usable and accessible in accordance with state and federal laws and VDOT’s asset management policy. VDOT will also maintain sidewalks or shared use paths built within department right-of-way, built to department standards, and accepted for maintenance with the exception of snow and ice removal.

Alternatively, VDOT provides funding for pedestrian and bicycle facilities (Transportation Alternatives Program) under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This legislation currently allocates federal money that can be used for transportation enhancements and continues/ increases the Transportation Alternatives Program funding from $850M in FY21 to nearly $1.4B in FY22. The Virginia Department of Transportation receives proposals every other year. VDOT is also providing a pilot grant program to assist Virginia’s smaller population localities in identifying, evaluating, and reporting achievable, affordable, and targeted non-motorized improvements. Those with <50,000 population are encouraged to apply for  FY25-26 Transportation Alternatives funding.

Other funds for bicycle and pedestrian improvements are also available, such as: FTA 5307 funds, Safe Routes to School funds and the National Recreational Trails Fund. Grants are also available through many state agencies, private organizations and industries.

VDOT provides planning, engineering, construction, and funding guidance intended to provide communities with resources to determine appropriate bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

OBJECTIVE 4 – Showcase and focus on the natural and cultural amenities of the New River Valley when proposing bike routes and walking trails, to maximize trail effectiveness and increase tourism within the region.

Cultural and natural amenities are abundant in the New River Valley and can serve to advance bikeway, walkway, and water trail development. Cultural and historical points of interest should complement alternative transportation systems. Local communities are encouraged to prioritize projects that showcase natural and cultural amenities of the region. Furthermore, selecting a “theme project” to concentrate funding and planning resources could accelerate the process.

This plan can assist community leaders with the ongoing efforts to promote tourism in the Valley by establishing the region as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Encouraging people to experience Appalachian culture and the natural and historic features can be successfully accomplished by establishing and promoting trails which connect these assets, enabling visitors to see the region on foot or bicycle, or in a canoe. Serious cyclists and hikers that come to the New River Valley, via existing cross-country routes and inter-regional trails, should find our system to be a welcoming and accessible alternate route or side trip.

Communities in the New River Valley, such as the Towns of Pearisburg and Floyd, have inventories of historic resources. Self- guided walking tour maps highlighting historic buildings, locations of significant events and local artistry are distributed to visitors by local businesses. Downtown walking tours can also be adapted for bicycle riders, and the historic elements within each small town should be easily identified. Directional information should be provided when convenient connections do not exist.

Many natural and scenic sites exist throughout the New River Valley, spanning from the Jefferson National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Running north through the center of the region, the New River, one of the oldest rivers in the world, provides the setting for many excellent opportunities in the natural environment.  With the NRWT expansion underway, the New River will quickly become a destination trail for water activity enthusiasts.

OBJECTIVE 5 – To promote the health, safety, welfare and improve the quality of life within the region.

This Plan encourages the development of educational programs for the variety of multimodal transportation system users including: bicyclists, pedestrians, vehicle operators and boaters. This objective could be complemented by providing facilities for alternative modes of transportation (also known as active modes) and increasing the connectivity of existing facilities.

According to data published by the County Heath Rankings & Roadmaps, Virginia Health Rankings (2021) roughly 31% of the population in the region is currently obese. Numerous studies have identified active transportation as one way to address community obesity rates and associated health issues. An increase of alternative transportation opportunities, when designed and implemented successfully, can begin to address issues of inequity and health disparities. This plan encourages the intentional development of facilities that connect residential communities to local trail networks, public transportation systems, schools, and commercial centers. Providing a safe, accessible, and attractive network will encourage local residents and visitors to utilize the system for the benefits of health and wellbeing. Areas to consider include:

Minimizing the risk of injury- this includes maintaining trail surfaces, enforcing trail etiquette, rules, and regulations, providing ADA and inclusive accommodations to diverse trail users and utilizing robust wayfinding and signage, both off and on the trail. Pavement markings should be repainted when they fade. Cracks in the pavement or severe erosion of trails and roads should be attended to immediately. Vegetation should be trimmed, allowing for adequate clearances and site distances. Paying special attention to these components will keep facilities safe and accessible for all users. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Association hosts many great resources to help mitigate crime through intentional maintenance and design strategies.

Educational Programs- should be a collaborative effort between schools, local recreation departments, citizen advocacy groups, and in coordination with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Public awareness can help extend driving courtesies to multimodal users that share the roads with cars and trucks.

Bikeway, Walkway and Water Trail Advisory Committee- respond to health, safety, and welfare issues through the appointment of a safety coordinator. A safety coordinator could develop a maintenance and inspection program and solicit feedback from user response forms to evaluate existing facilities. Security along secluded, off-road trails may be an issue of concern. Patrolling the trails could be a necessary part of operation to deter inappropriate uses along the facility. They would be knowledgeable in first aid administration, perform trail maintenance review, and provide users with information. A trail patrol could be a volunteer who rides a bicycle or an employee of the jurisdiction in which the trail is located in.

Emergency Plans + Coordination- plans should be set up in advance, identifying access points to trails and enabling emergency personnel to respond as quickly and effectively as possible to any incidents. Barriers should be removable at specific locations and corridors should adequately accommodate emergency vehicles. Many of the inherent risks of bicycle or pedestrian use along trails and roads can be avoided if upkeep and maintenance are a part of the corridor plan. This would include cleaning and clearing after storms, pickup of trash, removal of graffiti and vandalism, and repair/replace furnishings when necessary.

OBJECTIVE 6 – To facilitate the use of recycled materials in the construction of bikeways, walkways, and water trails.

When available and/or appropriate, recycled materials should be considered when specifying construction materials. There are many innovative applications for various recycled materials that can be used in the design and construction of trails. Many types of aggregates can be used in the place of traditional materials such as: scrap rubber, glass, plastics, and recycled metals can be mixed in with traditional asphalt or concrete. Furthermore, the addition of rubber to a surface pavement mix allows the asphalt to be more porous without requiring the use of more expensive synthetic materials. There is precedent of its use in the city of Chicago, Illinois. The application allows water to seep through the pavement surface into the ground beneath. This approach could be applied to new roads and trails in the New River Valley to help reduce the impact of traditional construction.

Several European countries, including Sweden, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands, have also developed methods for incorporating recyclable materials into new pavement construction. These materials include: industrial waste from blast furnaces, steel slag and coal ash, as well as reclaiming old concrete and asphalt pavement for reuse. These countries have achieved very high percentages of recyclable materials used in new road construction. Many of the materials listed are simply by-products of everyday industrial operations.

Other recycled materials such as plastic, rubber, and aluminum – may be used in signage, fencing, railing, trash collectors, benches and bollards. Each of the materials discussed in this section are intended to encourage project planners, engineers, and contractors to think outside of the box for new facility development.

OBJECTIVE 7 – To increase the mobility of New River Valley residents by adding multimodal options to existing transportation networks with more connections to public transit that ultimately link communities where people live, work, attend school and recreate.

To increase the mobility for the variety of potential user groups in the region, improvements to each mode should be considered concurrently with all other modes. Creating stronger links between non-motorized transportation, commuter programs and public transportation systems could be a starting point to reduce automobile dependency and transportation cost burden for families in the New River Valley. The integration of systems could be achieved by creating Multimodal Transportation Hubs that provide adequate vehicle parking, bicycle storage and transit transfer locations. Currently under construction is the Multi-Modal Transit Facility on Virginia Tech’s campus. This facility will aggregate transportation options for students and residents of the New River Valley including Blacksburg Transit, the Smart Way bus, Virginia Breeze, and bike share.

An integral component for expanding transportation options is the development of public transportation. Current service providers include Blacksburg Transit, Pulaski Area Transit, Radford Transit, and the SmartWay. Currently, transit services are provided in the towns of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, City of Radford, Pulaski and Dublin. The 2035 Virginia Surface Transportation Plan identifies Giles and Floyd as areas to be served by public transportation in the future. The completion of the New River Valley Passenger Rail Station will bring passenger rail back to the NRV. This new service will provide many opportunities for both residents and visitors to travel across Virginia and enjoy the robust alternative transportation system.

 Furthermore, providing connections to the local bicycle and pedestrian system of trails, sidewalks, and shared road facilities could promote the use of public transportation. Potential locations for the development of these Hubs could be existing park and ride lots. Park and ride lots are located throughout the region and most have been integrated into carpooling programs such as Ride Solutions (for more information visit ridesolutions.org).

The Bike- Ped- Paddle Plan encourages the development of alternative transportation facilities that are tailored to the demand of each community. Providing transportation options in the New River Valley is a regional vision.