National Biking and Walking Study

On June 16, federal transportation secretary Ray LaHood announced the findings of The National Biking and Walking Study: a 15-year Status Report, undertaken by DOT’s Federal Highway Administration. In the last 20 years the number of bicycling trips has also more than doubled, from 1.7 billion to 4 billion.

In addition to presenting survey data, the report examines a range of efforts to increase bicycling and walking in the US. Included in the review are programs at the federal, state, and local levels, along with case studies on best practices, and the report makes recommendations for research, policy, and other measures that can be taken to meet increase walking and bicycling for everyday transportation. In addition, the report includes safety statistics, which also show improvement.

On June 16, federal transportation secretary Ray LaHood announced the findings of The National Biking and Walking Study: a 15-year Status Report, undertaken by DOT’s Federal Highway Administration. In the last 20 years the number of bicycling trips has also more than doubled, from 1.7 billion to 4 billion.

In addition to presenting survey data, the report examines a range of efforts to increase bicycling and walking in the US. Included in the review are programs at the federal, state, and local levels, along with case studies on best practices, and the report makes recommendations for research, policy, and other measures that can be taken to meet increase walking and bicycling for everyday transportation. In addition, the report includes safety statistics, which also show improvement.

$1.2 Billion on Cycling and Walking Initiatives

The Obama administration more than doubled spending on cycling and walking initiatives to $1.2 billion last year as it seeks to encourage healthy life styles.

Spending on biking and walking projects rose from less than $600 million in 2008, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Twenty years ago, the federal government was spending only $6 million a year on such projects.

The spending on biking and walking projects was scheduled to rise last year anyway, but the administration boosted it with $400 million in funds set aside under the economic recovery program.

$1.2 Billion on Cycling and Walking Initiatives

The Obama administration more than doubled spending on cycling and walking initiatives to $1.2 billion last year as it seeks to encourage healthy life styles.

Spending on biking and walking projects rose from less than $600 million in 2008, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Twenty years ago, the federal government was spending only $6 million a year on such projects.

The spending on biking and walking projects was scheduled to rise last year anyway, but the administration boosted it with $400 million in funds set aside under the economic recovery program.

Virginia Creeper Trail Excursion

My wife and I along with 2 of our boys just returned from a trip to the VA Creeper Trail. The Creeper Trail in Damascus, VA is one of my favorite rail trails. The trail is 34 miles long from White Top Mountain to Abingdon, VA. Several hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail are in the area if you like to mix a little hiking into your vacation. What a wonderful excursion!


Of course the rail trail has its many beautiful sites. And despite our numerous visits to the Creeper we always find something new and exciting along the trail. But they are only part of what makes for a wonderful getaway. Unexpected occurrences that are not often taken into consideration when planning excursions are what make it special. Who could possibly anticipate how much fun it is to wrap blankets around each other while sitting on the deck of a secluded cabin after sundown and gaze at millions of stars? Or the thrill of a 9 year old catching a large catfish in a cool rain.

The greatest wonders of all were the angels we met along the way. Friendly, warm helpful people! Particularly helpful was the young man who volunteered to carry one of our bicycles that had a broken chain for 2 miles.

Great memories that will be recalled for years to come! To view more photos click here.

Virginia Creeper Trail

The little boys, Jeffrey 12, Daniel 9 and I, had planned to camp along the Virginia Creeper Trail over Easter. We had planned to leave Wake Forest Thursday morning, arrive in Damascus, VA by noon, set up camp and be on our bicycles at the rail trail head by 1:00pm. My wife, Pat heard our plans and decided she would like to go. However she did not want any part of camping in Mt Rogers in early April, too cold. The solution, rent a cabin! She called it cabining instead of camping. This can be tough to do on a tight budget. Solution #2, Google! We found a great cabin 1 mile from the trail, fully equipped and at a great rate. We can hardly wait!

Virginia Creeper Trail

The little boys, Jeffrey 12, Daniel 9 and I, had planned to camp along the Virginia Creeper Trail over Easter. We had planned to leave Wake Forest Thursday morning, arrive in Damascus, VA by noon, set up camp and be on our bicycles at the rail trail head by 1:00pm. My wife, Pat heard our plans and decided she would like to go. However she did not want any part of camping in Mt Rogers in early April, too cold. The solution, rent a cabin! She called it cabining instead of camping. This can be tough to do on a tight budget. Solution #2, Google! We found a great cabin 1 mile from the trail, fully equipped and at a great rate. We can hardly wait!