You can review the latest design plans here.

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the future of Asheville’s bike infrastructure. Your input is valuable and needed, so save the date and spread the word to attend the Community Input event on April 19th! Find all the details in the press release below.

RSVP to the College / Patton via AoB’s facebook event.

Press Release:

College/Patton Multimodal Community Input event on April 19, 2023

The City of Asheville requests input from the community regarding the College Patton Bike Lane Project. The primary objective of this project is to increase multimodal connectivity, which includes expanding dedicated bicycle infrastructure throughout the city’s urban core. The City would like input from the community on the most recent draft design of the proposed project. 

The primary concerns heard throughout initial engagement events were related to loading and delivery access. The draft designs now include over 115 feet of additional loading zone area. City staff including Transportation, Planning and Urban Design, Fire, and Police will be present at the event to answer any questions the community may have regarding the development, safety, and implementation of the project. 

Event Details 

• Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
• Time: 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. for business owners along the project corridors; 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. general public 
• Location: The Collider, Overlook Lounge, 1 Haywood St, Asheville, NC 28801

Ready to join us?

RSVP to the College / Patton via AoB’s facebook event.

Want to learn more?

Read AoB executive director’s open letter to the City of Asheville’s Downtown Commission in Support of the College Patton Project in our past blog. You can learn about the reasons we support this project and studies that show the economic impact of projects similar to College/Patton:

• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01441647.2021.1912849
• https://www.peopleforbikes.org/statistics/economic
• https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-12-08/for-store-owners-bike-lanes-boost-the-bottom-line
• https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200422151318.htm
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/biking-lanes-business-health-1.5165954
• https://www.ibigroup.com/ibi-insights/bike-lanes-good-small-business/

Read more here.

The post Call To Action: Give your input on the College/Patton Bike Lane Project appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

Asheville on Bikes looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Asheville community, North Carolina Department of Transportation, and the City of Asheville to advance pedestrian and bicycle facilities along Haywood Rd in West Asheville. 

Save the date and spread the word for drop-in session to share your opinion on Tuesday, Dec. 6th from 4 – 7pm at Trinity United Methodist Church of Asheville located at  587 Haywood Road in Asheville. 

RSVP ON FACEBOOK TO SAVE THE DATE →

Press Release:

Public Opinions Sought for Haywood Road Improvements

ASHEVILLE – The N.C. Department of Transportation invites the public to provide input regarding resurfacing and improvements to Haywood Road (U.S. 19/23) from Patton Avenue to Ridgelawn Road.

A drop-in session will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 587 Haywood Road in Asheville.

Haywood Road is scheduled for upcoming resurfacing which provides an opportunity to improve crosswalks, curb-ramps, and pavement markings. It’s also an opportunity to evaluate additional signage, left and center turn-lane adjustments, the corridor’s posted speed limits and the feasibility of adding bicycle lanes.

In addition to updating crosswalks and curb ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act standards, NCDOT is seeking what transportation improvements that people would like on Haywood Road — within the exiting footprint of the road.

People may submit comments, questions and suggestions at the meeting. People may also submit via the project website​, or by emailing to Haywood-Maintenance-Buncombe@publicinput.com or calling 984-205-6615 with code 2039.

The project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2023 and has an estimated cost of $7.7 million.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled people who wish to participate in this meeting. Anyone requiring special services should contact Alecia Hardy, Environmental Analysis Unit, at 1598 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1598, 919-978-1986 or email to ext-arhardy@ncdot.gov as early as possible so arrangements can be made.

Those who do not speak English, or have a limited ability to read, speak or understand English, may receive interpretive services upon request prior by calling 1-800-481-6494.​

Read the original press release on NCDOT.gov

Don’t forget to RSVP on Facebook to save the date! →

The post Help Us Support The Haywood Road Improvements appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

There will be two meetings discussing the plans and introducing how to provide feedback with our new online survey.  The two meetings will be the same, there is no need to attend both. The virtual meeting times are:

• Wednesday, August 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (This meeting will be recorded and posted with the survey on the Close the GAP project page for anyone who wants to listen at their convenience) Meeting link

• Friday, August 27, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Meeting link 

Additionally, the Transportation Department would like to meet with neighborhood groups to discuss what the GAP Plans can do for you and hear your comments. Please contact Lucy Crown at lcrown@ashevillenc.gov to find out more information about the plans and to organize a time to meet with your neighborhood. 

“People ask me why it is so important to provide feedback for a plan that doesn’t directly lead to construction,” said Lucy Crown, the Greenway Planner for the City of Asheville, “Master Plans are guiding documents that help staff in the Transportation Department organize, prioritize and queue projects up for construction. If you would like better pedestrian facilities in your neighborhood, it is important to get it on the master plan now. If a project is not in the master plan, it is unlikely to be constructed. It is really important for staff to know what desires and concerns neighborhoods have regarding their transportation needs. YOU know more about your neighborhood streets and walking than anyone else, that is why it is so important we hear from you!”  

Find a copy of this press release on Asheville City Source.

Close the GAP Survey Now Open

The planning process, known as the Close the GAP, will identify a network of the pedestrian, greenway, and accessibility networks for our community as well as programs and policies to support it. The City of Asheville combined these plans because the pedestrian network will be a stronger one if the three aspects: Greenways, ADA transitions, and Pedestrian networks are planned at the same time.

Asheville residents are encouraged to take the Close the GAP survey to provide ideas and input for the street and greenway plan updates. The survey is now available to take online here.

The post Residents invited to virtual meetings on Asheville greenway and pedestrian master plans this week; survey to open too appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

North Carolina Designates 2023 “Year of the Trail”

North Carolinians have something new to look forward to in 2023. Under the leadership of Representative Dean Arp, R-69 (Union), Representative Hugh Blackwell, R-86 (Burke), Representative Pat Hurley, R-70 (Randolph), Representative Larry Strickland, R-28 (Harnett, Johnston), the NC House and now the NC Senate on August 10, 2021 passed HB 554, designating 2023 as “North Carolina Year of the Trail”. This designation is supported by the North Carolina Great Trails State Coalition and the group will be spearheading the plans for the year.

Blackwell says, “Understanding the benefits trails and greenways bring to our North Carolina communities through increased economic activity, bike and pedestrian transportation, improved citizen health, and the conservation of our natural resources, I thought it was time to showcase these incredible state assets. Designating 2023 as the Year of the Trail in North Carolina is the perfect way to do that.”

Senator Bob Steinburg, R-District 1, who was instrumental in moving the bill through the Senate agreed with those sentiments commenting, “It is always a pleasure when there is an opportunity to work with legislative friends on something as important as trails are to our state economy. With this bill we recognize volunteers who spend so many hours working to develop our state trails and we promote the health of our local citizens who can use the trails.”

The House budget provides even more support for North Carolina’s trails with an appropriation of $29.25 million for a Complete the Trails Fund to be managed by the NC Trails Program within the NC Division of Parks and Recreation. Rep. Dean Arp, R-69 (Union), Senior Chairman of the House Appropriations Committtee, and Representatives Blackwell, Mike Clampitt, R-119 (Haywood, Jackson, Swain) and Erin Pare, R-37 (Wake) have taken the lead on this funding effort with help from many other members of the House, and they will work to convince the Senate to include this funding in the final version of the budget.

What does the Year of the Trail really mean?

North Carolina is not the first state to declare a “Year of the Trail.” Ohio and Indiana declared a Year of the Trail in 2018 and 2021 respectively. However NC is the first to announce the designation with extensive plans to showcase, promote, and celebrate our trails. Special trail programs and events are planned throughout 2023 for all 100 counties, with a goal to increase awareness of trails, and boost local trail use and tourism.

North Carolina’s hiking, biking, paddling, off road vehicle, and equestrian trails showcase the splendor of our natural and urban landscapes. Trails and greenways are a vital part of community infrastructure. They provide significant health, economic and transportation benefits, and are the cornerstone of North Carolina’s $28 billion outdoor recreation industry, the 6th largest in the US (https://outdoorindustry.org/resource/north-carolina-outdoor-recreation-economy-report/).

Additionally, the “Year of the Trail” will showcase the vital role volunteers play in building and maintaining trails – from nature loops to long-distance, statewide trails.

Why 2023?

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the 1973 North Carolina Trails System Act. The NC Trails System Act created North Carolina’s Trails Program which is housed in the Division of Parks and Recreation and is assisted by the North Carolina Trails Committee, a group of citizens representing users of different types of trails, including hiking, biking, paddling, horseback riding and off road vehicles. The 1973 Act also envisioned a State Trail System of long-distance State Trails that would be units of the North Carolina Park System. That trail system now includes 11 State Trails, with the Dan River State Trail and East Coast Greenway gaining State Trail status last month. NC State Parks’ annual theme in 2023 will also focus on trails.

“Year of the Trail will be a tremendous opportunity to highlight North Carolina’s exceptional network of trails, and educate the public and elected officials about their value to our residents and communities,” says Kate Dixon, Executive Director of Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, North Carolina’s flagship State Trail which extends 1175 miles from the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks. Join us to celebrate North Carolina trails in 2023, and together, let’s show why North Carolina is the Great Trails State.

About the Great Trails State Coalition

The North Carolina Great Trails State Coalition, representing 27 trails, conservation, and outdoor recreation groups from across the State, advocated for Year of the Trail designation. Find out more and get involved at www.greaattrailsnc.org. A Year of the Trail planning committee is meeting regularly to plan events and package recommendations for those hosting local events. For questions or suggestions, please contact Beth Heile at bzheile@gmail.com / 828-390-6870.

Official Press Release PDF

The post North Carolina Designates 2023 “Year of the Trail” appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

FROM: Mike Sule on behalf of Asheville On Bikes

CC:

Council and Staff –

I learned yesterday that the RADTIP project must be modified because of budget concerns and that you are considering the postponement of plans to build several critical pieces of infrastructure, including the protected bike lane along Lyman Street and the modifications to the railroad crossing near Smoky Park Supper Club. While disappointed, we recognize that some multi-modal facilities have to be cut. We hope the city will reaffirm its commitment to active transportation infrastructure in the future. AoB affirms that  public safety is paramount to any RADTIP adjustments.

As you adjust priorities, public safety must be your primary criterion. The two pieces of infrastructure I just mentioned are vital to the future of the city and to public safety. If the Lyman Street bike lane and western sidewalk are removed, Asheville On Bikes (AOB) urges you to replace them with a multi-use path at least 16 feet in width, and lane markings to separate users. This design complies with FHWA standards, increases safety, and will support a high volume of bike and pedestrian traffic. Lyman St  needs the best possible bike and pedestrian infrastructure that we can afford because it lies at the very heart of our future grid of connected greenways and bike lanes. The city should build active transportation infrastructure to standards that anticipate future use. The Swamp Rabbit and American Tobacco trails see 500,000+ users annually. RADTIP can anticipate similarly heavy use. Make it safe for all users and do not neglect this part of the plan. Frankly, it should have been built first

Similarly, the railroad crossing near Smoky Park Supper Club is unsafe, it is a known hazard, and the city is failing to act to make it safe. It injures people every year. When you think about re-arranging funds, it is unconscionable to our membership that you would spend money anywhere in RADTIP without addressing these railroad tracks which are responsible for so many broken bones, concussions, and other injuries to your citizens. Addressing the public safety issue of this unsafe rail crossing cannot be delayed.  Please make sure that a public safety fix which allows for safe cycling over or around the railroad crossing is included in your re-prioritization. Asheville on Bikes is a willing partner and is eager to assist the city as you address these concerns.

Sincerely,

Mike Sule

Related Content: Click here for more posts about RADTIP.

The post AoB’s Public Statement on RADTIP Re-Design appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

ASHEVILLE, NC, June 8, 2017 – Today the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office, Asheville on Bikes, and Buncombe Bike Ed jointly announce a new Bicycle Ticket Diversion Program (or Cycle Smart) aimed at reducing and eliminating court costs, driver license points and fines for bike riders charged with minor traffic violations in Buncombe County.

This is the first Bicycle Diversion Program offered in the state of North Carolina.

Cycle Smart is a program offered by Asheville on Bikes and Buncombe Bike Ed in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, which allows people ticketed with a vehicle violation while bicycling to attend and complete a safe-riding class and have the fine associated with their ticket dismissed upon completion of Cycle Smart.

“Bicycle riding is a critical to our transportation and recreation options and contributes a lot to the affordability, and livability of our community. Cycling can also reduce congestion on city streets. As our community grows and more people ride bicycles in Buncombe County, the DA’s Office is committed to ensuring the safety of all on our roads. When riders are ticketed for a minor moving violations, I want them to have the option to enroll in Cycle Smart. Better, safer, law-abiding riders make for safer roads for both cyclists and motorists benefiting us all,” Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams said.

While a bicycle is perhaps the most efficient and economical form of transportation, many riders have trouble paying court costs and fines and are often surprised that driver’s license points accrue against their licenses when they are cited with a minor traffic violation on a bike.

“Bike education classes are a great way to encourage new riders and improve the skills of seasoned ones. It’s fair to say that the riders who need bike safety the most are the least likely to sign up on their own. Partnering with the DA’s office enables bicyclists who are ticketed to participate in Cycle Smart which educates riders on the habits of safe cycling. The long range goal are safe streets and cycling that is safe for both cyclists and motorists. We’re excited by this partnership,” states, Mike Sule, Asheville on Bikes’ executive director.

Cycle Smart classes are led by League of American Bicyclists certified instructors. The classes are three hours and incorporate classroom instructions, bicycle skill development, and on road instructions. Classes are open to the public and are held the second Saturday of every month from April – October except July at Senior Opportunity Center at 35 Grove Street at 10 am. Enrollment is $25. To enroll or find out more information, please send an email to buncombebikeed@gmail.com.

For further information please contact Michael Sule, Executive Director of Asheville on Bikes at 828-582-4705.

The post AoB, Buncombe County Bike Ed Partner with District Attorney in New CycleSmart Program appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

Asheville on Bikes (AoB), the advocacy organization focused on advancing Asheville’s urban and commuter bicycle culture and infrastructure, hosts the eleventh annual Bike Love ‘17, presented by New Belgium Brewing, at Salvage Station located at 466 Riverside Drive, on Saturday, February 18th.

Bike Love is Asheville on Bikes’ annual signature extravaganza. This year’s event incorporates an early reception, music by Stephanie Morgan, DJ Marley Carroll, and DJ Dr. Filth, a silent auction featuring the very best in bike gear from across the country, and the chance to win a $500 bicycle voucher from Western North Carolina Bike Dealers Association (WNCBDA).

“AoB is gearing up for a big year in 2017. We’re expanding our youth bicycle education program, adding new features to our community rides, and are preparing to launch a series of new projects that will engage the community and improve biking and walking infrastructure for all. We’ve got big plans for 2017. Bike Love is the opportunity to showcase our goals, celebrate with our vibrant cycling community, and stoke the bike love passions to propel us into 2017. There are challenges ahead of us, but we’ve got love, lot’s of it. This year’s lineup is the very best of Asheville’s lively music scene,” says AoB’s executive director, Mike Sule.

“Bike Love’s music bill is diverse and packed with talent. The night begins with Stephanie Morgan’s band which includes Drew Hellar (of Toubab Krewe) on guitar, Ryan Reardon (of Zansa and Les Amis) on bass, Patrick Armitage ( of Jon Stickley Trio) on drums, and Rich Brownstein (of Royal Suits) on keys. Following Morgan, DJ Marley spins a three hour set, and DJ Dr. Filth lays down a late night soul set to close it all out. It’s very fast paced this year,” shares AoB board member and Bike Love committee chair, Emily Kujawa.

Bike Love reception begins at 7pm and includes a small bites menu, New Belgium beer, annual membership enrollment, and intimate Stephanie Morgan set. General admission is also included. Reception tickets are $60 and can be purchased online through Asheville on Bikes. Reception seating is limited.

General admission begins at 8pm. General admission tickets can be purchased online or at a variety of local shops, including Youngblood Bicycles, Asheville Bicycle Company, Motion Makers, Second Gear, Find Your Line, MustAsheville Bikes, Asheville Street and Dirt, & Liberty Bicycles .

Asheville on Bikes’ Bike Love is presented by New Belgium Brewing, and sponsored by Mosaic Lifestyle Community Reality, JAG Associates and Construction, Mountain Air Roasting, Industry, Wedge Brewing Co., Industry Nine, Mellow Mushroom, Second Gear, Beauty Parade, Shelia Christofalos, Edward Jones, Clasique Acupuncture and Pilates Studio, Asheville Yoga Center, Home Trust Bank, and Oak & Grist Distilling Co.

Quick Facts:

Bike Love supports Asheville on Bikes

Where: Salvage Station, 466 Riverside Drive

When: Saturday, Feb. 18th

Reception from 7pm -8pm

General Admission begins at 8pm

Cost: Reception tickets are $60, General Admission tickets are $20 (AoB annual memberships are 50% off with purchase of a general admission ticket)

For more information contact: Mike Sule, Asheville on Bikes, mike@ashevilleonbikes.com, 828-582-4705

The post Asheville on Bikes Announces Bike Love 2017 Fundraiser at Salvage Station, Saturday, Feb. 18 appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

October 12, 2016 – Asheville, NC — Asheville on Bikes (AoB) presents the Pumpkin Pedaller on Saturday, Oct. 29th. The annual costumed community ride gathers at New Belgium Brewing located a 21 Craven St. in West Asheville at 2:30 p.m., and rolls forward at 3:00 p.m. The nine mile social ride meanders upon greenways and bicycle lanes, twists and turns through downtown Asheville and neighborhoods before culminating back at New Belgium for a Halloween party. Festivities at the brewery begin at 5:00 p.m.and include music with DJ Mad-Sci, bicycle games, food trucks, and, of course, New Belgium beer. Tips for the day as well as $1 from each beer sold at the brewery on Oct. 29 will be donated to Asheville on Bikes.

“The Pumpkin Pedaller has many new additions this year. We’ve added a family section to the ride, bolstered our wayfinding, invited local personalities to judge the costume contest, and are thrilled to celebrate Halloween with New Belgium. The Halloween party is bound to be as much fun as the ride.” says, AoB’s director, Mike Sule. “Each year, the ride attracts more and more participants and we’re responding to the increase in ridership. The Pumpkin Pedaller offers something for all – an urban ride, great music, bicycle festivities, and craft beer.”

The Pumpkin Pedaller is free and open to the public. Participants are encouraged to RSVP at AoB’s event page, ride in costume and review the route prior to the ride. Route maps can be found in area stores and on AoB’s website and facebook page.

Details:

• October 29, New Belgium Brewing, 21 Craven St.
• Gather at New Belgium Brewing -2:30 p.m.
• Ride the City – 3:00 p.m. (10 mile urban ride)
• Halloween Party – 5:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing

Additional Sponsors:

JAG & Associates Construction, Myron Gottfried, DDS and Haley Mann DDS, Mosaic Realty, Sarver Realty Group

About Asheville on Bikes:

Asheville on Bikes cultivates the culture of urban and commuter riding through celebration and advocacy. AoB believes bicycling has a direct impact on the health of our community. Asheville on Bikes wants you to Ride Your City. For more information, visit ashevilleonbikes.com

Media Contact: Michael Sule, Asheville on Bikes, 828-582-4705, mike@ashevilleonbikes.com

The post Asheville on Bikes hosts Pumpkin Pedaller p/b New Belgium Brewing on Saturday, Oct. 29th appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.

Asheville Transportation Department
City Hall, Mezzanine Level
70 Court Plaza
Asheville, NC 28801

City of Asheville of Asheville Transportation Department,

The current condition of Craven St. has afforded the opportunity to evaluate the potential function of the bike lane on the route before the final asphalt is put into place. Once completed, Craven St. will serve as a major bicycle thoroughfare for our community as it will connect West Asheville to greenways, and will become an attraction for surrounding residents and tourists alike. Craven St. will be a critical bicycle connector once the future greenway is complete and the New Belgium Brewery opens.

Since there is no direct connection from the greenway to the brewery site, bicyclists are required to use the bike lanes along the new Craven Street section. Also, several families will access Craven St. from Waynesville to connect with either the greenway, Clingman or Haywood. Many of these cyclists are likely to be families or people who are not used to riding on roads. We need to build bicycle infrastructure that works for all people on bikes. We hope these factors are considered in what we suggest the city consider below.

This past weekend a few neighbors and I took bicycles with trailers affixed to them to illustrate how a 4-foot bike lane may not be the safest condition for the bicyclists described above. Please review the pictures below as they clearly show that a 4-foot bike lane does not provide adequate space for safe riding.

Picture 2: The people working on the Craven Street project were very careful in measuring the lane widths north of Waynesville Avenue. To the south of Waynesville this not the case. The bike lane through this section is not 4 feet wide as called for in the engineering documents. This creates a more hazardous condition for bicyclists with trailers or panniers, cargo-bikes, and recumbents.

Even if the roadway was flush with the gutter, placing the right-side tire of the trailer in the gutter is not a suitable riding position for the bicyclist as it creates a different surface and potentially different slopes for the bicyclist to navigate.

Picture 3: In November, the City presented a PowerPoint on the Craven St. improvements which included a 6.5-foot bicycle lane on the west side of Craven St. (page 5: Craven St Improvement). Although I recognize they were innocent mistakes, the cross-section slide included two errors: 1) It counted the raised curb in this calculation; and 2) It counted the gutter as bikeable space. While I acknowledge the City of Asheville 2008 Bicycle Plan includes the gutter as usable space, since then, NCDOT’s 2012 Complete Streets Guidelines stipulate the gutter is not counted as usable space when measuring a bike lane’s width. The City of Asheville needs to be building bicycle infrastructure to the higher standards so that they work of all people and not just the die-hard cyclist.

Picture 4 illustrates why we feel the gutter cannot be counted as usable space. Even before project completion, trash and recycling bins are being placed in the curb, requiring a cyclist to veer outside the lane and into the car’s lane. Cyclists require adequate space to ride safely and predictably.

Picture 5 shows the limited margin for error cyclists have when trying to stay within the bike lane and passing the bins. This will happen at least one out of every 7 days and, as we see here, property owners usually put their bins out to curb one day before pickup is to occur.

In order to implement bicycle infrastructure that works for all the people who choose to ride Craven St, Asheville on Bikes requests the following:

• The city consider a 5-foot-wide bike lane on the southbound side of Craven Street when the top surface of asphalt is completed. This would not constitute an additional cost to the project but would be a slight change in how the bike lanes are measured. While we realize there are trucks on this route, we are confident New Belgium can work with their drivers to promote a safe operating speed in the short section they would be required to operate in a 10-foot travel lane.

• The city work closely with the contractor as the final lanes are put in place. As we see on the new section, the contractors did not follow the design plans in ensuring the bike lane was the width called for in the engineering documents.

• If a 5-foot bike lane is not acceptable, we request the city consider a one-foot wide cross-hatched buffer on the outside of the 4-foot southbound bike lane. This creates a visible space on which trucks and motorists should not encroach. The 10 feet of open space in the lane for cars is more than adequate. The one-foot buffer would allow trucks some margin of error and we trust they will be cautious when overtaking a bicyclist who is riding in the bike lane.

I’d be more than happy to meet with any or all of you on Craven St to review the current issues with the 4-foot bike lane. If you have any follow up questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully,

Mike Sule
Asheville on Bikes

The post AoB Assesses State of Craven St. Bike Lanes, Alerts Asheville Transportation Officials of Safety Issues appeared first on Asheville On Bikes.