tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4630751179432853395.post1715668433687409239..comments2023-06-14T12:01:16.546-04:00Comments on Zeke's Great Smokies 2-Wheeled Adventures!: PHIL–PLEASE “SAY IT AIN’T SO!”Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01296442059471583594noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4630751179432853395.post-32562398026337922212011-12-13T09:17:10.438-05:002011-12-13T09:17:10.438-05:00Hi,
I found another story on-line that addresses ...Hi,<br /><br />I found another story on-line that addresses the issue and also points out that there are no plans to ban cyclists from the Parkway. Here's the link...<br /><br />http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6263.html<br /><br />I also have had pleasant conversations with motorists in pull-offs. They seem impressed by the effort to get to the Parkway. I recall one particular one as I was climbing the last steep section up NC 215. The lady was very complimentary of the effort but all I could do was nod and whisper "thank you..." <br /><br />- ZekeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01296442059471583594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4630751179432853395.post-42643259471734407172011-12-13T07:29:50.350-05:002011-12-13T07:29:50.350-05:00The online comment feature (link at the Adventure ...The online comment feature (link at the Adventure Cycling site) is easy to navigate, I hope cyclists are using it. I think the Park Service is overlooking a great opportunity to promote itself world-wide to the cycling community as 'The Premier Bicycle Touring Roadway'. As it is now, cyclist travel from the far reaches of Europe and South America to tour the Parkway, many more would come if more were done to promote it.<br /><br />Motorists may enjoy seeing an occasional loaded touring bike struggling up a mountain pass. I've had great conversations with motorists in the 'pull-offs'. None have ever complained about sharing the road with me. Most are very supportive and express the desire to do the same. I've had motorist give me food and water or take my picture. <br /><br />I hope the Parkway will someday become the 'model' of a shared experience other roadways copy.<br /><br />Thanks, JackThe Velo Hobohttp://velohobo.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4630751179432853395.post-52077115759625080892011-12-12T23:25:52.423-05:002011-12-12T23:25:52.423-05:00I think it will be more of the "business as u...I think it will be more of the "business as usual" under option B. It would be nice to see a bike plan for the Parkway where cyclists needs were addressed even if they couldn't be funded at this time. On one hand, I suppose the traffic on the Parkway should be travelling at slow enough speeds to mitigate some of the need for bike lanes/wider shoulders. Of course, in many places, there is simply no earth for either. The dialog would be nice. I don't think I saw notice of the public hearings but, even if I did, I might not have realized the import of the topic. I liked Plan C because it seemed to put more effort focus on working with local communities. At the same time, Plan B was modified to take into account some of that local cooperation. I do hope cyclists will speak up during the public comment time just to get cyclists' interests and needs on record.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01296442059471583594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4630751179432853395.post-32211915872225899202011-12-12T19:06:24.833-05:002011-12-12T19:06:24.833-05:00Great job dissecting this. For me I see this at i...Great job dissecting this. For me I see this at its best as business as usual (we are welcome to use the Parkway, but the Park Service will not be promoting the BRP as the world’s best cycling byway, which you and I know it is) and at worst it will fall under the category of a National Historic landmark which may or may not mean that it may never be considered a ‘motoring and cycling byway’. <br /><br />If it becomes a Historic Landmark it may (or may not) mean that improvements to the roadway are not progressive and address current users (like us cyclists) and still remain a 1940’s style roadway not really designed for a shared experience.<br /><br />But I’m not worried. I have great admiration for the Park Service and have faith that they have the wisdom to know we (cyclists) are regular users of the BRP. <br /><br />Thanks, JackThe Velo Hobohttp://velohobo.com/noreply@blogger.com