Rails to Trails in South Richmond Considered
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The map above is from a RTD article about a proposed urban trail here on the southside.
Conner and other organizers hope the converted track will enable bikers and pedestrians to link with another trail that Richmond parks officials are considering along Reedy Creek. That trail would extend through little-known Crooked Branch Park, more than 18 acres off Crutchfield Street, to Forest Hill Park.
Ultimately, Conner also would like to develop a trail along the viaduct created on Reedy Creek west of Westover Hills Boulevard for flood control. The creek begins west of German School Road, where the city created a wetland as part of the flood-control project.
Before you bust out your bike there is this not so minor issue to resolve.
Money is an issue. City officials aren’t sure how to price the property, much less find the money to buy it. “We need to find funds other than city funds,” Conner said.
After I posted I found that our sister blog Southside Richmond has all the information on a meeting tomorrow to find out more about the proposed trail.
Join us on Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at 5:00pm as we hear from Sheila Sheppard, Director of Partnership for Smarter Growth, on how trails can transform urban communities, plus learn about the Rails to Trails Conservancy and its efforts around the country.
Show your support for smart growth for Southside ~ This is a not-to-be-missed meeting!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Southside Baptist Christian School
5515 Bryce Lane RVA 23224
Wow. In general I like the rails to trails idea. This proposed trail would go through some pretty rough territory and end up where? Would it eventually link to something on the south end, other than Jeff Davis Highway?
I initially had the same thought as Stephanie: this wouldn’t be a trail that I would take the kid on. However, I do think it would be great for bicycle commuters who live down south and need to get to Westover Hills and beyond.
Why would bicycle riders be any safer than joggers if the area is so rough that honest citizens dare not use it?
We have plenty of recreational areas in rough areas (the flood wall trail around 14th street, for example), and fear of crime isn’t keeping people away.
I suspect that the same will apply here.
I say “go for it”.
Living on Crutchfield and as an avid mtn biker and runner, this would be a great way to connect the Upper Southside to the rest of the community. I look forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Sure, the entire 2.3 miles would go through some less than desirable areas, but progress has to start somewhere. Sounds like a great idea to me – now if we could just find the money….
they should link the trail to drewerys bluff in chesterfield county and partner with chesterfield. drewreys bluff is a nice view , you can see richmond miles in the distance, it was also home of the confederate naval academy, there are other civil war points of interest along this proposed trail, some of richmonds outer defenses, these sites have fallen in disrepair, good job govt.
Thanks so much for spreading the word about the upcoming community meeting and linking to http://www.southsiderichmond.org!
Would love to connect to work together more. Thanks too for keeping Hills & Heights up and running. I read it daily!
Best wishes for a better Southside!
Thanks Christina. I hope to make the meeting tonight. I’ll see if I can track you down and introduce myself.
More traffic, on foot or bike, means more people. More people means less sketchy activity. Two thumbs up!!
As a avid Bike commuter (4-5 times a week) from just west of Jhanke to VCU everyday I have to say this is a great idea. I am going to go ride the trail tonight if I can just to check it out. I know there is a proposal to link reedy creek (can see it from my front yard) to Forest Hill park and this trail would serve to connect further south to our area here. To the naysayers who say it’s dangerous so was the Fan 20 years ago and many other areas of the city for that matter. I ride in the street but Belt Blvd is not my idea of a good ride. VA bike route 1 is Riverside drive on the south side of the city. If this and similar trails were established here south it’s possible that many touring cyclists could have a more southerly direct route instead of having to head way out to Robious as the route does now before heading south onto NC and Florida where the bike route ends. Sorry to be so late about posting on this topic but I felt an additional voice (who is willing to perform free labor to make it happen) needed to chime in.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31258654@N00/sets/72157622652755928/show/