Radford bicycle friendliness (leases, house, college)

[mw5829]

I'm visiting Radford VA in October to consider moving to the area in 2 - 3 years. 2 questions: Is this region friendly and feasible for bicycle commuting and what areas are conducive to building a log home near town.

Thanks,
mw5829

[sharpeyes]

Hi there,

I saw both of your posts. I'm going to answer both here, if you don't mind. Congratulations on planning a move to Radford. We made the same decision a year ago and have been there frequently since, bought a house over the winter, and will complete the move next month.

If you are an assertive rider, you will find a way to commute in Radford. Rock Road has bike lanes and is a great way to get from one side of town to the other. If you picture Radford like a hand, Main Street would be the fingertips, and Rock Road would be the wrist. The paint is worn off the lanes but it is very comfortable to ride on.

It has taken us awhile to find safe ways to ride downtown in places where the bike lanes give out abruptly, and/ or where there are complicated intersection with a lot going on. One of the town's most beloved bicycling advocates was killed this April during his evening commute. This event seems to have made people more aware of the needs of cyclists. I consider the town bicycle friendly, but also dress very brightly and try to "look big" and ride very assertively, so the less aware or distracted driver might hopefully notice me.

I'm not a road rider, but more of a commuter, "go to the store & library" rider, but there is a very active group of road riders who ride in groups at least once or twice a week. They meet at Sal's Restaurant on the west side. They communicate through an online bulletin board called the Driveway Gear

In your other post, you asked a question of Kiwimike. He is out of the country until next summer. I have helped on the trails that he guided from the planning stages to the point they are now, open for riding. All need more work and maintenance, but several are rideable. About 150 people came to the Grand Opening a month or so ago. The area is closed during hunting season, except Sundays, as the city leases the land to hunters. To ride, you just get a free permit and map at the city building. If you send me a personal message, I'll give you the name and email address of the guy who is managing volunteer work on the Mt. Bike trails while Mike is away.

If you want to read some of the Radford planning documents, look under publication on the city's website. Biking and walking trails are covered extensively.

I don't know where you'll be moving from, but I think you'll like Radford. We wanted to be in an affordable, walkable, rideable town, with a college. The river is a tremendous asset, and there's a remarkable amount of public land along it.

If you send me a personal message, I'll make a suggestion about your question about the log cabin. I know someone who could help you find a place for that.

Sharpeyes