The Town of Waynesville has begun implementing the Comprehensive Haywood County Bicycle Plan, originally adopted in November 2011. Commerce Street and Richland Street were the first places that the new bicycle lane marking could be seen, securing a designated area for bicyclers to safely travel in town. Currently, the streets currently being marked are wholly contained within the town of Waynesville and are maintained by the town, but these paths will ultimately runs from Jackson County to Buncombe County and are expected to be a key segment of the Blue Ridge Bike Plan and ultimately the State of North Carolina Bike Plan.
This segment in Waynesville runs approximately 6 miles along the Richland Creek basin, and allows Waynesville citizens and visitors the opportunity to exercise, recreate, and commute to the downtown areas and shopping centers of Waynesville. It is within 2 city blocks of the county Courthouse and runs alongside coffee houses, services to the homeless, a local Veterans’ gathering place, and many businesses. Additionally, it runs beside middle & elementary schools, creating great opportunities for cycling by students to school.
Not only do we love this program for the great active living opportunities it provides, but it is also engaging the local corner stores in the area as well. Bethel Grocery Store at the intersection of US 276 and Lake Logan Road in Haywood County is the first officially recognized outpost in Haywood County serving cyclists needs. The idea of bicycle outposts includes small businesses on the outskirts of rural areas that could stock cycling related supplies as well as literature about local rides in the area. Not only does this provide a valuable resource for the cyclists, it brings new business and a demand for healthier options in small corner stores.
From bike paths to corner stores, we can’t wait to see this program spread throughout WNC, and even across the state. To learn more, visit Bike Haywood NC’s website.
Photo courtesy of Zeke’s Great Smokies