“There isn’t a single sign on 13 that brings attention to the new bike path. Why? I’ve watched people ride past my house on Seaside Rd.which is parallel to the path & while on the bike path watch bikers riding on the shoulder of 13. Why isn’t the path promoted? ” — Reader submitted comment.
The reader makes a good point. The Southern Tip Bike and Hike Trail is an incredible asset, yet riders can still be seen on the shoulder of 13, and as noted, on Seaside Road.
The trail is safe, scenic and very well constructed. Is it time to bring in more signage and advertising to increase awareness?
Hope Wright says
I agree. More signage is needed. It’s a wonderful opportunity to leave your car at home and start peddling to enjoy our trees and birds along the bike path running parallel to Route 13! It should be a secret!
Hope Wright says
I meant should NOT be a secret!
Buddy Matthews says
Where is the path???
Jane McKinley says
Agreed totally! It’s a little disheartening that we have such a wonderful resource (that was provided at no small expense!) and barely a rider is seen on the trail. Signage would be one way to increase awareness and more marketing to the local communities and region through other sources such as Virginia Tourism. Somebody needs to “get on the stick!”
Andrew says
As someone who just recently started riding the trail almost every other day and EVERY Weekend, I love the trail, and specially the newest addition. Smoooooooooth. Surprised I don’t see more ppl along the way. That said, I do also ride seaside road on occasion and make one big loop. 600 barely has any cars on it either. Wish there weren’t so many rough spots though.
sandra beerends says
yes, i have been trying for years to get VDOT to just put signs on the BY-WAYS on the shore..to promote biking there…flat..little traffic…and better than riding on 13….trying to get that “plea” on brochures from different groups..ie realtors, restaurants , local group websites etc. also..yes, we are sorely missing marketing all around for biking on the shore..and for all other tourist attractions etc. it also could be that riders don’t want to go on the t rail and would RATHER go on 13…but that is hard to believe since 13 seems dangerous to me..ugh…the bike trail is actually best for families..and perhaps experienced bikers are worried that they might be slowed down by them..? don’t know about that..but of course there is plenty of room to pass on the official trial..might ask ANPDC if they are working on getting signs..supposedly they have been trying to get signs for about 10 years..no no avail..there is one on 13 however and one of the road from 13 into cape charles…thanks for bringing that up…we have flat terrain and very little traffic on our byways…but need the signs and NEED TO EDUCATE OUR LOCAL DRIVERS ABOUT RULES OF THE ROAD ( which have recently changed..ie..can pass bikes if there are two solid lines ..under certain circumstances,,,, bikes can use FULL LANE,,just like a car etc.) . THAT
IS REALLY IMPORTANT AO THEY KNOW TO BE VIGILANT…and also know the rules for turning ….so as not to have a collision with a bike..Of course if you are biking on the official bike path…no one has to worry about those things..Another thing is people who live along the by-ways etc where they see usually lone bikers ..could be very helpful …re safety ….by assuring that your dogs are in your yard and will never rush out into the road and cause a biker to crash etc. Please do this at all times…thanks
sandra beerends says
I forgot to mention that anyone can write the Northampton Board of Supervisors and request that bike signs be placed at certain locations etc. It would be good it they knew the interest that is out there..Also the Northampton County Chamber of Commerce might be worth contacting ..There is a Cape Charles Chamber of Commerce also I think..The local “official” annual bike rides that we have here bring a lot of money into the counties..but our pushing Northampton By-ways for biking would hopefully bring in money to local businesses almost ALL YEAR ROUND….and that would be great.. word of mouth is important to publicize this asset…..so we always tell our bikers who come for the official rides to come back at other times…now that they know “we are here”…..!!! When we have festivals we could possibly make a note on the website ….”Bring your bikes”…
NJ Mike says
Here’s a dirty little secret about bike paths………there are few that EVER get over %25 of expected users. NATIONALLY.
But boy, do the connected contractors get paid………..oh, do they ever………