June 2, 2008
9:00 am
Exploring Roanoke - A Preface to the Greenways
Have you heard in the news or by word-of-mouth about greenways in Roanoke?
Do you know the how, what, why, and most importantly, the where behind these greenways?
Well, neither do I completely, but over the next several weeks both of us are going to find out!
But, before I get into the hands-on part of actually exploring a greenway, I wanted to take a minute and provide a brief overview of the idea behind a greenway system.
According to the Roanoke Valley Greenways website:
Simply stated, a greenway is a corridor of protected open space managed for conservation, recreation and non-motorized transportation.
No Automobiles Allowed
One of the most important aspects of a greenway in Roanoke is that only non-motorized traffic is allowed. And, because the trail width is typically smaller than a single traffic lane, a car wouldn’t fit anyways. So, whether you enjoy walking, running, roller blading, or riding a bicycle, there’s less worry about looking out for a motorist when on the greenway.
Each One Is Unique
The entire greenway path itself may be paved, gravel, or a natural dirt trail (or a combination of all three). The path for one greenway may be open with direct sunshine, while another may lead right into and through the middle of the woods.
Make It Your Own
Some greenways are relatively short (1-2 miles one-way), and I believe the longest greenway path to date is about 5-6 miles, which can make for quite a hike. Now, of course there’s hardly a requirement to walk the entire way, nothing of the sort. Pick up at a convenient section along the greenway wherever you want, travel a little bit, and then turn back around.
Ready To Go?
All in all, the greenways are a great addition to the Roanoke area I think. Starting with the next post, and as I’m able to throughout the spring and summer, I’m going to share with you my experiences in walking them one at a time.
Comfortable shoes will be a necessity.
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Just a few brief notes about this article and the evidence supporting how important greenways are from a national and local perspective:
Research shows that merely building sidewalks and striping bike lanes on a road doesn’t add much to quality of life…but when a community adds the trail within protected greenspace, then people use it moreso because of the pleasing & safe environment that the trail resides in. The purpose isn’t simply to get from here to there…greenways are an experience for the senses…a park if you will. Greenways also help communities enhance citizens amounts of physical activity, trail users that I have spoken with haven’t been out in decades. Greenways are free and available whether you are 6 or 90. According to Parks & Rec., over 900 users use the roanoke river trail on 2 hour spans on weekends. Plus other city’s have higher housing and property values where the greenway runs close to…..in Charlotte, property values exceed 42% above similiar tracts. Its makes common sense I think; greenways show that a city cares for and desires to use the greenway park-like areas to preserve their natural areas and the trail is there for walkers, recreational cyclists, moms with strollers, roller bladers, and seniors to all have equal opportunity to move within these corridors. Plus I see folks in Roanoke now ride and walk through neighborhoods and meet other people from much different walks of life…without the greenway, it never would have happened….and thats a grand healing elements that does Roanoke good! Lastly what I see here plus in other areas….the greenways aren’t about providing an experienced bike route for cyclists that desire to focus on transportation or racing….streets are for such activities and when you examine the country, the more seasoned communities get that. Roanoke seems to be struggling with this a bit, but its getting better. A bike transportation system may use greenway trails but they aren’t built for simply that type of user.
Comment by mccollum157 — July 22, 2009 @ 7:44 am