ROANOKE TIMES 

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 4, 1993                   TAG: 9307070427
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: F-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

TO GET CYCLE EVENTS, PROVIDE THE FACILITIES

IN THE June 17 news article by Laura Williamson ("Promoting from pedals for tourists") on Bike Virginia and the opportunities to bring cycling events to Roanoke, Mayor Bowers said: "Whether the city devotes more money and space to bicycle facilities will depend on the demand for it."

This strikes me as the "Field of Dreams" principle in the negative: If you don't build it, they won't come. Again, Roanoke seems poised to miss another tourism opportunity. Hundreds of communities nation- and world-wide are becoming more bicycle-friendly and are cashing in on non-competitive bicycle touring events. Some of the nation's largest tours have upwards of 10,000 riders and generate more than $1 million in economic impact.

It would be great to see a much more pro-active stance in Roanoke, with government, activists and individuals working together to court events and participants in this growing, healthy and active sport.

The Wilderness Road Bicycle Ride is an event which I direct each June in Christiansburg for the New River Valley Bicycle Club. It has grown to 170 riders in only its second year and is bringing tourists and their dollars from North Carolina, Maryland, West Virginia and across Virginia. MICHAEL S. ABRAHAM BLACKSBURG 


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