I want to visit the finished portions now. How can I do this?

 

Currently, there are four open sections of the Virginia Capital Trail:
    - Richmond Riverfront – Phase I, .5 miles – open
Parking at Shiplock Park in downtown Richmond along Dock Street. Trail to the west for ½ mile. Get directions

 

    - Charles City Courthouse, 7.5 miles – open
Parking at Charles City Courthouse Visitor’s Center, just off of Rt. 5. Trail to the west for 7.5 miles. Get directions

 

    - Chickahominy Riverfront, 5 miles – open
Parking at Chickahominy Riverfront Park or Jamestown High School. Trail to the east 5 miles. Get directions

 

    - Greensprings, 2 miles — open
Parking at Jamestown Settlement. Trailhead across Rt. 39. Get directions

 

Who is building the Trail?

 

The construction of the Trail is being managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation. V-DOT owns most of the right-of-way along Rt. 5 from Williamsburg to Richmond. The project originated in 2003 with then Governor Mark Warner’s Secretary of Transportation, Whitt Clement.

 

Where can I rent a bicycle if I don’t currently own one?

 

As of 01/01/10 there is no place to rent a bicycle in Richmond, Charles City or in Williamsburg. A business opportunity is just waiting for the right person!

 

What did Governor Kaine mean when he said that the project is fully funded?

 

He meant that all of the construction costs needed for completion of the Virginia Capital Trail have been secured and “locked up”.

 

Where does construction money come from?

 

Most of the money comes from transportation enhancement grants, which is a federal program managed by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. Congress has ruled that this money cannot be used for roads or road repair. A large proportion of multi-use trails in the country are being built with these same grants.

 

Why should I contribute to the Foundation if V-DOT is building the Trail?

 

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is undertaking many projects to enhance and promote the Trail in such a way as to create an amenity that people from near and far will visit. They are also making sure that every Trail experience is a safe and positive one with the addition of directional signs, mile markers, informational kiosks, interpretive stations and other trailside enhancements. The Foundation is also forging relationships with public and private entities who will help ensure its completion, no matter the economic or political climate. Once the construction is complete, the Foundation hopes to establish programs to take advantage of the rich historical, environmental and natural resources located along the trails alignment. Finally, the Foundation is committed to the ongoing preservation of the Trail by creating volunteer groups who will maintain the Trail to the highest standards.

 

What is the benefit to surrounding communities?

 

Having a trail encouraging non-motorized transportation has many benefits, including health, educational, environmental, and economic. When people have alternatives to driving their cars, studies show they drive less. The benefits of this are obvious, with less pollution, fewer cars on the road, and a more active and healthy population. Cities and towns become more active and vital, and as a result, property values in these areas tend to trend higher, and hold firmer in a down market, than in areas without such trails. With planned historical interpretation of this trail, schools are eagerly anticipating field trips to help further SOL standards in science and history. People throughout the region look forward to enjoying the full range of options the Trail will offer—walking, running, biking, or whichever non-motorized mode of transportation they choose. This Trail will also be an asset to local families, linking the historic and cultural points of interest along the Route 5 corridor. Multi-use trails such as this one bring communities together as people discover the benefits of outdoor exercise.

 

What endorsements have you received?

 

MeadWestvaco has already made a leadership gift to the Trail of $300,000 and is going to be showcasing Evotherm, an environmentally friendly asphalt additive. Dominion has given $110,000 for an electronic kiosk system that will greatly enhance the Trail experience. Governor Kaine has committed the necessary state funds to complete the Trail. In addition, the Trail has endorsements from James City and Charles City counties, and the City of Richmond and countless public officials within these localities. It has already been designated a National Recreational Trail by the Department of the Interior and is part of the Transamerica Bike Route and East Coast Greenway network of trails. Developers who are planning to build new neighborhoods in Henrico County and in downtown Richmond in close proximity to the Trail have all embraced the project to the extent that they are willing to pay for that portion of the construction.

 

How can I help?

 

The Virginia Capital Trail Foundation is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promote, complete, enhance and preserve the Trail. If you would like to join our growing list of supporters, contact Beth Weisbrod, Executive Director, at beth@virginiacapitaltrail.org or at (804) 332-6693. Tax deductible donations are gratefully accepted.