The National Road Bikeway: A Respite We All Need

The National Road Bikeway

Last Saturday, I woke up to a lovely, end-of-summer morning. I wanted to get out and walk–a healthy option to housework, I thought. Instead of our regular path, Marty and I decided we should check out a hidden gem in our little town. This information is not only because things have been so tense in the country lately and we could all use a place like this, but also to suggest that if  communities get together, we could all have a place like this. Here it is: The National Road Bikeway

View the National-Road-Bikeway-Brochure 

It is termed a bikeway, but while we walked we saw many people on scooters, roller skates, and just plain, ol’ sneakers. Mature trees line the neatly paved trail. Benches on which one may rest have been placed intermittently along its 2.5 mile stretch. Signs announcing “Butterfly Habitat” rise among milkweed plants and wildflowers. There are even a couple of “off the road” nature trails to explore.

I’m sure, at first, this bikeway was just someone’s dream. Without a doubt, it was expensive to create. However, many of the stops along the way–benches, nature trails, exhibits– seem to have been sponsored by community groups or interested individuals, and have plaques with their names. The whole community takes ownership! 

A gazebo surrounded by blooming wildflowers marks the half-way point in the trail. Near the gazebo, a snake made of painted rocks undulates along. There is an invitation to add a rock and “watch the snake grow.”

Encouraging Literacy

A “take-a-book, share a book” library box is also placed near the mid-point of the trail. To further inspire literacy in children, a story walk has been added. The story is presented one page at a time on glass-covered display pedestals placed at short intervals. With delightful, illustrated books changed out regularly by the St. Clairsville Library, adults can read the stories with their children as they stroll between the trees.

A Respite Among the Trees

All this is great, but I think the best part of walking on the the National Road Bikeway is the people. There were all ages out there, from the youngest being pushed along in strollers to the elderly. They smiled and spoke: “Good morning”; “Beautiful day”; “Good to see you”; “Enjoy the rest of your day.” Even the joggers who were controlling their breath smiled at us! We saw a father and young daughter on scooters. We saw people on roller skates. We saw many people walking dogs.

Do you know what we didn’t see? Trash! There was no litter!

There are some rules to follow on The National Road Bikeway. They are posted:

• No motorized vehicles
• Wheelchair use is encouraged
• Stay on bikeway since private property is on each side of the trail
• Open during daylight hours only
• Pedestrians and disabled have the right-of-way
• Vehicle crossings at streets and driveways have the right-of-way
• Bikeway users shall yield to law enforcement, emergency and City maintenance vehicles which have the right-of-way on all portions of the bikeway
• Keep to the right and do not block bikeway
• Give audible “passing on left” signal before passing
• Keep pets on a leash no longer than three (3) feet and under control at all times
• Carry plastic bags and clean up after your pet
• 15 MPH speed limit
• Helmets and all safety equipment recommended
• No skateboards, horses, golf carts, or shooting
• No hunting, fires, fireworks, weapons or model power toys
• Possession or use of alcohol or any illegal drug (or related paraphernalia) is prohibited
• Use extra caution when sharing the bike lane and street routes with motorized vehicles
• Use the bikeway quietly and with courtesy to our neighbors
• NO jumps or stunts on bikes, rollerblades, etc. and NO ramps
• No radios or other electronic equipment played at a volume that can be heard by anyone other than its owner
• No littering, including cigarettes or other tobacco products

Job 37:14: “Stop and consider God’s wonders!”

According to Psychology Today, “going for a walk around your local park involves several things that can give your mood a boost. Getting up from your chair, spending time in nature, being exposed to sunlight, and taking in an interesting view can all help lift your spirits. If you walk with a buddy, the camaraderie adds to the benefits. And if you feel great about doing something for your health, that’s another plus. Yet even when all those factors are controlled, walking still increases positive affect, according to a study published in the August issue of the journal Emotion. Positive affect reflects an energized, engaged state of mind and involves feelings such as interest, alertness, joy, excitement, and enthusiasm.”

I’m pretty sure every community could benefit from a place like The National Road Bikeway. If your community doesn’t have a biking or walking trail, it might be worth starting one. How? Use what you know, talk to whom you know, and pray. God has a way of working those things out.

God bless you, and lead you on peaceful paths.