Map showing U.S. Bicycle Routes 1, 76, and 176 in Virginia

As Virginia approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, communities across the Commonwealth are reflecting on the landscapes, stories, and experiences that define our shared history. Bicycling offers a unique lens into this history – connecting people not only to the land but also to the small towns, scenic routes, and cultural landmarks that make Virginia a destination worth exploring. For visitors and locals alike, bicycling is becoming an essential part of the tourism experience.

This connection between place, history, and cycling is at the heart of the Bike 76 VA project, led by Dr. Tom Ewing and Grace Kostrzebski at Virginia Tech. Their multimedia project follows the 555 miles of U.S. Bicycle Route 76 that stretch across Virginia from Yorktown to Breaks, uncovering more than five centuries of complex history through the communities, people, and events that shape this landscape.

Through a podcast series, weekly essays, and digital storytelling, Bike 76 VA explores how the power of place influences our understanding of history – and how bicycles provide a unique way to encounter it.

This Thursday, October 30, at 12:30 pm, Grace Kostrzebski and Tom Ewing will present their Bike 76 VA project during Humanities Week at Virginia Tech’s College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.  Titled Exploring the Power of Place along 550 miles of US Bicycle Route 76 in Virginia, the presentation will cover the last 500+ years of Virginia history and profile multiple Virginians who had lived along this route.  Those interested in attending the in-person event can register on this form.  The event will also be live streamed on Tom Ewing’s YouTube channel.

How Bicycling Tourism Benefits Virginia

1. Bicycling Brings Tourists to Small Towns

Cyclists often seek out scenic byways, rural routes, and trails that lead them through Virginia’s charming small towns. These communities (many with direct ties to Revolutionary and industrial history) offer the kind of authentic experiences that travelers crave. A well-placed café, bike-friendly lodging, or local museum can quickly become a highlight of the trip.

Projects like Bike 76 VA reveal how these places connect the past and present, showing how cyclists contribute to the vitality of rural Virginia while discovering the stories that built it.

2. Bicycling Boosts Outdoor Recreation Tourism

Outdoor recreation is one of Virginia’s fastest-growing tourism sectors, and cycling is a major contributor. From the Virginia Creeper Trail to the Capital Trail to Route 76, thousands of riders travel across the state each year, supporting local economies through spending on food, lodging, gear, and experiences. Investing in cycling infrastructure isn’t just about recreation; it’s about sustaining communities that thrive on tourism.

3. Bicycling is a Sustainable Travel Option

In an era when sustainable tourism matters more than ever, bicycles offer a low-impact way to explore Virginia’s diverse landscapes. Cyclists tread lightly while investing directly in local businesses, making it a win-win for communities looking to grow responsibly. Encouraging more visitors to see Virginia by bike helps preserve the very environments that make it beautiful.

4. Bicycling Connects People to History

Many of Virginia’s most significant historic sites are accessible by bike, especially along routes that trace colonial roads, industrial corridors, and civil rights landmarks. As communities prepare for Virginia 250, cycling provides a powerful way to experience history and on a more personal scale.

The Bike 76 VA project brings these connections to life, reminding us that history is not a distant story but a living, evolving experience woven into every mile of Virginia’s roads.

5. Bicycle-Friendly Communities Attract Events and Visitors

Bike races, charity rides, and cycling festivals are powerful tourism drivers. Towns with safe streets, designated trails, and cyclist-friendly amenities are more likely to host events that draw visitors from across the country. Creating these environments requires planning and investment, but the returns in community engagement, visibility, and economic activity are substantial.

Looking Ahead

As we move toward the Virginia 250 commemoration, investing in bicycle infrastructure and cycling tourism isn’t just a good idea – it’s a way to celebrate the Commonwealth’s heritage, support its local economies, and foster a deeper connection to place.

Projects like Bike 76 VA remind us that every ride tells a story and every mile carries meaning. By exploring Virginia on two wheels, we honor the past, enrich the present, and create new paths for the future.

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Kudos to VBF board members Susan Motley and Jenn Million for drafting this post.  All images are courtesy of Dr. Tom Ewing at Virginia Tech.