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Weighing the UCI World Cycling Championships' Impact

Associated Press

Anyone working or living around Richmond can attest to the sizeable impact of the UCI World Cycling Championships. But, beyond the road closures and massive crowds, some believe the race’s presence could leave a lasting impression on the region. 

Hanover Delegate Buddy Fowler just took a dunking booth plunge. He's one of the politicians who joined many events organized by local nonprofits and businesses along Route 301—which was shut down for at least 20 miles as part of the race route. He doesn't know the race’s economic impact on his district, but says it has brought the community together—and may have promoted more cycling.

“They have a sizeable presence down at the General Assembly, where they lobby on various bicycling issues. All I know is that, when I’m out and about around the county, you see them riding all over the place.”

Mike Smith is with Team Red White and Blue, which uses activities such as cycling to engage veterans—and he says UCI has really helped their cause.

“We’ve seen it – this event’s been planned for four years now. And in those four years, we’ve seen more new bike lanes on roads, so that they’ve widened roads, created lanes just for cyclists.”

But he says too many cyclists have been killed because there aren't enough safe roads in the region. He adds they ARE celebrating the new "Capitol Trail," which goes from Richmond to Jamestown into Williamsburg.  He says it's safe and perfect for runners, walkers, and bikers.

Tommie McNeil is a State Capitol reporter who has been covering Virginia and Virginia politics for more than a decade. He originally hails from Maryland, and also doubles as the evening anchor for 1140 WRVA in Richmond.
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