Launched last November, the Blue Ridge Bike Plan is moving closer to forming a seven-county cycling transportation network plan to help link important activity centers such as hospitals, schools, workplaces and shopping districts. The project, funded by a N.C. Dept. of Transportation grant, is focused on cycling condition and infrastructure in Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Madison, Swain and Transylvania counties.

Current draft maps for each county and several municipalities are posted on the plan's website and will serve as the basis for recommendations when the study is completed, which is expected to be in June 2013. The maps will be used to identify and improve bicycle facilities and infrastructure such as wider shoulders along commuter and recreation cycling routes. They also identify dangerous cycling routes and desired recreational and commuter corridors. It's one part of the overall effort, which aims to develop and adopt a plan for a bicycle network of commuter and recreational routes and to prioritize future bicycle-facility improvements. Organizers hope to engage with more cyclists at public events in October and November (dates are not yet available) in the seven counties and at other information sharing opportunities. Cyclists are encouraged to submit comments on the Blue Ridge Bike Plan Facebook page or on its website.