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Virtual meeting was held on April 14, 2026

Information Session About Blue Ridge Parkway Road Construction

One of our DARC members attended the virtual meeting with Blue Ridge Parkway managers. This is their own understanding from the meeting and is not meant to be an official announcement. 


Main takeaway is that they are going to be opening up the  Asheville corridor of the parkway for construction trucks (dump trucks,  etc.) to haul materials in and debris out of the construction area  between Mt Mitchell and Hwy 80. Presently these vehicles are only  accessing the construction area via 80. So soon there will be  construction vehicles regularly traveling in the section between  Asheville and Mt Mitchell. 


They  say this is going to significantly speed up their repair progress, and  they hope to have all of the Helene-related repairs (58 landslides!)  finished by the end of 2026.

I  learned that the park service has authorized the contractor to work  24/7, so they will also be out working and traveling that corridor on  weekends. 


They are  lowering the speed limit and there will be increased law enforcement  presence, and it sounds like they are making other efforts to keep all  users safe. They encouraged cyclists to use caution in all the ways you  would expect (and that many of us are already doing anyway), and asked  that cyclists ride single file in groups of no more than 4. 

Asheville WATCHDOG

Asheville is the most lethal big city in the state for cyclists. Is the city doing enough to address it?

Read Article

Call to Action

On July 1, 2025 tragedy struck a weekly Asheville training ride. Two riders, Lennie Antonelli and Jake Hill lost their lives. A third rider, Griffin Tichenor was injured but survived the crash. Three other riders witnessed this life changing event. 

Find out more

Griffin Tichenor, who survived the crash that killed Jake and Lennie writes the following:

Hello all — I need your help. I spent last week in Washington lobbying with The White Line Foundation to pass the Magnus White Cycling Safety Act (H.R.3649). If passed, this bill will require auto manufacturers to implement automatic emergency braking systems on all new cars. These systems are designed to detect cyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. Already mandated in Europe, this technology is estimated to prevent 52% of fatal collisions and will only cost about $23/car. 

What Can You Do?

I ask that you simply reach out to Congressman Chuck Edwards who represents our district in WNC to ask him to co-sponsor this bill. Be personal, be direct, and tell him what this bill means to you. I have already met with him personally so he is aware of the proposal, and if we are loud enough, I am confident he will listen and get this across the line. 

What Happened?

On July 1, 2025, Lennie Antonelli and Jake Hill were killed on the road. I went from laughing with them on the Tuesday Night Ride to watching them die in a turn of seconds. Unfortunately, I now know what it's like to hold my best friend in my arms as he takes his final breaths. I sincerely hope that's something that none of you ever have to go through.

Please don’t let their deaths be in vain. This bill could save your life. It could save your partner’s life. It could save your best friend’s life. Please don’t hesitate to spread the word. This affects us all.

Thanks for reading and above all, please stay safe out there and I appreciate you joining the fight.

Example of Message for Your U.S. House Representative (feel free to copy & paste)

Please vote yes on The Magnus White Cyclist Safety Act of 2025 (H.R.3649)


In  2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued  a new rule requiring all new cars and light trucks to include automatic  emergency braking (AEB) technology by 2029. However, it missed a  critical opportunity to protect all vulnerable road users. The agency  failed to mandate systems that detect bicyclists. Instead, the rule only  requires AEB systems to prevent collisions with vehicles or pedestrians  directly in front of the car. This decision came despite overwhelming  public support and clear evidence that AEB systems designed to recognize  all vulnerable road users—such as bicyclists, motorcyclists, road  workers, and people using mobility devices—could save lives. The Magnus  White Cyclist Safety Act addresses this significant oversight by  prioritizing technologies that better protect everyone on the road.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), such  systems, tailored to respond to the three most common deadly crash  scenarios, could reduce up to 26% of crashes between drivers and  cyclists and prevent 52% of fatal collisions.


AEB  systems are already mandated. Please vote yes to enhance the  requirements, which will save the lives of vulnerable road users.


Congressman Chuck Edwards Mobile Office Hours

Congressman Chuck Edwards announces mobile office hours in Buncombe, McDowell and Madison Counties. This is an opportunity to speak with staff of Congressman Edwards directly at their mobile office. Note: Congressman Edwards will not be there, only his staff.

Mobile office schedule

Congressman Edward's Contact Form

Congressman Edwards

For Those Who Live Outside of Edward's Congressional District

Find Your Representative

Learn About The White Line Foundation

White Line Foundation

News Article About July 1 Tragedy

Citizen Times Newspaper Aricle

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Quench! Wine Bistro

Thank you to our sponsor Quench! Wine Bistro, open for lunch and dinner in Reynolds Village. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, an intimate dinner, or simply want to explore new wines, Quench! is able to provide the downtown food and wine experience our community deserves.  

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