November 6, 2025
by Tom Ewing
As cyclists ride along Route 76 in the town of Draper, in Pulaski County, they pass a mural depicting a bicycle pulling a child’s trailer. The entire mural covers a low wall in front of Draper Mercantile, located on Greenbriar Road (Route 658) between Old Baltimore Road and Old Route 100. Eastbound cyclists, riding slowly up a moderate but lengthy hill, will have time to realize that the bicyclist and trailer are part of a larger depiction of various forms of transportation, including vintage automobiles, railroads, and a horse and buggy. A sign on the mural next to cyclists states: “New River Trail — Draper.” The mural achieves key goals of public art — to enhance the aesthetic experience, to welcome visitors, and to connect to a local community. If a cyclist takes a break to appreciate the entire mural, which can only be done by viewing it from across the street, and then decides to see what’s available in the local business, Draper Mercantile, the goals of public art have been fully realized.
Cyclists riding past Draper Mercantile are fulfilling the vision of Bikecenntennial organizers, who promised the opportunity to “sample regional foods at small restaurants in out-of-the-way towns.” A drawing accompanying this article in the News Tribune (Tacoma, Washington) on April 18, 1976 anticipates the design of the Draper Mercantile mural with a cyclist on a ten speed bicycle, with toe clips, pannier and front bags, and a beatific smile. The cyclist is riding over a map with the name of a town, Brunks Corner, located along Route 76 in central Oregon. A contemporary viewer of this drawing might be surprised that the cyclist is not wearing a helmet, which was still common for Bikecentennial riders fifty years ago.
The mural was painted by artist Andrew Williams from Dublin, Virginia. Other murals painted by Williams located along or near Route 76 include a biographical mural next to the Edith Bolling Museum, in downtown Wytheville, and restored vintage advertisements at Carson’s Courtyard along Main Street in downtown Radford. Cyclists taking a break to enjoy this public art have opportunities for meals, snacks, or drinks in nearby locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, and stores.
The PEDAL initiative of the Bike 76 VA project, which offers funding to museums, historical societies, and local governments along the route to create public exhibitions, displays, art, and logos, supports the same goals as the mural in Draper. Guidelines and deadlines are available from the project website: https://bike76-va.vt.domains/home/pedal-call-for-proposals/
Leave a Reply