Trailblazer SPOTLIGHT: Adriana Mercedes
Profession: Clinical Lab Tech
Years lived in Norfolk: 5
Three Words to Describe you: Adventurous, Chill, Honest
Pronouns: She/Her
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Adriana, and I am 26 years old! I went to ODU for biomedical sciences! I am a very “outside” type of person. My favorite quote is ‘There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes, ‘ which means I am outside no matter the weather. I have many hobbies that I enjoy, like camping, hiking, cycling, but the two main are traveling and snowboarding!
I just recently learned how to snowboard in Solden, Austria, in 2024, and went to Whistler, Canada, this past March, where I met up with some friends that I made in Australia from a few years ago, and we spent two weeks just enjoying the powder and nature. I am very big into traveling, as I have been to 20 different countries. I think it is important to experience different cultures and different places since our home is different from others.
How did you get connected to the ERT and the Foundation?
Before I moved to Norfolk for school, I lived in a very car-centric town. Nothing could be done without a car, and walking was not easy due to no sidewalks/trails, and biking was not allowed due to high-speed roads. I never really knew what a car-free life was or what it even meant…before I moved to Norfolk.
Upon moving here, I was not allowed to have my car due to my being a freshman on campus, so I quickly adapted by getting a bicycle and using the public transport that ODU offers. Due to having to bike all over campus and to different parts of Norfolk, I realized that a lot of people were taking a route to get to and from downtown to ODU without having to be near the main roads with cars and lots of traffic. I learned that this trail was called the Elizabeth River Trail!
Once I learned about this trail, it became my main hub. Everything I did surrounded the ERT. I would drag my friends on long walks all over the trail, and I would use it for health reasons, like a quick 10-mile ride. It became my place to hammock and just lie under the trees and spend time outside, even during the dead of winter, I was still out on the trail enjoying my car-free life.
After I graduated, I moved over to Ballentine Blvd., which changed things for me. I was no longer right next to the trail; I had a new job that required me to drive. My life became car-centered very fast, and it was stressing me out. Having to drive everywhere, sitting in traffic, dealing with bad weather, and bad drivers was just killing my mood every day. I was a very angry driver, and I hated having to take my car everywhere. After two years of living through that, I had enough and moved back to Ghent, where I instantly parked my car in my driveway and began using my bike on the ERT again.
I am not angry or stressed out when I use my bike. I don’t need to sit in traffic, I don’t need to waste time looking for parking, I don’t need to be mad at other drivers because the ERT allows people to experience a stress-free commute. I found the ERT Instagram page and began going to the biking events they hosted, and I met some great like-minded people who all loved the ERT for different reasons.
Given your background, what benefits do you feel the trail has for Norfolk?
This trail is made for humans; it keeps us outside, and it keeps us active and moving. It brings the community together in a very special way. The events that the ERT Foundation hosts for the local kids and families teach them more than just about the ERT. It provides a space for kids to run around and play; it provides adults with a safe place to have picnics, group walks, and group bike rides; it helps us connect with each other outside of our busy work schedules. Locals can open up small shops along the ERT; they are able to host small events that bring awareness about their business and the ERT.
The environmental effects of having a trail like this are not massive on their own, but imagine the benefits if other cities copied what we are doing here; more people would stop driving to work because there is another safe form of transportation for them. Fewer cars on the road lead to less traffic, less accidents, and lower commute times. If you want more people biking and walking to work, then provide them with that space, and they will use it. The ERT Foundation is a perfect example of that.
Over my few years of being on the trail, I have started to recognize faces. Some days, when it’s pouring rain, people will drive, and that’s totally fair! People don’t realize how our emotions can change when we are stuck in a car and not experiencing nature and the outdoors. We’re humans, we’re meant to be outside and always enjoy nature! It brings us health, security, and community. The ERT provides Norfolk residents with that, and I wish everyone could experience life on the ERT.
What does being a Part of the Trail User Community Mean to you?
Being a part of the trail user community is a slight privilege to me. It is not common in this country for cities to have car-free routes. It is becoming increasingly popular, and it means a lot to be able to be a part of something that is so rare and that will someday be an example that other cities in different states follow.
If you met someone who just moved to Norfolk, what would you say to get them interested in the trail?
The same thing I have done with all my friends- “Hey, let’s meet at the trailhead and walk to downtown to get some coffee.” This always sparks the question of “We can walk to downtown without getting run over?” My response being, “YES! Thanks to the Elizabeth River trail.”
What is your favorite place on the trail?
The bridge overlooking the Hague and Chrysler Museum. The sunsets there are so pretty, and I love seeing so many people walking, running, biking, or just enjoying the sunset on the benches.
What is your favorite trailgrazing spot?
Siren Subs (formerly VA Cheese Co.), Cure Coffee, ILO, Orapax; there are so many I can’t pick my favorite!
