Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Reston Metro Access Group
A Reston citizens group is developing a plan for access to the future Reston Parkway and Wiehle Ave Metro stations. Safe, convenient, direct bicycle and pedestrian access is needed at these stations. Parking will be limited, especially at the Reston Parkway station where there will be no vehicular parking. There needs to be adequate, safe, covered bike parking at both of the stations. There needs to be good bicycle access, both on- and off-road. See the Access Group web page for more information. Contact Supervisor Hudgins to let her know the importance of bicycle parking at, and bicycle access to these stations.Friday, February 23, 2007
Merrifield Town Center development meeting
From the February 2007 Providence District Council Newsletter:On Monday February 26th, 7:30p at the Dunn Loring Center the Merrifield Mixed Use/Town Center developer will give a presentation of their revised development plan of 80+ acres. This area includes the Merrifield theaters, south of Lee Highway and west to Eskridge Rd. The Planning Commission public hearing for this application is scheduled for April 25, 2007.This development is a short bike ride from the Dunn Loring Metro station. As the Dunn Loring/Merrifield area grows, it's important that proper bicycle facilities be provided. There are currently plans for an on-road bike route along Gallows Rd from Tysons to Merrifield.
The proposed development is adjacent to Eskridge Rd which turns into Merrilee Dr on the other side of Lee Hwy (Rt. 29). This developer should provide an on-road bike route along Eskridge Rd and Merrilee Dr, including a bike-friendly crossing of Lee Hwy. Bike parking is needed throughout the development as well as a bicycle connection to the future Gallows Rd. bike lanes.
Bicyclists are encouraged to attend the Feb. 26 Providence District Council meeting and the April 25 Planning Commission meeting to speak out for bicycle facilities in this area.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
FABB rides
Some of us have been pondering hosting a group ride during the week, possibly on Wednesday evening. The goal would be to explore different on-road routes throughout the county. There would be a different starting point for each the ride. We have mapped many on-road routes, and we need to check some of them out that others have contributed. It's also an excuse to discover new places and ride instead of talking strategy in a meeting.We could hold the rides each week, once a month, or whenever the mood strikes. I think I prefer weekly rides but there need to be at least a couple of ride volunteers to ensure that someone would show up each week to lead the ride and prepare cue sheets or maps of each route. Monthly rides are probably more realistic given most people's schedules. The pace would be slow and we would likely stop occasionally to take pictures. The knowledge gained would be helpful when the county bike map is produced so that we can provide them with feedback on proposed routes. What do you think?
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Tysons workshop schedule announced
The Tysons land use workshop scheduled was announced today. There will be 6 identical workshops between March 19-21. Cyclists should attend to discuss their vision for a bike-friendly Tysons. See the FABB home page and events page for more info.Bike lockers available in Reston
Fairfax County is now renting bike lockers at the Reston East Park and Ride Lot. Many people who currently use the lot drive from nearby residential areas. These small trips by car are the most inefficient and polluting trips made. Biking to transit is an excellent alternative, especially now that secure, covered bike lockers are available for rent from the county.The fee structure is: $10 admin fee, $60 annual rental fee, and $50 key deposit. To encourage use of the lockers, for a limited time the county is waiving the $10 admin fee and lowering the annual rental fee from $60 to $40. The total first-year cost now is $90, $50 of which is refundable.
The Reston East lot is on Wiehle Ave, very close to the W&OD Trail. If you know someone who could use this service, please let them know.
To rent a locker call the county bike line, 703-324-BIKE (703-324-2453). You can also use that number to request on-road bike lanes, report dangerous bicycle conditions, etc.
Monday, February 19, 2007
FABB meeting Wed. Feb. 21
FABB will hold the February meeting on Wed. Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at bikes@vienna. We'll be discussing the upcoming Tour de Tysons, planned for the morning of April 21, on-road bike routes that can be easily stripped during the upcoming maintenance season, development projects that should include bicycle accommodations, and upcoming events at which FABB will be represented. Let us know if you're willing to help with some of these activities by contacting fabb@waba.org.Sunday, February 18, 2007
Let's make Fairfax Boulevard bicycle-friendly
On March 24, Fairfax City is holding a workshop to get public input on redesigning Fairfax Boulevard (Route 50/29). This offers a good opportunity to advocate for making the corridor safer and more accessible for pedestrians and bicyclists.Route 50/29 in Fairfax City was renamed Fairfax Boulevard in 2005. The Fairfax Boulevard Partnership is the area's Business Improvement District, consisting of property owners along the corridor who are financing improvements. The Partnership is developing a master plan for the corridor, and has hired the architectural firm Dover, Kohl and Partners to help create the plan.
The corridor is extremely difficult to navigate by bicycle or on foot, and plans to widen it to 6 lanes will compound the difficulties. For bicyclists, the lack of dedicated on-road routes and high traffic speeds are major obstacles. Pedestrians must contend with poor lighting along the sidewalks, wide curb radii, and short crossing times.
The Fairfax Boulevard Partnership's strategic plan identifies better bicycle and pedestrian access as a priority. Bicyclists' participation will be needed to turn this abstract idea into a fully fleshed out design element of the master plan.
The workshop will be held on Saturday March 24 from 9 - 2 PM, location to be determined. It will be the first event in a three-day design charrette process. Bicyclists can also download and complete surveys prior to the workshop.
For more information, visit www.fairfaxva.gov/Boulevard/FBMP.asp.
Labels: Fairfax City
Friday, February 16, 2007
Bike commuting section
We've added a section in the Cyclists Resoureces page on bike commuting. There's a link to the excellent MWCOG publication for employers and employees on commuting strategies and facilities. This is one of the better bike commuting publications, and it's online as well. There's a link to the WABA Bike to Work Day page. This is a great event; it celebrates bike commuting and each year many people try commuting by bike and discover that it's easy to do, it's fun, and it saves money and the environment.We're also offering something new, bike commuter mentoring. FABB members are willing to help you learn more about bike commuting by showing you known commuting routes, and discussing strategies for dressing and outfitting your bike for all-weather, day and night riding. Send us an email and we'll try to answer any questions that you have.
