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
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