FABB Blog

 

Support bike facilities on Beltway HOT Lanes bridges

Now is the time to speak out for bike facilities on the Beltway HOT Lanes bridges. The Beltway has been a barrier to bicycle travel in Northern Virginia for over 40 years and now is the time to overcome that barrier. Public hearings on the proposed Beltway/I-495 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) project were just announced.

There will be hearings on two evenings, Tues. May 20 & Wed. May 21. An open house will be held from 5-7 p.m. After a brief presentation at 7 p.m. there will be a public comment period. Arrive early to sign up for the speaker's list at the door.

• May 20, Tuesday, Northern Virginia Community College Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003.


• May 21, Wednesday, Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043

While we have worked with VDOT and County Transportation staff and have been told that bike facilities are included in the current plans for the reconstructed bridges and overpasses over the Beltway, it is critical that cyclists attend the public hearings and speak out in support of these facilities:

1. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to provide bicycle connections across the Beltway which has been a barrier to bicycle travel for 40 years.


2. The bicycle facilities on the Fairfax County Trails Plan need to be on the plans for all bridges and overpasses, including bike lanes and multi-use trails where appropriate. See the McLean Citizens Association resolution for more info.

If you cannot attend either of the public hearings, please submit comments by June 5, 2008, to Roger Boothe, Project Manager, VDOT, 6400 Commerce Street, Springfield, VA 22150. You may also e-mail your comments to: Meeting_Comments@VDOT.Virginia.gov.

Other resources:

• VDOT HOT lanes project page
• Earlier FABB HOT lanes blog entry
• Later FABB blog entry on announcement of a final deal with VDOT
• Our letter to the Washington Post “With HOT Lanes Must Come Bike Lanes”

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:34 PM permalink