Monday, September 24, 2012
Viva Tysons article on biking in Tysons
FABB is featured prominently, discussing plans for making Tysons more bike-friendly through implementation of the Tysons Bicycle Master Plan. The Tysons plan is part of the recently completed countywide bicycle master plan.
The major challenge will be transforming Routes 7 & 123 from multi-lane arterials. It's critical that bike facilities be located along these routes, where most future development will occur.
Labels: bicycle master plan, tysons bike plan, viva vienna
Sunday, September 23, 2012
First transportation funding meeting Monday night
The first of a series of meetings to discuss funding of transportation projects, the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation, will be held on Monday evening at the Springfield Government Center on Rolling Road. All meetings start at 7pm.If cyclists want more funding for bicycle projects, we need to attend these meetings to talk about the importance of providing safe, connected bike routes, especially in the Springfield District where Supervisor Herrity has consistently stated that the bicycle coordinator position should be eliminated.
Here's a list of all planned meetings:
Meeting Schedule
- Monday, Sep. 24 at 7 p.m.
Springfield Governmental Center
6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
Transit Access: Fairfax Connector Route 310 - Wednesday, Sep. 26 at 7 p.m.
Sully Governmental Center
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard, Chantilly
Transit Access: Fairfax Connector routes 640, 642 - Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Mason Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
Transit Access: Metrobus 16A, 16D - *Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.*
Date changed from Oct. 1
Franconia Governmental Center
Community Room
6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
Transit Access: Fairfax Connector Route 310 - Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
North County Governmental Center
12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston
Transit Access: Fairfax Connector routes RIBS 1, RIBS 3 - Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
Chesterbrook Elementary School
1753 Kirby Road, McLean - Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Thoreau Middle School
2505 Cedar Lane, Vienna
Transit Access: Metrobus 2T - Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
Transit Access: Fairfax Connector routes 152, 161, 162 - Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Kings Park Library
9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke
Transit Access: Metrobus 17A, 17B, 17G, 17H
Registration is filling for Fairfax Bike Summit
The Fairfax Bike Summit is over a month away, on Saturday, October 27, and registration is filling fast. So far nearly 150 people have registered out of 200 available slots. If we exceed the 200 limit we'll see if it's feasible to increase that number. It should be a great event, a first for Fairfax. We've got some good speakers lined up and several local bikes shops will be there displaying bikes and gear. We'll be posting the agenda soon.
Check out the latest Bike Summit graphic:
Friday, September 21, 2012
Bicycle bills in upcoming VA legislative session
Delegate Alfonso Lopez (49th District) plans to reintroduce the "Exercise due care" and "Following too closely" bills again in the 2013 session. Both bills would help educate motorists about the rights of bicyclists and the need for motorists to drive carefully around them. Below is are the bill numbers and text of the bills from last year's session:- HB 784 Exercise due care; Drivers to exercise due care. Requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian or the operator of a human-powered vehicle.
- HB 785 Following too closely; Includes bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds among vehicles that the driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow more closely than is reasonable.
It's hard to argue against these bills, especially the bill that requires drivers to be careful around pedestrians and bicyclists. Unfortunately Northern Virginia Delegate Barbara Comstock (34th District) thought otherwise and cast deciding votes in defeating those bills last year.
Both delegates represent Fairfax County residents. Thanks to Delegate Lopez for his support. During the legislative session we'll be sending out information about how you can support these bills. We'll also be asking cyclists to contact Delegate Comstock to ask her to support Fairfax bicyclists. We're trying to schedule a meeting with her to discuss her objections to the bills last year.
Labels: delegate comstock, delegate lopez, due care, follow too close
Post article on sharing the road
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| Photo: Washington Post |
The article is actually pretty good. Instead of just focusing on the need for scofflaw cyclists to behave better, which often happens in this type of article, there's balanced advice for both motorists and bicyclists, including "10 things every driver should know about sharing the road with cyclists" along with "10 things every cyclist should know about sharing the road with drivers."
Labels: cyclist behavior, motorist behavior
FABB at Keep Tysons Moving event
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| FABB table at Keep Tysons Moving |
Ann Cavazos of FABB brought flowers and her jewel-encrusted bike and helmet for display at the table; it's a nice touch and likely attracted more people to our booth to learn about FABB, the upcoming Fairfax Bike Summit, and plans for remaking Tysons into a more bike-friendly place.
Labels: Tysons, tysons bike plan
Upcoming Fairfax transportation funding meetings
Fairfax County is planning a series of meetings to discuss options for increasing funding for transportation projects. This is an opportunity for cyclists to speak out in support of better bike facilities, including bike lanes, cycle tracks, wayfinding signs, bike parking, and paved trails. If you can't attend the meetings, see how you can provide input:
Fairfax County Launches Countywide Dialogue
on Transportation Funding
Fairfax County transportation needs over the next ten years exceed available funding from local, regional, state, federal and private sources. This gap is estimated to be around $300 million per year. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recognizes that improving transportation is a high priority since the county's economic health depends on an efficient transportation system.
The Board of Supervisors is seeking community feedback on ways to generate revenue to address these unfunded transportation (roadway, transit, bike and pedestrian) needs. This effort will consist of a series of community meetings in September and October 2012 at which potential revenue sources will be discussed.
The public will have the opportunity to provide feedback at the meetings or in an online survey through October 12, 2012. The public meetings will include a presentation, a question-and-answer session, and an opportunity to view materials and talk to county staff. The meeting dates are:
Monday, Sep. 24 at 7 p.m.
West Springfield District Office
6140 Rolling Road
Springfield, VA 22152
Transit: Fairfax Connector 310
Wednesday, Sep. 26 at 7 p.m.
Sully Governmental Center
4900 Stonecroft Boulevard
Chantilly, VA 20151
Transit: Fairfax Connector 640, 642
Monday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m.
Mason District Government Center
6621 Columbia Pike
Annandale, VA 22003
Transit: Metrobus 16A, 16D
*Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 7 p.m.*
Date changed from Oct. 1
Franconia Government Center
6121 Franconia Road
Alexandria, VA 22310
Transit: Fairfax Connector 310
Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
North County Government Center
12000 Bowman Towne Drive
Reston, VA 20190
Transit: RIBS 1, RIBS 3
Tuesday, Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.
Chesterbrook Elementary School
1753 Kirby Road
McLean, VA 22101
Transit: none
Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Thoreau Middle School
2505 Cedar Lane
Vienna, VA 22180
Transit: Metrobus 2T
Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Kings Park Office/Library
9000 Burke Lake Road
Burke, VA 22015
Transit: Metrobus 17A, 17B, 17G, 17H
Thursday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m.
Mt. Vernon Government Center
2511 Parkers Lane
Alexandria, VA 22306
Transit: Fairfax Connector 152, 161, 162
County staff will host an online chat in the county's Ask Fairfax! forum, where the public can engage in a discussion about funding for transportation. Time and date of the Ask Fairfax! chat will be announced on the county's web site at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
For more information about the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation Funding, the Ask Fairfax! chat, or to take the online survey, visitwww.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/. Residents can also visit the web site to sign up for email updates or find out if new meetings have been announced.
For more information about this news item, please contact Ellen Kamilakis at 703-877-5606, TTY 711.
Labels: cost of transportation, countywide dialogue on transportation, fairfax county department of transportation
First bike sharing system implemented at GMU
GMU recently implemented a bike sharing system at four "stations" around campus. The system uses bikes from viaCycle. It's a very simple system. The bikes are parked at designated bike racks using an attached cable locking system. There are a couple of options for using the system:- One-time $3 fee for a 12 hour time period during which the bike can be checked out.
- Subscription fee of $6/month available to Mason students, faculty, or staff.
Heres more bike news from GMU provided by Tyler Orton, GMU Bicycle Program Coordinator:
Bicycle Registration:
Update: Fairfax Times article on Patriot Bike Share: Sharing their rides at GMU
Student leads effort for greater bike use on campus.
Bike registration is a great way to add a level of security for your bike, support Mason’s bike programs, and get a free U-Lock!
To register go to Bike.gmu.edu and click on bicycle registration
Fairfax County Bike Summit:
This summit will bring together bicyclists, bicycle organizations, bike shops, and transportation professionals to discuss ways to better bicycling in Fairfax County.
Discover Fairfax Group Ride:
A casual group ride will leave at 12pm from the Starbucks on campus and end in the City of Fairfax via local bike paths and bike-friendly streets. Helmet is required!
For more information go to cityoffairfax.net
Bike Club Group Ride:
The bike club will lead a casual group ride around campus and outlying neighborhoods on Tuesday, September 24th at 5:30. Meet at the clock tower in the JC North plaza. All levels of cyclists are welcome!
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/375811452490179/?context=create
Fairfax-Mason-to-Metro Bicycle Route:
For the past year, Mason staff, City of Fairfax Staff, Local Bike Advocates, and other bike experts have been working on improving bicycle transportation between Mason, The Metro, and the City of Fairfax. The first set of improvements, shared lane markings, have recently been installed on Old Lee Highway as part of this ongoing project.
Patch Article: http://fairfaxcity.patch.com/announcements/fairfax-mason-to-metro-initiative-will-make-bicycling-easier-and-safer
Labels: bike share, gum, tyler orton, viacycle
Monday, September 17, 2012
Women's Bike Summit a huge success
I had barely gotten the words “Welcome to the National Women’s Bicycling Summit” out of my mouth when a woman in the crowd yelled “It’s about time!” — and a massive cheer erupted from the packed room.
I could say the energy and enthusiasm were off the charts for the sold-out (well, more than sold-out) event on Thursday, but a) I’m still speechless and b) even that would be an understatement. With more than 275 women from across the country in attendance, we saw — and, more importantly, felt — our diverse collective power to lead and advance the bicycle movement.
I could say the energy and enthusiasm were off the charts for the sold-out (well, more than sold-out) event on Thursday, but a) I’m still speechless and b) even that would be an understatement. With more than 275 women from across the country in attendance, we saw — and, more importantly, felt — our diverse collective power to lead and advance the bicycle movement.
Labels: women's
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Interview with Bud Vye, VBF Advocacy Director
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| Bud Vye of VBF |
We've worked with Bud for many years and he's a great guy; VA cyclists are lucky that he's dedicated countless hours on our behalf. Here's a short interview with Bud from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Labels: bud vye, virginia bicycling federation
Patch article on Fairfax Bike Summit
Alan Young of FABB is a writer for the Patch. See his most recent article on the Fairfax Bike Summit.The word is spreading fast about the Summit. WABA sent out a notice to Northern Virginia cyclists, and Potomac Pedalers is including a blurb about the summit on the cover of the October edition of their newsletter, Pedal Patter, available in most local bike shops.
Over 100 people have signed up for the Summit. Registration is free on Eventbrite and is limited to the first 200 people. Here's more info:
You're Invited! Fairfax Bike Summit: Pedaling our way to a healthier and happier community
Please join us for the inaugural Fairfax Bike Summit on Saturday, October 27 at George Mason University (GMU) from 9AM - 2PM. Register here for FREE (ffxbikesummit.eventbrite.com) - Attendance is limited to 200 people – so act fast!
About the Fairfax Bike Summit: This summit will bring together bicyclists, bicycle organizations, bike shops, and transportation professionals to discuss:
- Turning Fairfax into an even better place to live by making bicycling a major part of the transportation system
- Details about the recently-completed bicycle master plan draft that serves as our roadmap for making our streets safer for bicyclists (adding bike lanes, cycle tracks, signed bicycle routes, and connecting trails and streets that lead to major destinations)
- How other communities are being transformed from auto-centric places to more people-oriented places
- Bicycling as an alternative transportation option that provides opportunities to grow Fairfax County into a more competitive, liveable, connected, and vibrant community
You'll also get to hear from nationally-known speakers including Andy Clarke of the League of American Bicyclists, Chris Eatough of BikeArlington, and Stewart Schwartz of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. See the latest in transportation bikes and gear on display from local bike shops. Join GMU staff for a bike tour of campus bike facilities after the summit. A limited number of bicycles will be provided by The Bike Lane.
The summit will be held at The HUB at GMU in the Front-Middle Ballroom, 10423 Rivanna River Way, Fairfax, VA 22030. Display space is available for bicycle businesses and organizations. For further information, please visit fabb-bikes.org or contact us at bikesummit@fabb-bikes.org.
Sponsored by Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, George Mason University, and Fairfax County.
Labels: fairfax bike summit, vienna patch
New bike/ped staff person at Fairfax County
We've heard that Fairfax County DOT have hired a new bicycle (and pedestrian) staff person to work in the county bike program. Her name is Vanessa Aguayo. According to the county bike coordinator, "She has an engineering background, comes to us from the private sector, and has lots of experience in designing bike and pedestrian projects as well as traffic calming." A similar position was held by Jeff Hermann, who has moved within the department.This is a critical time for the county; the bicycle master plan was recently completed and will need extensive staff work when it is presented to the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors later this year or the first of next year.
We look forward to working with Ms. Aguayo in the near future. She is planning to attend the FABB meeting on Wednesday which will be a good opportunity for us to get to know her.
Labels: bicycle coordinator, fairfax county department of transportation
Friday, September 14, 2012
TheWashCycle on the Milloy's column on DC speed cameras
You may have read the Post's Courtland Milloy's column Speed cameras: Traffic enforcement or highway robbery? The first sentence gives you a flavor of the rest of the column: "I confess, I enjoy driving fast." He thinks speed cameras "kill that feeling" of being alive, as expressed in a Mercedes commercial. Later Milloy quotes AAA's John Townsend who berates the city for promoting cycling and walking.The title of TheWashCycle response says it all: I'd rather kill the feeling of aliveness that speeding creates, than kill a mother of three. Courtland Milloy feels differently. The post corrects many of the factual errors in the column. I suggest taking the time to read the it. Here's a brief excerpt:
But unlike scofflaw cyclists, who break the law sometimes for safety or need, and sometimes out of expediency, drivers - it appears - break the law for the sheer joy of it.
I enjoy driving fast. Not reckless driving, just cruising at speeds more appropriate for road conditions than the posted speed limit sometimes permits.
OK, so you like breaking the law. How adorable.
Lately, though, some jurisdictions have ramped up efforts to kill that feeling — to actually steal the joy of driving altogether — by “getting people out of their cars,” as D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray (D) likes to say.
Why, drivers just want to enjoy the fun of breaking the law and here come the mean old cyclists who want to take that away just because they selfishly want to make it home without having their pelvises crushed. If "killing the feeling" is what it takes to avoid killing our neighbors, that seems like a fair trade to me. His claim that the "joy of driving" is being stolen is also pretty over the top. Cry me a river. What exactly is it about promoting roadway safety for vulnerable users does Milloy find objectionable?
Labels: courtland milloy, speed cameras
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Car Free Day is Saturday September 22
If you don't already, why not go car free for a day on Saturday, September 22, Car Free Day. There are several events being held on that day in the Metro area, although it appears there are none in Fairfax County. From the MWCOG press release:
Even residents who already use alternative modes of transportation, such as bicycles, transit, walking, and carpooling, can make a pledge to go Car Free or Car-Lite September 22. Plus, those who pledge will become eligible to win great prizes such as an iPad, a bicycle, SmarTrip Cards and more! Pledging is free and easy at www.carfreemetrodc.org.
Labels: car free day
$9 cardboard bike
Engineers told Gafni that his idea was impossible. Yet he realized that paper could be strong if treated properly. As in crafting origami and tearing telephone books, he explains, "[if] you fold it once, and it's not just twice the strength, it's three times the strength."
The development to what you see today took three years. Two were spent just figuring out the cardboard complications--leading to several patents--and the last was spent converting a cardboard box on wheels to a relatively normal looking bike.
At the moment, Gafni is working with a company to raise the funds to finalize manufacturing processes for his adult and child bikes and then actually put them into production. And if they’re able to pull this off, and the Alfa is everything it’s promised to be, it could be an absolutely paradigm-shifting idea in the transportation industry.
The development to what you see today took three years. Two were spent just figuring out the cardboard complications--leading to several patents--and the last was spent converting a cardboard box on wheels to a relatively normal looking bike.
At the moment, Gafni is working with a company to raise the funds to finalize manufacturing processes for his adult and child bikes and then actually put them into production. And if they’re able to pull this off, and the Alfa is everything it’s promised to be, it could be an absolutely paradigm-shifting idea in the transportation industry.
Labels: paper bike
Monday, September 10, 2012
VBF Annual Meeting this Sunday
Virginia Bicycling Federation is holding their annual meeting this Sunday at REI Richmond from 1-4 p.m. VBF "is a statewide organization working to change public policy and community attitudes, to improve the safety, convenience, and acceptance of bicycling." They have a strong presence in Richmond during the Virginia legislative session. They are looking for board members from Northern Virginia. This is a good opportunity to get involved in bicycle advocacy at the state level. From the VBF website:
Our Annual Meeting will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday, September 16 in the public meeting room at REI in Richmond.
2020 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 360-1381
All are welcome. Help elect our 2013 board and officers, and plan our legislative strategy for the upcoming General Assembly.
If you are interested in serving as a board member next year, or know of indidviduals who would like to be considered, please contact Bud Vye, Nominating Committee Chair (bdvye@comcast.net)
2020 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 360-1381
All are welcome. Help elect our 2013 board and officers, and plan our legislative strategy for the upcoming General Assembly.
If you are interested in serving as a board member next year, or know of indidviduals who would like to be considered, please contact Bud Vye, Nominating Committee Chair (bdvye@comcast.net)
Labels: virginia bicycling federation
Friday, September 7, 2012
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail still "closed"
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| FFX Co Pkwy trail at Dulles Toll Rd looking S |
It's over two weeks since I sent the original message to VDOT about the problem and today I rode past the site. What did I find? "Sidewalk Closed" signs posted on the approaches to the site, with no detour available. Once again we were told not to worry, the construction would end soon and everything would be OK.
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| Closed lane for parked trucks but no trail detour |
Section 6G.05 Work Affecting Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (Page 6G-5)
Where pedestrian [and bicycle] routes are closed, alternate pedestrian [and bicycle] routes shall be provided.
When existing pedestrian [and bicycle] facilities are disrupted, closed, or relocated in a TTC zone, the temporary facilities shall be detectable and shall include accessibility features consistent with the features present in the existing pedestrian [or bicycle] facility.
During the brief time we were riding along this section we saw 5 other cyclists. We've once again written to VDOT about the problem. What is it going to take for the many non-motorized users of our transportation system to get the respect they deserve?Where pedestrian [and bicycle] routes are closed, alternate pedestrian [and bicycle] routes shall be provided.
When existing pedestrian [and bicycle] facilities are disrupted, closed, or relocated in a TTC zone, the temporary facilities shall be detectable and shall include accessibility features consistent with the features present in the existing pedestrian [or bicycle] facility.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, vdot
Thursday, September 6, 2012
National Bike Challenge results
Most of Ken's miles were on his commute to work. In the morning he rides from his home in the Hybla Valley area off Route 1 to the Huntington Metro station. He gets there early and can take his bike on the train to his job in suburban Maryland. He often rides home after work.
Hunter's commute is from Vienna to Bethesda and he usually rides both ways. The trip is about 16 miles and takes about the same time as taking Metro. He rides the W&OD Trail to Falls Church. From there he takes West St to the bike lanes on Williamsburg Blvd to Glebe Rd, working his way through neighborhood streets to
My trips this summer were mostly to meetings related to the county bike plan. There were 8 area meetings, 2 countywide community meetings, 5 focus group meetings, bicycle advisory committee meetings, and others. I also traveled to events where FABB had a table, FABB monthly meetings, meetings of the Tysons Bike Group, Partnership for a Healthier Fairfax meetings, WABA board meetings, not to mention the trips to the local Y. It was a busy summer and I rarely drove my car. My wife and I usually log many more miles on our bikes than our cars.
I usually don't count miles but it was fun and interesting to track the miles I rode this summer. It's really not that important how many miles we ride as long as we ride. Short trips to the store or work count as much or more than a long recreational ride; there are more of them and they are an example to others that it is possible to take most of our local trips by bike.
Labels: national bike challenge
Phoenix Bikes used bike sale
If you're in the market for a bike, Phoenix Bikes, the Arlington-based community bike shop, is holding a used bike sale on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Big Bear Cafe, 1700 First St NW, DC. A good used bike can be a great deal. A not-so-expensive bike is great for rides to Metro and other places where there's a bike theft problem. If you don't already have a bike, a used bike is a good way to get started riding.
Labels: phoenix bikes, used bike sale
Monday, September 3, 2012
Volunteers need for Fairfax bike rodeo
FABB is leading a bike rodeo on Sunday September 23 2-4 PM in the City of Fairfax. Volunteers are needed to help with registration and with conducting the rodeo. The event will be in Old Town Fairfax across the street from Oasis BikeWorks and is part of “Discover Fairfax,” which is being organized by the Downtown Business Association. If you are interested in volunteering for the rodeo, contact Douglas Stewart at douglasbstewart@gmail.com or 703-407-2790.Labels: bike rodeo, city of fairfax
Sharrows in Fairfax City
‘Sharrows’ Remind Motorists to Share the Road With Bikers is a recent article in Fairfax News about planned sharrows on Old Lee Highway:
This fall, the city plans to install shared-use lane markings on sections of Old Lee Highway. These markings, “sharrows,” are two chevrons pointing forward with a bicycle symbol below. Sharrows are used to indicate to cyclists where they should ride in the road. Sharrows also alert motorists to expect bicyclists to share the road.
The city also plans to install signs on Old Lee Highway reinforcing the message to share the road.
Sharrows currently mark the bike lanes on George Mason Boulevard and University Drive between the university and Old Town Fairfax.
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists on the road.
Labels: city of fairfax, gmu, shared lane markings, sharrows
Saturday, September 1, 2012
September-October FABB Newsletter now available
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 FABB News
A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
Fairfax Bike Summit - Pedaling Our Way to a Healthier and Happier Community
We're excited to announce the inaugural Fairfax Bike Summit on October 27 at George Mason University (GMU). The purpose of the summit is to bring together current and future bicyclists, bicycle organizations, bike shops, and transportation professionals to discuss how to make Fairfax a better place to live by making bicycling a major component of the transportation system.
Hear from nationally known speakers including Andy Clarke, President of the League of American Bicyclists, who lives in Fairfax County; Chris Eatough of BikeArlington; and Stewart Schwartz of the Coalition for Smarter Growth. You can also check out the latest transportation bikes and gear from local bike shops.
Register online for free. Attendance is limited to 200 people. Display space is free and available for bicycle businesses and organizations. The event will be held at The HUB at GMU in the Front-Middle Ballroom, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030. Further information is available at fabb-bikes.org and bikesummit@fabb-bikes.org.
The summit is sponsored by Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, George Mason University, and Fairfax County.
Draft Bicycle Master Plan Completed
After more than a year of effort that included public meetings with area cyclists, focus group meetings, workshops, and meetings of the master plan Bicycle Advisory Committee, Fairfax County received the final draft of the Countywide Bicycle Master Plan from Toole Design Group on July 31. Charlie Strunk, the county bicycle coordinator, is incorporating final comments, including recommendations approved by the Town of Herndon, and finalizing the map of recommended bike facilities.
The next step in the process of getting the Plan approved is to present it to the Planning Commission Transportation Committee, followed by a public hearing before the full Planning Commission, probably after the first of the year. The Board of Supervisors will then hold hearings and take a final vote on the Plan.
FABB Social Rides Showcase Local Attractions
Twenty cyclists joined FABB on August 25 for our latest social ride, a slow-paced guided tour of McLean.
Visit Fairfax Now Includes Biking
For the past year FABB has worked with Visit Fairfax, the official Fairfax County tourist information group, to include information about bicycling in their outreach materials. The Visit Fairfax website, www.fxva.com, is used by visitors to the county to find out about upcoming events and attractions. Visitors can also obtain information about lodging, restaurants, and shops.
Now biking information is included on the site on the Biking and Hiking page. The Biking and Hiking page has a link to the county bicycle route map, a list of places to rent bikes, and a link to the FABB website that contains a cornucopia of bicycle information on the Cyclist Resources page. Thanks Visit Fairfax! See our blog entry about the new page.
FABB Fact: Fairfax County is home to 53 Historical Markers, most of which are difficult to read from the seat of a car. Check out some of them by bike. Contact us to help create a Fairfax Historical Marker bicycle tour.
Events - For full details see the FABB Events Page.
Tuesday, September 11, 10:30am - Board of Supervisors Public Hearing on FY2013 Revised Budget - Speak out for funding of the Bicycle Program.
Wednesday, September 12 & Saturday, September 15, FABB Bike Counts
Monday, September 17, 7:00pm - WABA Annual Meeting
Wednesday, September 19, 7:30pm - FABB monthly meeting
Wednesday, October 17, 7:30pm - FABB monthly meeting
Saturday, October 27- Fairfax Bike Summit at GMU
FABB BLOG - For other news and articles of interest, visit the FABB blog.
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling is a grassroots initiative, affiliated with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, aiming to make bicycling an integral part of Fairfax County's transportation network. Visit us on the web, Facebook, and Twitter. Donations to FABB are tax-deductible and help us further our bicycling goals in Fairfax.
Labels: bicycle master plan, fabb newsletter, fabb social ride, fairfax bike summit
Bicycle superhighways to the suburbs
Bicycle superhighways are being built to the suburbs of Copenhagen to encourage more people to travel by bike. According to this NPR story, In Bike-Friendly Copenhagen, Highways for Cyclists: |
| Bicycle Superhighway in Copenhagen |
So a network of 26 new bike routes, dubbed "the cycling superhighway," is being built to link the surrounding suburbs to Copenhagen.
Lars Gaardhoj, an official with the Copenhagen capital region, says the routes will be straight and direct.
"It will be very fast for people who use their bike," he says. "This is new because traditionally cycle paths have been placed where there is space for them and the cars didn't run. So now the bike is going to challenge the car."
How much would this cost?
Each mile of bike highway will cost about $1 million. The project is to be financed by the city of Copenhagen and 21 local governments. And in a country where both right- and left-leaning politicians regularly ride bikes to work, it has bilateral support.
Having bilateral support is important; bicycling should not be a partisan issue but it has become one in this country. Everyone needs to realize the potential for using bicycles in Fairfax, if we have first class bike facilities. Just think how many more people would travel by bike if we had more facilities like the W&OD Trail, which is often overcrowded with cyclists most weekends.Having a bicycle-friendly community doesn't just happen; it takes political will, financial support, and encouragement, all of which have made Copenhagen and other European cities places where bikes are an integrated part of their transportation networks.
To see how we can transform Fairfax into a more bicycle-friendly place, be sure to attend the Fairfax Bike Summit on Saturday, October 27 at GMU. Register online for free.
Labels: bicycle superhighways, copenhagen, fairfax bike summit, W and OD Trail
