FABB Blog

Q) What is a Bikeroom?
In order to encourage people to bicycle, Fairfax County is making improvements to bicycle parking Countywide at our park and ride lots, Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Stations, our transit transfer facilities, and our new Silver Line Metrorail Stations. The Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station incorporates Fairfax County’s first enclosed, secure bicycle parking facility. Modeled after WMATA’s Bike&Ride concept, the bike room provides over 200 bicycle parking spaces adjacent located adjacent to the Station’s transit platform and kiss and ride area. Members will be able to access the room 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This bike room is equipped with both vertical (space-saver style) racks, our standard floor mounted inverted “U” racks, an area designated for over-sized bicycles, two fixit stations including an air pump, and benches, just in case you need a rest or to change your shoes.

Q) How do I become a member?
First, you’ll need to complete an application form, sign a member’s agreement, and submit payment. Start by contacting the FairfaxCounty Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and requesting an application package. You can also download the necessary forms from our webpage.

Q) How much does membership cost?
Cheaper than a Segway tour around the Capital! Fairfax County offers both half year and annual memberships. Yearly membership rates are $60, plus a $15 one-time non-refundable processing fee. The 6 month membership is 40.00 plus a $l5.00 one-time non-refundable processing fee.

Q) How will it work?
Your membership gets you one electronic access device (key fob) and three registration decals. The key fob resembles a small coin, and can be carried on your keychain. Everytime you use the bike room you will need to swipe your key fob in front of the reader at the front door and voila...you’re in. Once you’re in, find a rack and lock your bike. Voila...you’re done!

Q) I own several bikes; can I park more than one?
We know many of you have more than one bike. That’s why we provide three registration decals. As part of your membership package you can register up to three bicycles, so that should be enough for your commuter, road, cargo or recumbent. Remember, all bicycles in the room must have a current room registration sticker on their bike. Place one decal on your bike. We recommend either the seat tube, down tube, or top tube.

Q) Is the bike room secure?
We’ve made every effort to make sure our Bike&Ride facility is safe and secure but everybody has to help and do their part. The room is monitored by security cameras as well as security personnel who will check the room periodcally. We’ve also invested in quality bicycle racks that provide multiple locking options. You can help by...ALWAYS LOCKINGYOUR BIKE. Most bicycle thefts are “thefts of convenience”. Don’t make it easy for someone to steal your bike. Use the appropriate lock and lock it correctly. If you’re not sure about how to lock your bike securely, talk to your local bike shop or visit: www.nationalbikeregistry.com. Last but not least, DON’T LET OTHERS IN (it’s called tailgating or piggybacking). We all want to be a friend and let our neighbors in but don’t! Like you, all registered users will have their own key fob and should access the room individually. Remember, Fairfax County is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Q) Can I let my friend into the room?
Oh, you didn’t read the previous paragraph, did you? Though you think you are helping others by letting them in the room, please don’t! Besides if they don’t have a registered bike, the bike will be removed. All registered users should use their own fob to access the room. Let’s keep the room safe! NO TAILGATING or PIGGIE BACKING PLEASE.

Q) What if I lose my access key fob?
Let us know as soon as possible. Call the County Bicycle Program at (703) 877-5600 and we will deactivate access key. To maintain room security, we don’t want someone else that isn’t you getting access to the room. We can then re-issue you a new key fob. A replacement key fob will cost you $|0.00.

Q) Do I get a reserved parking space?
No. This is a first come first serve facility but don’t worry, the room can handle over 200 bicycles and can be reconfigured if we need more capacity.

Q) Can I leave my bike overnight?
Yes. We have a lot of reverse commuters and also understand that there may be last minute changes to your commute/ride...it’s no fun to ride in torrential rain or surprise snow storm, so no problem. However, if we notice a bike that’s been parked for more than l4 days, we’ll attempt to contact the owner. Unattended bicycles over 30 days will be removed.

Q) Can I leave other bike gear in the room?
We discourage leaving personal belongings in the room but if you do, it should be attached to your bike (e.g. helmet, towel, etc.) Remember; FairfaxCounty is not responsible for lost or stolen items. FYI, we are exploring installing coin operated lockers so you can stow your stuff.

Q) Can I park my moped or scooter in the room?
Good grief no! Neither mopeds, motor scooters, mini bikes, nor bicycles powered with internal combustion engines are permitted within the room. However, the Wiehle-Reston East Station Parking Garage can accommodate these types of vehicles. Electric power assisted bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices (e.g. Segway) are welcome.

Q) Are there other County operated bike rooms?
This is Fairfax County’s first, but it won’t be the last. New secure bike rooms are being planned for additional Silver line stations as well as other park and ride facilities countywide. Here’s the best part. As a member, you will able to access any of the County’s Park&Ride facilities for no additional charge.

Q) WMATA hasopened their secure bike room at College Park and adding more at other Metrorail stations. Does my membership include access to those facilities?
Our best answer is, not yet. While we attempted to have one seamless operating system that would allow access to both systems, it just didn’t work. The good news is that we’re still working on it. It’s a mutual goal of both the County and WMATA.

Q) What if need to cancel my membership?
Though we are sad to see you go, we wish you the best! With a simple call we can deactivate your key fob instantly. Please remember to take your bike out of the room before you call. As a momento keep the key fob... you were part of the first of Fairfax County’s bike rooms. Keep in mind the key fob (and your membership) is non-transferable.

Q) Ok, I want to sign up, what do I need to do?
Request a membership package from the Department of Transportation. You can do this either by emailing us at: bicycleprograms@fairfaxcountygov or calling us at 703-877-5600, TTY 7| l The membership package includes an application form, an agreement, and other related information. Submit your completed forms along with payment (checks should be made out to County of Fairfax) to:


Q) | signed up and paid, now what? -
After you send back the application, the signed agreement, with your payment; we’ll send you your activated electronic access (key fob) device, and three bicycle registration stickers. The stickers are numbered and registered to your membership account. Remember, all bicycles in the room must have a current room registration sticker on their bike. Now you are ready to ride. And, remember;

It’s your room. Please keep it clean.
Keep it safe. Do not allow entry to others.
Your key fob is not transferable.
We hope you enjoy the facility!
HAPPY RIDING!

W&OD Trail after snow clearing

At the Fairfax Co Board of Supervisors meeting yesterday Hunter Mill District Supervisor Hudgins raised the issue of snow removal on sidewalks. She asked the Board to direct staff to hold a "forum for discussion of sidewalk snow removal." The Board has addressed this issue repeatedly in the past as we outlined in a recent blog post on snow-covered sidewalks and trails. We will suggest that snow removal on trails and bike lanes be included in the discussion.

This will be a good opportunity to discuss ways to clear the most important walkways and bikeways of snow, especially those leading to activity and transit centers.

Some progress is being made in Fairfax. For the first time this year NVRPA staff removed snow on the W&OD Trail, and Reston Association regularly clears their trails of snow.

Below is the text of the Board Matter. Thanks to Supervisor Hudgins for taking the lead on this issue. When more information is available about the forum we'll pass it on:

Background:
As Fairfax County continues to clean up from the latest winter storm, once again the issue of snow removal on sidewalks has been brought up in the Hunter Mill District. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has directed County staff to work on a sidewalk snow removal policy five different times in the past from 2003 to the present. In the past, we had discussions on whether to regulate snow removal with an ordinance and we have even had coordinated community snow removal volunteer efforts. However, these measures continue to miss the mark without an ordinance or the structure of a coordinated agreement.  The lack of pedestrian access during snow events causes safety issues for school children and transit users throughout the entire community. As portions of Fairfax County began to urbanize, the inability of pedestrian travel during snow events causes an unnecessary hindrance to our constituents.  It is time to revisit this matter.

Proposed Action:
Madam Chairman, I move that the Board of Supervisors direct the County Executive and the Office of Public Affairs to provide a forum for discussion of sidewalk snow removal. The forum should include the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS), Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES), and community organizations. The goal of the forum is better coordination between these agencies to help provide safe access for school children, pedestrians, and transit customers.

It is illegal in 40 states and the District of Columbia to open the door of your parked car into the path of a bicyclist. But in Virginia it remains perfectly fine, after the state House of Delegates again shot down a bill to prohibit “dooring” on Monday morning.

For the second year in a row, Fairfax City state Sen. Chap Petersen (D) championed the bill for a couple of reasons. One, to protect cyclists from suddenly slamming face first into the steel and glass of a car door. Two, to allow local police to assess some fault (and a $50 fine) so that insurance companies could not reject medical claims filed by injured cyclists on the basis that “no one was found at fault.”

Last year, the dooring bill passed the Senate but died in a tie vote in the House Transportation Committee. This is an issue of great interest in Northern Virginia, where more folks are riding bikes to work or using Capital Bikeshare to get around and having to coexist with our infamous traffic.

VISION FOR RESTON

Another key Reston characteristic is an emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle connectivity. Future development in the TSAs should augment this connectivity by providing appropriate links within and between the TSAs as well as multiple links to the existing Reston trail system in the areas adjacent to the TSAs. p. 9

Planning Priciples

8. Connectivity and mobility will be strengthened. A robust transit system, expanded pedestrian and bicycle networks and transportation demand management strategies will also help reduce reliance on the automobile while increasing community mobility. p. 13

Development Review Performance Objectives 

All development proposals within the TSAs will be evaluated for the extent to which they meet or contribute to the following objectives.

Provide Pedestrian and Bicycle Connectivity throughout the Transit Station Areas – New pedestrian and bicycle connections should be provided through complete streets within the TSAs and new or extended trails on both sides of the DAAR connecting the three Metrorail stations. Pedestrian and bicycle crossings of existing streets should be improved to increase pedestrian and bicyclists’ safety, visibility and convenience. Several existing streets act as major barriers to pedestrian and bicycle movement and are identified for specific improvements within the District Recommendations. In addition, connections should be made from the Metrorail stations to the existing community trail network. See additional guidance in the Transportation section. p. 24

Bicycle Facilities

Bicycle facilities should be provided consistent with Figures 15-17. In addition, specific bicycle facilities are described in the Street Types Guidelines under the Road Network and Circulation section below. In an effort to encourage bicycling in the TSAs, safe, secure, and convenient bike parking should be provided. The number of bike parking spaces should be determined based on the planned land uses. p. 54

Figures 15-17 that reflect recommended bicycle facilities based on the DRAFT Countywide Bicycle Master Plan.

Road Network and Circulation

Network Level of Service

In the development review process, mitigation of problem locations should follow the following sequence:

1. First, determine whether increased operational efficiency is achievable without decreasing pedestrian walkability and safety.
2. If increased operational influence does not result in an acceptable level of service, additional turn and through lanes can be considered on condition that the level of walkability remains acceptable. However, exclusive turn lanes and/or through lanes will not be desirable in most cases since it will increase street widths at intersections and therefore work against an attractive environment for pedestrians.
3. In lieu of additional lanes, it is preferable to add links to the street grid where applicable with the goal of promoting the build out of the grid of streets. This strategy creates additional diversionary paths for vehicles and decreases the traffic at problem locations in the vicinity of a proposed development.
4. When step 3 is not achievable, decrease future site-generated traffic by (1) changing the mix of land use within the parameters of the applicable land use guidelines (e.g., replacing office or retail uses with residential use); (2) increasing transit use through provision of additional and improved services; and/or, (3) optimizing the application of TDM with measures that might include greater transit use, carpooling, ridesharing, walking and bicycling.
5. If the measures outlined in the previous two steps do not provide adequate improvement of LOS, a development proposal or future phase of development may need to be conditioned on funding or completion of offsetting improvements. Financial contributions of significant value dedicated to addressing deficiencies in the TSA may be considered as an offsetting improvement. These contributions may not be used as a credit against other contributions toward off-site transportation improvements. pp. 58 & 59

Minor Arterials–Type A - Reston Parkway is an example of a Minor Arterial-Type A

• 5-6 foot on-road bike lane per direction, if found desirable
• If an on-road bike lane cannot be provided, and biking is anticipated to occur on the road, then one extra wide travel lane per direction may be desirable, adjacent to the curb, to accommodate bikes (14 feet)
• If bike facilities are not desirable within the curb to curb area due to the nature of the road, then they should be accommodated on a shared-use path adjacent to the road
• A target posted speed of 30-35 miles per hour is desirable for Reston Parkway. (note: Current speed limit is 45 mph.) p. 64

Minor Arterials-Type B - Sunrise Valley Drive, Sunset Hills Road and Wiehle Avenue are examples of Minor Arterials-Type B in and adjacent to the TSAs.

• 5-6 foot on-road bike lane per direction, as shown on the bicycle facilities map
• If an on-road bike lane is not provided, then one extra wide travel lane per direction may be desirable, adjacent to the curb, to accommodate bikes (14 feet). The lane should be marked or signs posted indicating that bikes are using the outside lane.
• A target posted speed of 30 miles per hour is desirable for Sunset Hills Road, Sunrise Valley Drive and Wiehle Avenue. (note: Current speed limits vary between 35-40 mph). pp 64-65

Collector Streets - Town Center Parkway and New Dominion Parkway, as well as the future Soapstone Road, South Lakes Drive and Town Center Parkway extensions are examples of collectors in and adjacent to the TSAs.

• 5-6 foot on-road bike lane, as shown on the bicycle facilities map
• o If an on-road bike lane is not provided, then one extra wide travel lane per direction may be desirable, adjacent to the curb, to accommodate bikes (14 feet). The lane should be marked or signs posted indicating that bikes are using the outside lane.
• A target posted speed of 30 miles per hour is desirable for Collectors. In some cases, 25 miles per hour may be desirable for Collectors.

Local Streets (Local) - Local streets in this area include the internal circulation roads and the new planned streets which connect the land uses to collector roads and allow internal circulation.
Curb to Curb Area:

• 1-2 travel lanes per direction (10-11 feet for each lane)
• The outside lane is a shared travel lane between bicycles and vehicles. Local streets are low speed facilities that normally may not require bike lanes.
• A target posted speed of 25 miles per hour is desirable for Local Streets. p. 65

Urban Park Implementation

During the course of the public planning process, several recurring themes related to parks, recreation, and cultural amenities within Reston were identified. These themes suggest specific opportunities (some geographic, some conceptual) to implement a parks system within the area.

• East-West Connections: Establishing east-west connections within the area is just as important for internal pedestrian and bike circulation as well as connections to the remainder of Reston. The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) provides regional pedestrian and bike connectivity north of the DAAR, but a corresponding connection does not exist south of the DAAR. An east-west connection along Sunrise Valley Drive would create such a central pedestrian and bike connection south of the DAAR. 
• North-South Connections: The creation and strengthening of north-south connections throughout the area will contribute greatly to the success of the parks system. These pedestrian and bike connections will provide access to amenities located on one or the other side of the DAAR. The connections become particularly critical in being able to connect the TSAs with the larger Reston community. To that end, north-south connections should be strengthened/enhanced or created along the axes created by the three metro stations, at a minimum. Any new north–south vehicular connections should also include pedestrian facilities. 
• Linear Parks: Creating a variety of linked, multi-use parks will be central to the success of the redevelopment of the area. A combination of active and passive amenities linked (or adjacent) to central pedestrian and bike ways should be created. Using existing natural and stormwater features as a backbone for linear parks should also be considered. 
• Sunrise Valley Corridor: Several manmade water and natural features exist in the vicinity of the Sunrise Valley corridor and provide a particular opportunity to create small, semi-urban scale parks. Placing trails and clustered amenities such as fitness stations, playgrounds, or interpretive stations around existing or future features builds upon Reston’s existing infrastructure. It may allow double use of spaces – in some cases allowing stormwater management goals to be achieved simultaneously with recreation goals. In addition to realizing the vision of Sunrise Valley as an east-west connection south of the DAAR, it also places amenities in proximity to planned development. 
• Washington & Old Dominion Regional Park: The regional Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD) runs through the study area north of the DAAR, providing opportunities for east-west pedestrian and bike travel. There is the potential to incorporate recreational waysides including, but not limited to seating areas and playgrounds. Incorporation of amenities has been done in other areas along the W&OD, such as Arlington, Falls Church, and Purcellville. There is also the opportunity to develop larger recreational or cultural facilities near the W&OD, such as gathering places or athletic facilities. Close collaboration with the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) as the area redevelops will help identify specific opportunities. pp 78 & 79

42. SNOW REMOVAL FROM PEDESTRIAN WALKWAYS (Tape 8)

Supervisor Hudgins commended the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) for its snow removal from the streets following the heavy snow accumulation from the February 15, 2003, snowstorm. She noted, however, that those residents who walk, bicycle, and use public transit face serious impediments. Several constituents called her office to express concerns about the dangerous conditions at bus stops. Since residents are encouraged to use public transportation as much as possible to relieve road congestion, particularly in inclement weather, she expressed her belief that more should be done to make conditions safe for pedestrians. She noted that the current standard is unacceptable because snow removal on streets makes conditions worse for pedestrians.

Accordingly, Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board direct staff to work with the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Department of Transportation, and VDOT to determine what strategies can be taken to assist how snow removal from walkways, particularly at bus stops, can be accomplished to assist pedestrians using public transit after snowstorms. Supervisor Bulova seconded the motion, which carried by a vote of eight, Supervisor McConnell and Supervisor Mendelsohn being out of the room.

34. SNOW REMOVAL ORDINANCE  (Tape 4)

Chairman Hanley said she received a letter from the Non-Motorized Transportation (Trails) Committee requesting that the County look into adopting a Snow Removal Ordinance.  Although the creation of such an ordinance has been examined by the County in the past, the Trails Committee has made several recommendations that may merit another look at its feasibility.  Additionally, this winter's harsh weather showed that while the County has made great progress in snow removal since the "Blizzard of '96" there are several areas of snow removal that can be improved, particularly related to pedestrian facilities and snow removal.

Therefore, Chairman Hanley asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to review the Trail's Committee's recommendations, particularly the recommendation for County maintenance staff to clear snow from sidewalks along the perimeter of the property, and provide the Board with its findings.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

Following discussion, Supervisor Connolly asked unanimous consent that the schools be included in the survey.  Without objection, the request was so ordered.

From the February 9, 2004 Board of Supervisors meeting summary:

Supervisor Hudgins moved that the Board concur in the recommendation of staff and approve the draft letter from Chairman Connolly to Secretary Clement transmitting the comments and recommendations to VDOT as contained in the Board Agenda Item dated February 9, 2004.  Supervisor Bulova seconded the motion.

Discussion ensued with input from Christopher D. Wells, Pedestrian Program Manager, Department of Transportation.

Following discussion, Supervisor Hyland referenced Section 4.5, Maintenance, of the draft Virginia Department of Transportation Policy for Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations, and asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to provide a recommendation on whether citizens should be required to shovel and clear their sidewalks of snow and ice.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

Supervisor Hudgins asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to concentrate on some level of population density or something that identifies the number of people, streets, pathways, and public facilities that are needed to be accessed and recommend the most feasible method of accomplishing the task of snow and ice removal.  Without objection, it was so ordered.

Following additional discussion, the question was called on the motion and it carried by unanimous vote.

36. SNOW REMOVAL (12:18 p.m.)

Supervisor Gross said that the sudden snowstorm earlier this month brought many calls to her office concerning plowing the snow off the roads in neighborhoods. Just as important, and sometimes overlooked, are the sidewalks in front of residential and commercial properties. Children and adults, who depend on clear sidewalks as part of their daily routine, are put at risk of injury (or worse) when they are forced to walk on icy sections or along the edge of the road.

The Cities of Falls Church and Alexandria already have laws requiring property owners to clear their sidewalks. One constituent suggests a minimum requirement of a two foot wide path be cleared within the first 12 to 24 hours after snowfall.

Therefore, Supervisor Gross asked unanimous consent that the Board direct the County Executive to disseminate information on previous efforts to develop a policy addressing when property owners are responsible for sidewalks adjacent to their homes. Without objection, it was so ordered.

Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of not enacting a law, but instead urging that citizens voluntarily remove snow, and urging civic and homeowner associations to become involved in the snow removal process.

Supervisor Gross asked unanimous consent that the Board direct staff to circulate information regarding the County’s Policy for snow removal to the public. Without objection, it was so ordered.

35. ESTABLISHING A VOLUNTEER PROGRAM TO CLEAR COUNTY TRAILS AND SIDEWALKS (12:26 p.m.)

Supervisor Cook said that trails and sidewalks are key assets and pieces of infrastructure that are used not only for exercise and enjoyment, but also commuting. Unfortunately, due to budgetary constraints, the County is unable to ensure these particular pieces of infrastructure stay "clean, clear and accessible.” To address this glaring need, the County's Trails and Sidewalks Committee is asking that volunteer support for cleaning and clearing sidewalk and asphalt trail surfaces be authorized to help maintain public walkways in an acceptable condition. He noted that cleaning and clearing does not include significant maintenance projects, but rather minor upkeep efforts such as raking, edging, and trash and debris removal.

Supervisor Cook referred to his written Board Matter which includes a set of suggested guidelines, drafted by the Trails and Sidewalks Committee which explain the vision the Committee has for this undertaking. They seek to develop an informal program that encourages and organizes volunteers to assist in the clearing of trails and sidewalks.

Supervisor Cook said that his community engagement initiative has worked to inspire and train residents to take ownership of neighborhoods by working together to address opportunities for growth as well as meeting challenges.

Therefore, Supervisor Cook moved that the Board direct the County Executive to develop guidelines for implementing a citizen volunteer trail and sidewalk maintenance program, and present these guidelines to the Board at a future date in this calendar year for consideration. As part of the development of such guidelines, the County Executive should consult with the County Attorney to insure that any legal liability issues are addressed appropriately in the program guidelines. Supervisor Herrity seconded the motion. Discussion ensued regarding:

Supervisor Foust asked to amend the motion to change the reference in number 1 of the proposed Guidelines for Volunteer Efforts from “. . . walkway surface (either concrete or asphalt)” to “all trails,” and this was accepted.

Supervisor McKay asked to amend the motion to include coordinating with the schools regarding prioritizing routes for snow removal, and this was accepted.

The question was called on the motion, as amended, and it carried by unanimous vote.

Update 28 Feb 2014: See Reston Parcb article about draft letter from Reston Association Board of Directors regarding plowing the W&OD Trail in Reston.

Update 7 Mar 2014: See the Regional Parks blog entry Snow on the W&OD Trail about NVRPA's current philosophy about clearing snow on the trail.

Virginia Delegates and Senators: Support Bicycling!

Virginia bicyclists: now is the time to act. The Virginia legislature is considering three separate bills which addresses street safety for bicyclists. All three bills have survived their respective legislative body and now are crossing over sides. For this bills to become law, they must now pass out the House and Senate. Please take a moment and ask your elected represenatives to support the bicycling bills.

Bike lockers at Burke VRE Station

Great news as Fairfax County responds to requests to make cycling to transit centers easier and more convenient! FCDOT has just placed 10 new enclosed bike lockers at the Burke VRE Station in Burke Center. Burke VRE Station, home to VRE, Amtrak (yes Amtrak!), and Express Buses to Tysons and the new Silver Line, now has covered bike racks in the parking garage, racks at the Station steps and now new secure bike locker storage to choose from as bicyclists consider their options.

Burke VRE Station now has easy bicycle access via the Burke VRE Trail, Roberts Parkway and Burke Center trails. If you want to save yourself the cost of a car, try a bike! If you want to rent a locker, $60 a year, send an email applicant per the FCDOT website (the website does not list Burke VRE station, but the lockers are available).