Sunday, May 11, 2014
Dr Gridlock supports greater investment in suburban bike lanes
 |
| Herndon-Monroe garage soon to more than double in capacity |
"When a co-worker asks if you take Metro to work and you say “yes,” are you leaving something out? For tens of thousands of Metrorail riders, the transit commute starts in a car."
Metro certainly cuts down on the number of car trips into the D.C. region’s core, which is swell for those who live and work in the core. But it adds tens of thousands of car trips each day in suburban communities. Many of those trips are short — just enough to jam streets and highway exits.
He notes that Fairfax did the right thing by not investing in car parking at the Tysons stations (there will be bike parking at each station). However, we are spending millions in regional transportation funds on building huge parking garages at Innovation Center and Herndon Metrorail stations. There will be room to store 2037 cars at Innovation Center and 1975 new spaces at Herndon, when added to the current 1745 spaces, totals 3720 spaces. Most of those spaces will be used to store cars from Loudoun Co and beyond.Metro certainly cuts down on the number of car trips into the D.C. region’s core, which is swell for those who live and work in the core. But it adds tens of thousands of car trips each day in suburban communities. Many of those trips are short — just enough to jam streets and highway exits.
What's the solution? Investing in all modes benefits everyone by taking cars off the road. According to Dr. Gridlock, "A greater investment in buses, bike lanes and walkable communities in the suburbs won’t end congestion around Metro stations, but it could ease commutes for everyone, including drivers." It will help reduce congestion around stations; maybe not end it, but at least if it is safe to ride to the stations it will be a viable option for anyone willing to ride a few miles by bike.
Fairfax needs to keep up with it's neighbors. According to another article that appeared in today's Post (Washington is a walking, biking city), the District will add 14 miles of bike lanes this year to add to 50 already in place.
 |
| Photo: Washington Post |
Washington has kept pace with its peers, creating more than 50 miles of bike lanes and planning to add 14 miles more this year. The popular Capital Bikeshare program puts more than 2,500 short-trip bikes on District and suburban streets, and it plans more expansion this year.
Labels: herndon-monroe, innovation center, metro parking garage
Comments:
Post a Comment