Friday, May 2, 2014
May-June 2014 FABB Newsletter
MAY-JUNE 2014 FABB News
A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
Bicycle Master Plan
The long process of approving the Countywide Bicycle Master Plan is still underway. Public hearings before the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors that were planned for May and June were recently postponed. Two countywide public meetings are now planned as a way to inform the public about the latest versions of the plan and recommended facilities maps.
While we are frustrated by the slow progress, the public meetings will be an opportunity for cyclists to learn about the latest drafts of the plan. This information should soon be available on the county bike plan webpage.
Once the public meeting dates are announced, we will spread the word via FABB social media and other outlets. The official public hearing dates will likely be announced after the public meetings are held. Stay tuned.
Fairfax County Parkway Trail Repair Underway
The first phase of the Fairfax County Parkway Trail Repair began in April. Work crews started at Route 7 and will continue south to Route 29 through the summer. Only the most damaged sections of the trail will be repaved. Where large cracks have developed but the remainder of the trail is in good condition, the cracks will be filled and sealed.
Trail sections being repaired will be closed between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be some nighttime work done between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Trail users should be able to carefully bypass work in progress if they are traveling during construction times. Informational signage and maps are being posted on site. See the FABB blog for more info, including examples of signs and maps posted at each end of the work area.
Tour de Fat
Tour de Fat returns on Saturday, May 31 to Yards Park in DC. The party starts with a costumed bike ride at 11 a.m. and includes music, games, food, and beer from New Belgium Brewery, makers of Fat Tire Ale.
Tour de Fat is a major fundraising event for FABB. Our volunteers check IDs and attach wristbands during the event to allow attendees to purchase alcohol. In exchange we receive a portion of the proceeds. Volunteers receive a free t-shirt and two beer tokens. We will likely form bike convoys of volunteers to the event.
We need volunteers for the the morning (10-1:30 p.m.), midday (11:30-3:00 p.m.) and afternoon (1:30-5 p.m.) shifts. Contact us at chairman@fabb-bikes.org to volunteer.
Tour de Tysons
Join FABB for rides, food, and fun at Tour de Tysons bicycle race on Sunday, June 29. The organizers of the bike race, National Capital Velo Club and Tysons Partnership, support all types of bicycling in Tysons. The race course will be on a loop in the vicinity of Tysons Corner Metro Station. FABB is sponsoring a family ride on the course during the event. Related activities will be held near the Tysons Corner Metro station. Check the FABB Tour de Tysons page for details as we get closer to the event.
Join FABB for the following activities at Tour de Tysons:
- Bicycle caravans demonstrating three routes to the Tysons Metro stations and to get cyclists to the event from three different points, arriving at 9:30 a.m.
- Midday social ride open to everyone on the race course. ($3 participant fee for insurance.)
- Food trucks and other vendors will be present.
- Commuter Seminar - "How to Ride Your Bike to Work - save money, have fun!" 10:30 a.m. in front of Firehook Coffee Shop.
- FABB table with maps and bike-related info.
Plan on joining us for a great way to experience Tysons! If you want to volunteer to help, please contact alan.g.young.sr@gmail.com.
Bike to School Day May 7
On Wednesday May 7 schools around the country will celebrate the third annual National Bike to School Day. Twenty-five schools in Fairfax County have registered so far. Lots of activities from bike trains to bike rodeos are planned at the various schools. Other events include safety clinics, helmet and token giveaways, and free coffee for the parents.
Several schools in Reston and Vienna are challenging one another for "Most Bikes" bragging rights on this day. In addition, the Vienna schools are holding their 6th annual Bike/Walk Challenge week with trophies for overall walkers/bikers and most bikers. Follow along on the FABB blog for daily updates on this challenge. National Bike to School day is an effort to promote physical activity and reduce traffic congestion and pollution near schools. Fairfax County Public Schools have compiled information on walking and biking to school on their Safe Routes to School web page.
Bike to Work Day May 16
Register now for Bike to Work Day, which is Friday, May 16. Two new Fairfax County events are being held this year, at Fair Lakes and McLean. We now have 12 events in Fairfax County, and we hope to have FABB reps at most of them.
Healthy Community Design Summit
The Healthy Community Design Summit will be held on Tuesday, May 6. The Summit is a chance to "learn how communities throughout the U.S. are encouraging active living through design of the built environment. Hear from a panel of local business, development and planning experts about their strategies for and successes with integrating healthy design throughout the Fairfax Community. Brainstorm with your colleagues on ways to make your neighborhoods more friendly for pedestrians and bicycles and accessible to all people. Help craft a message for leadership that demonstrates the benefits of health in all policies – especially throughout the built environment."
The event is being held at the Kena Conference Center, 9001 Arlington Boulevard, Fairfax. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.; the program will be from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Register for free at Eventbrite.
Women-Only Rides
Ladies, do you want to ride with other women? Three groups, Babesonbikes.org, WABA's Women & Bicycles, and Alexandria Spokeswomen, are just for you. These groups offer a variety of social and training rides. In addition, many local bike shops have no-drop women-only rides going on this spring. Invite a friend who might be interested in cycling to join you in this non-threatening atmosphere.
- May is Bike Month.
- May 3, Saturday - Vienna Bike Rodeo from 9 a.m.-noon at Vienna Volunteer Fire Department.
- May 4, Sunday - Alexandria Spokeswomen bike shop ride leaving from Jones Point Park at 10:00 a.m.
- May 5, Monday - Safe Routes to School Workshop at Mt. Vernon Woods Elementary School from 12:15-3:30 p.m., facilitated by Mark Fenton, an expert on Safe Routes to School initiatives and walkable communities.
- May 6, Tuesday - Healthy Community Design Summit at the Kena Conference Center from 8:30 a.m.-noon. Mark Fenton is the keynote speaker.
- May 6, Tuesday - Bicycle Master Plan briefing at Board of Supervisors Transportation Committee meeting at Fairfax County Government Center. Meeting starts at 10 a.m.
- May 7, Wednesday - Bike to School Day is celebrated at more than 25 Fairfax County schools. Is your school holding an event?
- May 10, Saturday - Reston Bike Rodeo at Lake Newport pool from 1-4 p.m.
- May 11, Sunday - Crystal City Phoenix Derby from 2-6 p.m.
- May 21, Wednesday, FABB Monthly Meeting, Vienna, VA.
- May 31, Saturday, Tour de Fat at Yards Park from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- June 18, Wednesday, FABB Monthly Meeting, Vienna, VA.
- June 29, Sunday, Tour de Tysons.
Labels: bicycle master plan, bike to school day, fabb newsletter, fairfax county parkway trail, tour de fat, tour de tysons
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