Sunday, June 29, 2014
Tour de Tysons recap
Today bike riders took over a few streets in Tysons during the Tour de Tysons races and Family Fun Ride. The weather was ideal (except for the wind that tried to blow our tent away). FABB volunteers gathered nearly 90 signatures on our petition to urge the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to adopt the Bicycle Master Plan. Thanks to all our volunteers and to everyone who took the time to stop by and sign the petition. We plan to have an online version of the petition soon.Convoys from Vienna and The Barns at Wolf Trap arrived as the event got underway. Liz MacGregor held a well-received talk entitled Getting There By Bike! About 30 riders participated in the Family Fun Ride. Actually there were many more riders than that. We didn't expect to see so many of the racers warming up during the Fun Ride. I guess they wanted to have fun as well, but why were they riding so fast?
Thanks to Bill Luecke of National Capital Velo Club and Kate Maholchic of Tysons Partnership for inviting FABB and providing all the logistical support. We hope that events like the Fun Ride will lead to more open streets type events in the future, with the goal of a full-fledged ciclovia held in Fairfax County in the coming years.
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| Liz discusses getting around by bike |
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| FABB table with the Tysons Corner Metrorail station in the background |
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| Food trucks and exhibitor tables in front of PwC offices |
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| Racers with Tysons Corner Metrorail station in the background |
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| Family Fun riders |
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| More Family Fun riders |
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| Rolling through Tysons |
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| Who is that fast rider next to me! |
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| Supervisor Smyth visited the FABB table |
Labels: supervisor smyth, tour de tysons, Tysons, tysons partnership
Friday, June 27, 2014
Three feet please - It's Virginia Law starting July 1
Virginia Bicycling Federation released the following press release on the three foot passing law:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE VA Bicycling Federation
June 25, 2014
Contact: Champe Burnley 804.358.5801 champe_burnley@hotmail.com
New Law Should Decrease Fatalities and Injuries on Virginia Roads
RICHMOND – Virginia’s roads should be safer for bicyclists across Virginia beginning July 1. That’s when a new law requiring motorists to pass bicyclists by three feet goes into effect.
“As we see more people choose to ride bikes or walk rather than drive their cars, this extra foot of clearance makes streets much safer for cyclists” according to Champe Burnley, President of the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) who supported the legislation. “We hope that drivers will use extra care when they pass a rider and avoid potential crashes.”
Virginia law currently requires a motorist to pass a bicyclist by two feet. The Commonwealth is the twenty-first state to pass a three foot law. Pennsylvania requires four feet.
According to statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Highway Safety Office, in 2013, eight people died and more than 600 people were injured in crashes involving bicycles on Virginia roadways.
The legislation was sponsored by Senator Bryce Reeves, R- Spotsylvania. "Our ability to be able to work across the aisle and build relationships in a bipartisan manner allowed us to successfully get this commonsense legislation approved. Those that are active in the bicycling community—as well as my Republican and Democrat friends in both the House of Delegates and the Senate—were all part of making this legislation possible. I will continue to work very hard on areas where we can find common ground and consensus for the people of Virginia."
The VBF is working with other organizations like DriveSmart Virginia and state agencies such as DMV, VDOT and the Virginia State Police to educate drivers about the new law.
Drive Smart Virginia is selling bumper stickers of the image above.
June 25, 2014
Contact: Champe Burnley 804.358.5801 champe_burnley@hotmail.com
New Law Should Decrease Fatalities and Injuries on Virginia Roads
RICHMOND – Virginia’s roads should be safer for bicyclists across Virginia beginning July 1. That’s when a new law requiring motorists to pass bicyclists by three feet goes into effect.
“As we see more people choose to ride bikes or walk rather than drive their cars, this extra foot of clearance makes streets much safer for cyclists” according to Champe Burnley, President of the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) who supported the legislation. “We hope that drivers will use extra care when they pass a rider and avoid potential crashes.”
Virginia law currently requires a motorist to pass a bicyclist by two feet. The Commonwealth is the twenty-first state to pass a three foot law. Pennsylvania requires four feet.
According to statistics from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Highway Safety Office, in 2013, eight people died and more than 600 people were injured in crashes involving bicycles on Virginia roadways.
The legislation was sponsored by Senator Bryce Reeves, R- Spotsylvania. "Our ability to be able to work across the aisle and build relationships in a bipartisan manner allowed us to successfully get this commonsense legislation approved. Those that are active in the bicycling community—as well as my Republican and Democrat friends in both the House of Delegates and the Senate—were all part of making this legislation possible. I will continue to work very hard on areas where we can find common ground and consensus for the people of Virginia."
The VBF is working with other organizations like DriveSmart Virginia and state agencies such as DMV, VDOT and the Virginia State Police to educate drivers about the new law.
Bikesharing is feasible in Reston, and Bicycle Master Plan meeting report
Phase 1 would consist of 13 stations with 130 bikes, all but one station located north of the Toll Road, with most in the Town Center area. The station locations were determined based primarily on potential demand and the desire to reduce the space between stations.
Two stations would be located at the Wiehle-Reston East station, one on each side of the Toll Road. Most of the other stations would be clustered around the Reston Town Center. With an almost direct connection via the W&OD Trail between the Wiehle station and the Town Center, bike sharing is an ideal personal mobility option.
Adam Lind of FCDOT is the project manager. Fionnuala Quinn and Charlie Denney presented for Alta. Supervisor Hudgins and Tom Biesiadny, head of Fairfax DOT, were present. Approximately 25-30 people attended.
The final report is not yet completed. The delivery date is June 30 and sometime after that the report will be on the county website. There were no handouts and no information is yet available on the county website.
Two stations would be located at the Wiehle-Reston East station, one on each side of the Toll Road. Most of the other stations would be clustered around the Reston Town Center. With an almost direct connection via the W&OD Trail between the Wiehle station and the Town Center, bike sharing is an ideal personal mobility option.
The logical vendor is Capital Bikeshare which operates systems in Arlington, Alexandria, DC, and Montgomery County. Fairfax could leverage existing infrastructure and contracts to create a suburban extension of that system. Even though a Reston operation is physically separated from other operations, there would not be a need for a new warehouse. A truck would be dedicated to rebalancing bikes; when a station is empty, filling in with bikes from a station with too many bikes.
The cost of Phase 1 is estimated to be $1.2 million, of which $54K is for Launch (startup costs), $766K for Capital (cost of stations, docks, bikes), and $397K for Operating costs. Not sure if this is for launch plus one year of operations or if the operating costs are for multiple years. I think it's for one year.
Phase 2 would include stations in the Lake Anne and South Lakes areas.
Challenges include the need for route way finding signage, snow removal in winter, access and proximity for low income users, funding for capital and operations, and putting stations on private property.
The cost of Phase 1 is estimated to be $1.2 million, of which $54K is for Launch (startup costs), $766K for Capital (cost of stations, docks, bikes), and $397K for Operating costs. Not sure if this is for launch plus one year of operations or if the operating costs are for multiple years. I think it's for one year.
Phase 2 would include stations in the Lake Anne and South Lakes areas.
Challenges include the need for route way finding signage, snow removal in winter, access and proximity for low income users, funding for capital and operations, and putting stations on private property.
The system could be implemented within the next couple of years. One concern raised during the meeting was the lack of bike facilities on Reston roads. While Reston has an extensive trail network, direct routes to destinations are usually located on roads. The response was that implementation of the Bicycle Master Plan would help create a more bike-friendly environment. It was also noted that extensive pedestrian and bike projects are included in the proposed 2014 Transportation Bond referendum, although none of the projects in the Bond would improve conditions for traveling between the proposed stations.
Adam Lind of FCDOT is the project manager. Fionnuala Quinn and Charlie Denney presented for Alta. Supervisor Hudgins and Tom Biesiadny, head of Fairfax DOT, were present. Approximately 25-30 people attended.
The final report is not yet completed. The delivery date is June 30 and sometime after that the report will be on the county website. There were no handouts and no information is yet available on the county website.
See an earlier Reston Patch article on our views on bikesharing in Reston. Most of the station locations we suggested were deemed too spread out to be feasible in Phase 1.
Bicycle Master Plan - Charlie Strunk presented an overview of the plan similar to his presentation to the Board on May 6 and a longer presentation on September 17, 2013. Bob Patten of Toole Design Group, the plan consultant, was also present. The Planning Commission public hearing is scheduled for Oct. 1 and the Board of Supervisors hearing is on October 28. Paper copies of the bike facilities maps were available but there were no copies of the plan text or any handouts. Copies of the maps and plan text will be posted on the county website any day now.
There was extensive discussion of how to make Wiehle Ave, from the new Wiehle-Reston East station north, more bike-friendly. With narrow lanes, a narrow trail, and steep terrain adjacent to the trail, options are limited.
When asked if the plan contains a prioritized list of future projects the answer was no. The plan provides overall guidance. The county recently completed a prioritization projects, the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation, to create a six year plan. That plan is updated annually and we think once the plan is adopted the next step for bicyclists is creation of a robust prioritized list of bike projects. A good start would be filling in the gaps on the Bicycle Route Map; converting the Less Preferred routes into Preferred routes and ensuring bike access to activity and transit centers.
FABB is encouraging bicyclists to support the Bicycle Master Plan and attend the public hearings to show that support. We are planning rides to the hearings.
Labels: bicycle master plan, bike share, capital bikeshare, reston
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Bike meetings tonight - Bicycle Master Plan and Bikeshare feasibility in Reston
Reston Bikeshare Feasibility Study report: Learn about the feasibility of bikesharing in Reston at a community meeting tonight, Wed. June 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Dogwood Elementary School. Fairfax County recently contracted with a consultant to determine if bikesharing is feasible in Reston. The final report will be released tonight. (Ignore the info on the county Bike Pages page that lists the date for the next bikeshare feasibility meeting as January 29.)
Bicycle Master Plan Final Draft: Immediately after the bikesharing meeting the county will present the final draft of the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan from 7:30-9:00 p.m. The plan has been under development for the past five years. Unfortunately the plan is not yet posted on the county website. We've been told the latest draft will be posted any day now on the Countywide Bicycle Master Plan page. The Tysons Bicycle Master Plan is posted but that plan has been merged with the countywide plan that will be released tonight. FABB has been urging the county to publish the draft plan and we hope it will be available soon.
Dogwood Elementary School is located not far from the Fairfax County Parkway Trail, the W&OD Trail, and the surrounding streets are very bike-friendly. Bike parking is located in the rear of the building. The racks are an unusual design that we've not seen before.
Town of Vienna Maple Ave Corridor zoning regulations: On a related note, the Town of Vienna Planning Commission is meeting tonight to consider forwarding the draft Maple Avenue Corridor zoning regulations to the Town Council. FABB and other cyclists have asked for sufficient bike parking regulations, similar to those in Tysons and Arlington. That meeting begins at 8pm at Town Hall.
Labels: bicycle master plan, bike share, reston
Fairfax County Parkway trail repair - Tuckaway Dr to Franklin Farm Rd
We received the latest update from VDOT on the Fairfax Co Parkway trail repair work:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Tuckaway Drive to Franklin Farm Road.
When: Monday 6/30/14 thru Thursday 7/3/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (until noon Thursday)
(weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, vdot
Bike lanes on Courthouse Road near Vienna
Courthouser Road is currently used by many cyclists as a way to avoid riding on bike-unfriendly Route 123. The new bike lanes should encourage others who live in that area to take more short trips by bicycle. Immediately to the east of this project, the Town of Vienna has designated Courthouse Road as a bike route using signage.
Courthouse is used for accessing Nottoway Park, the Vienna Metro station to the south, the W&OD trail, and other destinations in the Town of Vienna. What is needed next is a better connection to the Oakton area and Germantown Road to the west.
Update July 1, 2014: VDOT is finalizing the striping of Courthouse Road with bike lane symbols.
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| VDOT adds bike symbols in Courthouse bike lanes Photo: VDOT |
Labels: courthouse road, repaving, vdot
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Wiehle-Reston East bike room open house July 19
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Wiehle station bike room
Photo: David Madison
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We've heard that bike trains will be converging on the station around 9:30 a.m. followed by a bike parade. A formal program is scheduled for 10 a.m. followed by the ribbon-cutting. Bike organizations and bike shops will have information tables. As we learn more about the event, including a link to additional details, we'll post it on the FABB site.
Additional details about the open house: The ribbon-cutting ceremony will start at 10 a.m., and the Open House and Transportation Expo will follow the ceremony and run through 3:00 p.m.
Several organizations, including FABB, plan to have booths at the event. Folks from the Reston Master Plan Special Study Phase 2 will be there to discuss and answer questions about the study.
Bike crash on South Lakes Drive
The motorist stated that she turned left into the path of the oncoming cyclist. She said she didn't see the cyclist who ran into her car. The sun angle did not appear to be a factor.
Above is a photo of the cyclist's bike, with the handlebars askew. There was broken glass on the road where the crash occurred. We don't know the name of the cyclist or their condition. We assume he (bystanders said it was a male rider) was among a number of cyclists warming up for the 6pm Reston Bike Club Tuesday ride at Hunters Wood Shopping Center. Cyclists will often ride a loop from Hunters Woods along Colts Neck Rd to South Lakes Dr to Soapstone Dr to Glade Dr back to Hunters Woods.
Labels: bike crash, reston, south lakes drive
Friday, June 20, 2014
Tour de Tysons Fun Family Events
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| Photo by Pete Beers |
Watch the Tour de Tysons races on Sunday June 29 and bring the family! Tour de Tysons is more than just racing this year. Stay for the day and connect with people who are passionate about bicycling in Tysons and beyond. Come join FABB for food and fun in the newest downtown in Fairfax County. FABB has partnered with Tysons Partnership and the Tour de Tysons sponsors to bring you events throughout the day.
A long term goal of FABB is the transformation of Tysons into a bike-friendly community. FABB was involved in the planning for the future of Tysons that resulted in major Comprehensive Plan Changes in Tysons. Those changes include bike lanes on several Tysons roads, new trail links into Tysons, improved on-road conditions in and around Tysons, new bike parking requirements, and improved signage. Those changes are still a few years away, but this is a chance to learn about changes coming to Tysons and to discover bike routes to several of the new Tysons Silver Line stations.
Tour de Tysons Schedule of Events:- Races start at 8:00am and run to approx 5pm on Sunday June 29
- Bike Trains depart at 8:30am
- Talk - Getting there by Bike! - 10:30am
- Tysons Free Open Streets Family Fun Ride - 12:00pm
- Bike Train to Tysons - Meet up and ride to Tour de Tysons. We'll help you discover new routes to get to Tysons by bike. Starting points are:
- Barns at Wolf Trap
- Mosaic District
- Vienna Caboose
Interested in taking the Bike Train? Email us at tysons@fabb-bikes.org
Tysons Open Streets Family Fun Ride - Experience Tysons in a new way as you pedal along the TdT course at your own pace.
Talk - Getting there by Bike! - Elizabeth MacGregor, Certified Bike Instructor and FABB Board Member, will talk about how to make the most of your bike. You'll learn that getting around by bike is easy, fun and saves you money.
Vendors and Food:- 24 HR Fitness
- Bikes@Vienna
- REI
- Whim Pops
- Kettle Korn Guy
- Smart Markets, Inc.
- Firehook Bakery
- Balloon twister & face painter
- Halftime Food Bars
- Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
- WMATA
- Crepe Love Food Truck
- Scoops 2 U Ice-Cream Food Truck
- Spokes, Etc.
Labels: Silver line, tour de tysons
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Reston Bikeshare Feasibility Study meeting June 25
At a meeting in January Alta staff gave an overview of bikesharing and explained the feasibility study. They also solicited input from the group. The purpose of the meeting next week is to present the results of their study:
The consultants have completed their report and they are going to share the results with the community. Questions like cost, bikeshare station locations, and other implementation questions will be answered.
Immediately after the bikesharing meeting the county will present the final draft of the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan from 7:30-9:00 p.m. Unfortunately the plan is not yet posted on the county website. We've been told it will be posted any day now.Dogwood Elementary School is located not far from the Fairfax County Parkway Trail, the W&OD Trail, and surrounding streets are very bike-friendly. Bike parking is located in the rear of the building.
Labels: bicycle master plan, bike share, reston
The cost of roadway mayhem
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released a report on the cost of motor vehicle crashes, New NHTSA Study Shows Motor Vehicle Crashes Have $871 Billion Economic and Societal Impact on U.S. Citizens.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists: Crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists accounted for 7 percent of the total economic loss and cost the nation $19 billion in 2010. Including lost quality of life, these crashes were responsible for $90 billion or 10 percent of the overall societal harm caused by motor vehicle crashes.
Labels: crashes, national highway traffic safety administration, nhtsa
Supervisor Herrity continues his War on Bikes
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| Supervisor Herrity at BTWD 2008. On his trip he had a flat tire, probably from an unmaintained bike trail. |
Supervisor Herrity thinks Fairfax County is spending too much money on bike and pedestrian facilities. Funny, I haven't really noticed much impact of all this funding on bikes. Bike lanes that I use on Soapstone Dr. and Lawyers Rd. cost almost nothing because they were created as part of repaving and restriping projects.
Fairfax County is proposing to fund $6 million in bike projects as part of the bond and $77.6 million in pedestrian projects. The county plans to spend $1.4 billion on all transportation projects over the next six years, most of which are being funded by new state monies. The county has decided that bike and ped projects don't qualify for these new funds so they are included in the bond project. The $6 million for bike projects is 0.46% of $1.4 billion.
And yet Supervisor Herrity thinks that's too much. Knowing full well that most of the county funding is going toward expanding roads, building large interchanges, and building parking garages at Metro stations he states the following: "The scope and extent of the $85 million in bike and pedestrian projects included in this referendum far exceed both the current and projected mode share, especially given that we've got so many unfunded projects that would relieve significant congestion."
For the second time in the past month he goes on to mischaracterize the amount of space devoted to bikes and peds on the proposed Soapstone Connector bridge in Reston: "You take the proposed Soapstone Connector: 35 feet of that, or 60 percent of it is now proposed for bike and pedestrian yet it shows as a highway expansion," The proposed Soapstone Connector bridge, located near the new Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station, is 99.5 feet wide. Significant bike and ped traffic is expected in the near future. There are four 12-foot lanes for motor vehicles. Bike lanes comprise 10 feet or 10% of the total width. The 10 foot trail comprises 10%. The 5 foot sidewalk is 5 %. The total devoted to bikes and peds is 10 + 10 + 5 or 25%.
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| Soapstone Connector cross section |
Fortunately the majority of the Board disagrees with Herrity and they voted to include the proposed ped and bike projects in the bond. Despite the small amount of funding for bike projects, we strongly support the bond referendum and urge you to support it as well.
You may recall that more than once Supervisor Herrity has tried to eliminate the bike coordinator position and he continues to argue against additional funding for bike facilities. Feel free to contact Supervisor Herrity to let him know what you think.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Herndon Metrorail Station Access and FABB meetings tonight
FABB's monthly meeting is tonight at 7:30pm at Patrick Henry Library. We'll be discussing preparations for FABB events at the Tour de Tysons, our comments on the I-495 ped/bike projects on Chain Bridge and Idylwood Roads, and other FABB business.Also tonight is the second round of public workshops on the Herndon Metrorail Station Access Study.
HMSAMS Public Workshop
Please join the Fairfax County Department of Transportation for a public workshop on June 18th to discuss planned bike and pedestrian facility improvements designed to provide access to and from the future Silver Line Metrorail Stations. Survey results from our public outreach efforts will be presented.
Join members of your community to share your thoughts on walking and bicycling access to the future stations. Follow the project online at www.hmsams.com.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
McNair Elementary School
2499 Thomas Jefferson Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
Labels: herndon metrorail stations access management study, hmsams
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail construction update
This is the latest information from VDOT about trail repair work on the Fairfax Co Parkway Trail. The repair crew are working north from Route 50 and they are currently working between Rubgy Road and Tuckaway Dr:
Fairfax County Parkway Trail Construction
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Rugby Road to Tuckaway Drive.
When: Monday 6/23/14 thru Friday 6/27/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Fairfax Board approves bike projects for 2014 Transportation Bond
At their meeting today the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a list of projects to be included on the Transportation Bond referendum to be held this Fall. The Board is asking residents to approve $100 million in projects of which $6.5 million is for bike projects. The county plans to spend approximately $1.4 billion in transportation projects over the next six years. The bike funding is approximately 0.46% of $1.4 billion. See page 131 of the Board Package for the complete list of the bond projectsWe're encouraged that the bike projects are now broken out and not lumped together with the $77.6 million in pedestrian projects. We're disappointed that more bike projects aren't included in the bond given the need. None of the bigger ticket items that are on a larger list of $200 million in bike/ped projects are on the list such as the Mt Vernon Memorial Hwy trail improvements, Old Keene Mill Road bike shoulders, Route 236 Corridor bike improvements, and Scotts Run Stream Valley Trail.
Below is the list of bike projects extracted from the list presented to the Board today. Once this list is posted on the county site we'll provide a link:
| Project | District |
| Wakefield Chapel Rd Walkway/Bike Lanes | Braddock |
| Lake Braddock Drive Road Diet | Braddock |
| Burke VRE Connector Ph. IV | Braddock |
| Cross County Trail Upgrades | Braddock |
| Burke Road Bike Lanes | Springfield |
| West Ox Road Trail | Sully |
| Route 50 Trail | Sully |
| Elm St/Dolley Madison Blvd Improved Pedestrian and Bicycle Crossing | Dranesville |
| Franconia‐Springfield Metrorail Station/VRE Enhanced Bicycle Parking | Lee |
| Government Center Area Bicycle Demonstration Project | Braddock |
| INOVA Center Medical Education Campus | Lee |
| Vienna Metrorail Station Area Bicycle Connectivity Improvements | Providence |
| Westmoreland Street On‐Road Bike Lanes | Dranesville |
| Westmoreland Street/Rosemont Drive | Dranesville |
Labels: 2014 transportation bond
Monday, June 16, 2014
Norfolk cyclist struck on ped bridge: Police say nothing they can do - Update June 17
Update 17 June 2014: VDOT implements new safety measures on Berkley Bridge. See update info below.Kelley Howell of Norfolk was riding her bike across the Elizabeth River on the Berkley Bridge when a vehicle approached her going about 15mph. The vehicle struck her as it passed. She captured it all on video.
Though she and the driver exchanged information, Howell told WVEC later when she reported the issue to the authorities, she was told they wouldn’t be investigating the incident.
“I said, ‘I have video if you want to see,’ and he said, ‘Oh, why do you have video?’ And I explained that I use it to educate, and he said, ‘Oh maybe you were the person who caused the accident,’” Howell told the news station of her interaction later that day with a Norfolk Police Department officer.
Howell said the officer could not investigate the case because he was not called to the scene at the time. Howell told the Virginian-Pilot that neither she nor the driver had a cellphone at the time to report the incident to the police.
VDOT issued the following press release, Berkley Bridge Accident Under Investigation:“I said, ‘I have video if you want to see,’ and he said, ‘Oh, why do you have video?’ And I explained that I use it to educate, and he said, ‘Oh maybe you were the person who caused the accident,’” Howell told the news station of her interaction later that day with a Norfolk Police Department officer.
Howell said the officer could not investigate the case because he was not called to the scene at the time. Howell told the Virginian-Pilot that neither she nor the driver had a cellphone at the time to report the incident to the police.
The accident occurred when a bridge tender was en route for a shift change. The pathway is used by employees for this purpose and signs are posted in both directions advising caution and to be aware of vehicles using the pathway.
VDOT is working with its contractor to determine the factors involved in the incident and to ensure that proper policy and procedures were followed. The driver of the vehicle has been placed on administrative leave.
Based on the outcome of the investigation, necessary steps will be implemented to enhance safe and secure pedestrian and bicyclist access at the Berkley Bridge.
Update 17 June 2014: Thanks to VDOT for taking quick action. Today VDOT implemented new safety measures on the Berkley Bridge. From their news release Berkley Bridge Pedestrian Pathway Access Safety Measures Implemented
BERKLEY BRIDGE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS PATHWAY SAFETY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED
NORFOLK– Effective today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has implemented immediate measures to enhance safety for public use of the Berkley Bridge pedestrian access pathway.
VDOT conducted a review following an incident this past weekend on the pedestrian access pathway involving a bicyclist. Based on the review, VDOT has modified procedures for access to the bridge, which restrict bridge tenders from utilizing vehicles for shift changes. Bridge tenders must now walk or utilize a motorized cart. When a vehicle is required, it will be accompanied by a walking spotter to identify any potential safety issues.
In addition to the improved safety procedures, VDOT has scheduled the installation of traffic control devices to deter motor vehicles from entering the pathway. The devices will not interfere with pedestrian and bicyclist access. VDOT will continue to evaluate further safety measures that may include additional signage and other traffic control devices and/or markings to provide optimum safety for the public.
NORFOLK– Effective today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has implemented immediate measures to enhance safety for public use of the Berkley Bridge pedestrian access pathway.
VDOT conducted a review following an incident this past weekend on the pedestrian access pathway involving a bicyclist. Based on the review, VDOT has modified procedures for access to the bridge, which restrict bridge tenders from utilizing vehicles for shift changes. Bridge tenders must now walk or utilize a motorized cart. When a vehicle is required, it will be accompanied by a walking spotter to identify any potential safety issues.
In addition to the improved safety procedures, VDOT has scheduled the installation of traffic control devices to deter motor vehicles from entering the pathway. The devices will not interfere with pedestrian and bicyclist access. VDOT will continue to evaluate further safety measures that may include additional signage and other traffic control devices and/or markings to provide optimum safety for the public.
Labels: berkley bridge, norfolk, vdot
Today is first Code Orange alert
Today was the first Code orange alert for the summer season. We received this from Clean Air Partners:
ALERT: this afternoon the greater metro D.C. region is reaching an unhealthy air quality level – marking today as the first Code Orange day of the season. Clean Air Partners’ air quality experts are available to speak to the region’s air quality, provide tips for sensitive groups (i.e. children, older adults, individuals with heart and/or respiratory conditions, and those who are active outdoors). We would like to encourage bikers to sign up for the free AirAlerts at Clean Air Partners.
Clean Air Partners encourages residents to take the following actions today to protect their health and the environment:
• Limit driving; carpool or take public transit.
• Refuel your car in the evening.
• Put off lawn care until air quality improves.
• Use a gas or electric grill instead of charcoal.
Although air quality may be unhealthy year-round, it is typically more of concern during “ozone season” (May through September) when ground-level ozone and particle pollution are at their highest. During a forecasted Code Orange or Red day, sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups include individuals with heart and/or respiratory disease (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or cardiovascular disease), children, older adults (65+), and those who are active outdoors. On Code Red days, the general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion as well.
Clean Air Partners is dedicated to empowering the metropolitan Baltimore-Washington region with the tools to make meaningful improvements in our region’s air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Actions we can all take in our daily lives and continued over the long-term will make a big difference.
Clean Air Partners encourages residents to take the following actions today to protect their health and the environment:
• Limit driving; carpool or take public transit.
• Refuel your car in the evening.
• Put off lawn care until air quality improves.
• Use a gas or electric grill instead of charcoal.
Although air quality may be unhealthy year-round, it is typically more of concern during “ozone season” (May through September) when ground-level ozone and particle pollution are at their highest. During a forecasted Code Orange or Red day, sensitive groups should limit prolonged outdoor exertion. Sensitive groups include individuals with heart and/or respiratory disease (asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or cardiovascular disease), children, older adults (65+), and those who are active outdoors. On Code Red days, the general public should limit prolonged outdoor exertion as well.
Clean Air Partners is dedicated to empowering the metropolitan Baltimore-Washington region with the tools to make meaningful improvements in our region’s air quality and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Actions we can all take in our daily lives and continued over the long-term will make a big difference.
Labels: clean air partners, code orange
Thursday, June 12, 2014
Report on W&OD Trail Safety meeting - Update: Final report released
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Back in April Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA) conducted a trail safety meeting. Representatives from various governments and citizen groups attended the day long meeting to discuss ways to make the trail safer.
The focus of the meeting was safety at intersections, especially in light of a new law that was passed in Richmond "that will allow local governments to enact ordinances related to the stop signs on the trail."
NVRPA just received a copy of the final report that will be posted on their website next week. Below are my notes from the meeting.
NVRPA wants to ensure a uniform approach to intersection treatments. They don't want to see a piecemeal approach by jurisdiction. There are 70 trail intersections and cyclists generally do not know in which jurisdiction they are riding.
Before the meeting a trail safety survey was conducted and results were reported at the meeting. Here are some highlights:
Trail Safety Survey
Respondents
1,695 responses were received. Over 300 responses were from Arlington. Around 150 respondents were from these locations: Vienna, Reston, and Falls Church. 58% were male, 42% female.
Trail Use
51% of respondents used the trail weekly, 20% monthly, and 18% daily. The most often used segments were (in order of highest use): Falls Church to Reston, Shirlington to Falls Church, Reston to Sterling, Sterling to Leesburg, and Leesburg to Purcellville.
Trail Safety
One of the more interesting questions was whether users came to a full stop at intersection crossings, almost all of which have a STOP sign for trail users. 18% said they always stop, 36% said they almost always stop, 30% said they often stop, and the truthful ones, 16%, said they rarely stop. I would guess that 84% of trail users do not often stop at STOP signs. In my experience it's rare that someone will come to a complete, foot down stop. Over half said they observed a conflict on the trail. Conflicts between bikes and pedestrians, bike and cars, and bikes and bikes were most commonly observed.
Users were split on whether a speed limit should be imposed on the trail. The most common strategies cited for improving trail safety were Better education, More safety signage, Physical improvements, and More enforcement.
Safety Enhancement
The most frequently cited enhancements needed on the trail were:
- Improve design at intersections so that the trail is more prominent as it crosses the street.
- Make vehicle crossings (for drivers on the road) more visible through tactics such as “stop ahead” painted on the pavement, rumble strips before intersections, zig-zag marks before intersections, raised crosswalks, and increasing the width of crosswalk markings.
- Install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at problem intersections. An RRFB is comprised of two lights that alternate rapid flashing when trail users press a button.
- Use asphalt treatments such as a colored transition in areas where trail users should slow down or exercise caution (for example in congested areas or near a school).
- Improve the surrounding bike infrastructure so that the W&OD trail is not the only option for bike commuters.
Breakout sessions
Based on results from the survey and phone interviews with stakeholders, the facilitators presented a number of possible options for improving safety. Meeting participants divided into small groups to discuss and rank the treatments and their feasibility. Based on my sketchy notes, the following are the treatments ranked in priority order. See the final report for details:
- Speed zones/slow zones with color asphalt treatments
- Signal timing adjustments.
- Social marketing
- Separate travel lanes for peds/bikes
- Visual improvements at trail crossings for drivers and trail users
- Education
- Develop an NVRPA regulation regarding use of STOP signs in coordination with local governments and others
Labels: safety, W and OD Trail
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Bicycle Master Plan meetings scheduled
The Plan has been under development for the past four years. The first draft was completed in April 2011 and covered the Greater Tysons area. The first draft of the countywide plan was completed in July 2012. County staff have been preparing final language since that time. While the final draft is not available yet on the county Bike Program website, we hope it will be there soon.
On Wednesday, July 23 the Planning Commission will hold a working session on the Plan starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, September 24. The Board of Supervisors public hearing on the Plan is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28. The September and October dates "are tentative and can be modified should substantial comments arise requiring additional staff time to address."
Summary of Bike Plan Meetings:
- Wednesday, June 25 - Meeting to present the final draft of the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan
- Wednesday, July 23 - Planning Commission working session on the Bicycle Master Plan
- Wednesday, September 24 - Planning Commission public hearing on the Bicycle Master Plan
- Tuesday, October 28 - Board of Supervisors public hearing on the Bicycle Master Plan
Check the FABB Events page for the latest info.
Labels: bicycle master plan, tysons bike plan
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Public hearing on Maple Avenue Vision includes bike parking requirements
The current Vienna proposal for bike parking in the Vision document is minimal. Only multifamily residential developments of 30 units or more are required to provide bike parking at a rate of 1 bike parking space for every 30 units. The W&OD Trail is one of the most popular bike trails in the country, and many future Vienna residents will own bikes, not only to ride the trail but to use for short trips around town. We think that one space for every 30 units (with each unit likely holding more than one person) is insufficient. We also think that all multifamily developments should provide secure, covered bike parking that meets accepted standards.
Cyclists are encouraged to attend the public hearing and speak out for the inclusion of safe, convenient bike facilities in the Maple Avenue Vision that includes sufficient bike parking requirements for future developments. If you cannot attend the meeting you can contact the Planning Commission.
Labels: maple avenue vision, town of vienna
Monday, June 9, 2014
VDOT public meeting on I-495 Ped/Bike Improvements
As part of the 495 Express Lane Project VDOT is building new connections across I-495 for bicyclists and pedestrians. VDOT is holding a design public hearing to give an overview of the planned facilities and to receive comments from residents. The meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 11 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Fairhill Elementary School, 3001 Chichester Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031. There will be a presentation at 7:00 p.m.Cyclists are encouraged to attend to learn about the project and provide comments. If you plan to ride, plan your route well. The meeting location is not bike-friendly, requiring cyclists coming from the W&OD Trail to travel on Cedar Lane, a narrow, busy commuter route.
From the I-495 Bicycle and Pedestrian Trail Improvements website:
This project will complete pedestrian and bicycle facility connections along Idylwood Road (Route 695) and Chain Bridge Road (Route 123), providing enhanced and safer pedestrian and bicycle access at I-495 in Fairfax County. On Idylwood Road, the project includes a standard five-foot wide sidewalk to be constructed on the south side of the Idylwood Bridge across I-495, connecting with the sidewalk on the bridge. On Chain Bridge Road, a standard 10-foot wide shared-use path will be constructed on the south side of I-495 between Tysons Boulevard and Old Meadow Road.
The project will cost $6,000,000. The 10-foot shared-use trail on the south side of Chain Bridge Road/Route 123 will cross four high speed entrance/exit ramps at grade. In several locations bicyclists would be facing forward with traffic approaching from the rear. In our opinion the crossings will be dangerous. A better option would be to separate the trail from the road by having trail users pass over the ramps similar to crossings on the Custis Trail in Arlington and those planned on Route 7 in Tysons.
On Idylwood the "bicycle" improvement is a 5-foot wide sidewalk. The eastbound lane will be widened to 12 feet which is still not wide enough for a bicyclist and motor vehicle to share safely. A 10-foot shared use path is needed instead of this narrow sidewalk. In our opinion, keeping the lane narrow and using those funds to widen the trail would be a better investment.
Comments are being accepted until June 26. Send them to meeting_comments@vdot.virginia.gov with the subject "I-495 Bicycle-Pedestrian Trail Improvements."
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| Example of at-grade ramp crossings on Chain Bridge Rd at Westpark bridge |
Labels: 495 express lanes, vdot
Transportation Alternatives Projects in Fairfax County
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) Transportation Planning Board (TPB) recently selected four projects in Fairfax County to receive funding from the Transportation Alternatives Program. Below is info from the June issue of TPB News
Board Approves Transportation Alternatives Projects for Northern Virginia
On May 21, the TPB approved 13 projects in Northern Virginia for funding under the Transportation Alternatives Program for FY 2015. The Transportation Alternatives program provides funding to projects considered "alternatives" to traditional highway construction and that expand travel choices, and enhance the transportation experience by integrating modes and improving the cultural, historical, and environmental aspects of the Washington region’s transportation infrastructure.
Fairfax County
Cinderbed Road Bikeway - Construct a 3.1 mile connection between Fort Belvoir and the Franconia-Springfield Metrorail station. Funding - $400,000
Cross County Trail in Lorton - Construct a segment of the Cross County Trail that will connect the Occoquan Regional Park and Laurel Hill Greenway via the Lorton Arts Foundation. Funding - $353,057
Safe Routes to Schools: Westbriar Elementary - Complete missing segments of sidewalk along Old Courthouse Road. Funding - $200,000
Town of Herndon
Herndon Historic Revitalization Project - Improve streetscape design and pedestrian accessibility, safety, and mobility in downtown Herndon. Funding - $6,584
Labels: mwcog, transportation alternatives, transportation planning board
WABA's BikeFest on Friday June 13
BikeFest is WABA's annual fundraiser and celebration of bicycling. The big event is Friday, June 13 at Eastern Market in DC. From WABA's BikeFest page:
DATE: Friday, June 13, 2014
TIME: 8 p.m. to Midnight
LOCATION: Eastern Market North Hall
TICKETS: $45 for WABA members; $55 for the public.
Can you imagine what it would be like without the Capital Crescent Trail, Beach Drive closed to cars on weekends or bike access on Metrorail and bus? Can you imagine how the region might have developed without an organization dedicated to making sure that bicycling is part of the transportation solution?
Join us for
- A one night Biketopia exhibit of bicycling undone: an artistic showcase of beautiful and idealistic bicycle infrastructure and design
- Silent auction featuring desirable packages & experiences
- A live band & dancing, with local jazz music by The Greater U St Jazz Collective
- Libations (ticket price includes 2 drink tickets)
- Food (a fancy buffet, courtesy of our sponsor Chipotle) & desserts
BikeFest is WABA’s opportunity to raise the funds needed to continue our advocacy, outreach and education efforts. Join us at BikeFest 2014 and you can help fund the expansion of trail networks, bike lanes, bikesharing and safer streets. Buy tickets here.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
In WV, honk before passing
According to the article New law aims to make bicycle riders safer, in West Virginia, motorists must now honk before passing a bicyclist. How would you like it if every motorist who passed you honked just before passing? The law also requires that bicyclists traveling "less than the normal speed of traffic...shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use." There are many situations in which riding in a poorly designed bike lane can be dangerous. The good news is that WV now has a three-foot passing bill.
Bicycling for fun and transportation is becoming more common, so a new law now requires West Virginia’s drivers to give bicycles some extra room on the roads.
The Bicycle Safety Bill (HB-4304) requires bicycles to generally travel in bicycle lanes or as close as practical to the right edge of the roadway. This new law also requires drivers to give bicycle riders an audible signal when passing. Drivers must also pass on the left at a distance of not less than three feet.
Local bicycle riders attending an inaugural bike run sponsored by the Bluefield, W.Va. Rotary Club welcomed the new law. Peter Romano, who organized Saturday’s event, said the law was good. More bicycle lanes would be welcome. College Avenue in Bluefield, for instance, could be wide enough for a bicycle lane, he added.
The Bicycle Safety Bill (HB-4304) requires bicycles to generally travel in bicycle lanes or as close as practical to the right edge of the roadway. This new law also requires drivers to give bicycle riders an audible signal when passing. Drivers must also pass on the left at a distance of not less than three feet.
Local bicycle riders attending an inaugural bike run sponsored by the Bluefield, W.Va. Rotary Club welcomed the new law. Peter Romano, who organized Saturday’s event, said the law was good. More bicycle lanes would be welcome. College Avenue in Bluefield, for instance, could be wide enough for a bicycle lane, he added.
Update: The existing law requires motorists to honk when passing another vehicle, but it does not appear that a bicycle is a vehicle, so it may not be the case that motorists must honk before passing a bicyclist.
Here's another article on the new law in the article New W.Va. law reflects strong bicycle culture.
Labels: audible warning before passing, three feet to pass, west virginia
Report on WABA Women & Bicycles Fairfax Coffee Club at Caffe Amouri in Vienna on Friday
We received this report about the first Women & Bicycles Coffee Club meeting in Vienna last week: |
| Coffee Club participants. Note the bike rack in the background donated by bikes@vienna |
Five of us met for about an hour and one of our members biked all the way from Del Ray on the far side of Alexandria to join us! (She wanted to get some miles in!) Two of the ladies figured out they have the same enthusiasm, interest and pace to ride road bikes together in the future. It was a super meeting.
Next week's meeting will be Friday, June 13 from 7:30-8:30am. Maybe we can fill the place with women who love bikes!
Labels: waba, women and bicycles
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Ashgrove Trail construction delayed to July 2 - Update
Work on repairing the Ashgrove Lane Trail in Tysons will be delayed until July 2. As we reported in May, the work was scheduled to being this week. For more information about the project see the Ashgrove Lane Trail Improvements page. We expect the page to be updated soon with the new construction date.
Labels: ashgrove lane trail, Tysons
3 Feet Please - On July 1 it will be the law
Virginia Bicycling Federation is working with Senator Reeve's office, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State Police, the health community, local police and others on a Three Foot Passing campaign. The goal is to have a press conference on June 26. We'll post more info as it develops.
It's not too early to start spreading the word. Three feet will be the MINIMUM passing distance. At higher speeds a greater passing distance is better. The new law is a great opportunity to educate motorists that bicyclists belong on the road. When we're riding in a lane that is not wide enough for us to ride safely and a motorist to pass by three feet, then they shouldn't pass. We're not required to ride on the sidewalk as many people seem to think when they shout at us from their cars. Riding on the sidewalk is usually more dangerous than riding in the road, and most sidewalks do not connect to the places we want to travel.
Labels: three feet to pass
Sprucing up Silver Line concrete in Tysons - including proposal for new trail under tracks
The new elevated tracks atop massive concrete structures are a major change to the visual character of Tysons. The group discussed several ideas for softening the space such as "sustainable gardens, fiber optic light canopies and even a giant pyramid sculpture made from recycled tires towering over the tracks."
The Tysons Task Force recognized the importance of making Routes 7 and 123 attractive urban boulevards rather than wide suburban arterials, places where "People will be able to walk or bike safely along Route 7 and 123 to nearby businesses." I hope that the brainstorming discussions will expand to include ways to make the full Route 7 and 123 corridors more livable, aesthetically pleasing places.
The proposed pathway under the tracks is an idea discussed before by several groups. Several years ago school kids who lived west of Tysons suggested a trail in the median of Route 7 across the Dulles Toll Road leading to the Silver Line Metrorail station. The proposed trail under the tracks would be an excellent complement to the planned bike facilities and the loop trail that is contained in the draft Tysons parks plan and would provide cyclists and pedestrians another option for traveling along Route 7.
Labels: Tysons, tysons park system concept plan
Monday, June 2, 2014
WABA Women & Bicycles Coffee Club - Fairfax
WABA's Women & Bicycles program event in Fairfax. Here are details:
Friday, June 6, 7:30 a.m.
Caffe Amouri
107 Church St. NE, Vienna, Virginia 22180
What's better than coffee with friends before heading in to work? Meet us this week in Vienna, VA. Unless otherwise indicated, WABA Women & Bicycles events are open to those who identify as women.
Women & Bicycles is WABA's outreach program designed to get more women in the D.C. area on bikes. It is based on 10 Roll Models, selected by WABA, reaching out to 10 women in their personal networks who don't bike to encourage and inspire them to ride for transportation. Women & Bicycles is generously supported by the League of American Bicycles and WABA's donors."
Labels: waba, women and bicycles
