Friday, October 30, 2015
Bikesharing in Reston
The county received $500,000 in 2013 to fund a feasibility study and for initial implementation. The county is applying for an additional $500,000 from the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) for "Reston Bike Share Capital Equipment" ($400,000 federal funds and $100,000 local matching funds). The Reston system will be part of Capital Bikeshare.
See the Washington Post article that appeared in today's paper: Capital Bikeshare is coming to Fairfax. First stop, Reston.
The following timeline was presented at the meeting:
- Jan-Apr 2016 - Design of station pads
- May-Nov 2016 - Land acquisition/license agreements
- Jun-Sep 2016 - Order stations and bikes
- Dec 2016-Jun 2017 - Construction of station pads
- 4 months prior to launch - Pre-launch marketing activities
- 1 month prior to launch - Installation of stations and bicycles
- Late 2016-Early 2017 - Capital Bikeshare in Reston Begins!
An option for expediting the project is to use local funds for some of the initial activities. Adam noted that two of the station locations were modified from the earlier plan. Station 6, Wiehle Station/Southside was eliminated and Station 12 was moved to a better location further west.
The Reston Hospital station will be located on Town Center Parkway, a long walk from most destinations at the hospital and surrounding medical buildings, highlighting one of the major challenges of locating stations on private property.
Even though the system will not be adjacent to other bikeshare stations, operations and maintenance will be conducted by Motivate using their DC facilities. As the system grows it may be necessary to localize those activities.
Labels: capital bikeshare, Reston bikeshare
Wednesday, October 28, 2015
FABB News Release on Candidate Surveys
NEWS RELEASE
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB)
RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Bruce Wright, FABB
703-328-9619 (cell)
October 28, 2015
Reston, Va. - Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB) recently released responses to the FABB Candidate Surveys. FABB sent a list of questions regarding bicycling in Fairfax County to candidates for the Board of Supervisors and a separate set to FCPS School Board candidates. A total of 12 of 19 responses were received from the Board of Supervisor candidates and 19 of the 24 from the School Board candidates.
See the complete responses from Board of Supervisors candidates: http://www.fabb-bikes.org/2015bossurvey.html
See the complete responses from School Board candidates: http://www.fabb-bikes.org/2015sbsurvey.html
All Board of Supervisors candidates who responded agreed with "Do you support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County." These same candidates would also support Fairfax County seeking recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community from the League of American Bicyclists.
Three quarters or 75 % of respondents said they support implementing the Bicycle Master Plan recommendation to "Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and program initiatives."
Another recommendation of the Bicycle Master Plan, funding Bike Fairfax in FY17, if funds are available was supported by most. One respondent did not support this recommendation.
FABB is encouraged by the overwhelming support by the Board of Supervisor Candidates for improving bicycling in Fairfax County.
All School Board candidates who responded to the survey generally agreed with the statement "The school system and school board should be doing more to enable FCPS students to walk and bike to school instead of driving or being driven."
When asked whether they would support "hiring of a full-time Safe Routes to School Coordinator" when grant funding for the current position ends in August 2016, the responses were mixed. Two respondents said no. Most others supported the goal of a full-time SRTS position but only under certain conditions given the current budget situation.
The majority of respondents "support a comprehensive traffic safety education program that ensures, at the appropriate age levels, all students learn how to safely walk, bike, drive and use transit for their daily travel needs." Two candidates did not support such a program, despite such being current School Board policy.
While several respondents supported the concept of conducting a "comprehensive transportation study of FCPS to understand FCPS' student transportation patterns, regional traffic impact, costs and other factors that drive decision making," four did not support such a study and others expressed qualified support.
FABB is encouraged with the support for improving bicycling in Fairfax County exhibited by the Board of Supervisor candidates and School Board candidates. FABB does not endorse candidates.
Labels: candidate survey, fairfax county board of supervisors, fairfax county school board, school board
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
The True Costs of Driving - We All Pay for Roads
In his recent article "The True Costs of Driving," Joe Cortright of The Atlantic summarizes a report published earlier this year by two U.S. public interest groups that presents some uncomfortable truths about the growing shortfall in funding for U.S. highways and roads. Of interest to advocates for smart multimodal transportation alternatives for Fairfax County, Who Pays for Roads?: How the “Users Pay” Myth Gets in the Way of Solving America’s Transportation Problems confirms, as Cortright writes, “a very basic fact of transportation that’s widely disbelieved: Drivers don’t come close to paying for the costs of the roads they use.”
In fact, road users’ gas taxes now account for less than half of what’s spent to maintain and expand U.S. road systems, and the resulting shortfall is made up from other sources of tax revenue at state and local levels, generated by drivers and non-drivers alike. According to the study, car ownership for the typical household is now being subsidized by $1,100 per year (over and above the costs of gas taxes, tolls, and other user fees).
The huge—and generally hidden—subsidy for car use has an important consequence: too low user fees (gas tax, tolls, etc.), in effect, pay people to drive more, creating greater demand for the road system. Cortright notes that if roads were priced to recover even the cost of maintenance (and my guess is that the recently claimed planned $17 toll for I-66 will still fall short of this), driving would be noticeably more expensive, and people would have much stronger incentives to drive less, and to use other forms of transportation, such as transit and cycling.
The study has many other important findings and examines the implications of funding shortfalls for traffic congestion, road repair, and new highways.
Cortright adds that the problem of pricing roads correctly is one that will grow in importance in the years ahead because improved vehicle fuel efficiency and more electric vehicles will further diminish gas tax revenues and because autonomous self-driving vehicles and the business model of companies like Uber take advantage of paying much less for the use of the road system than it costs to operate.
Cortright notes that these same issues can be raised about public-transit, biking, and walking projects but writes that a key difference with these other forms of transportation is that they arguably come with bigger social benefits—lower congestion, less pollution, greater safety, and make transportation available to those who don’t own or can’t operate a motor vehicle.
In fact, road users’ gas taxes now account for less than half of what’s spent to maintain and expand U.S. road systems, and the resulting shortfall is made up from other sources of tax revenue at state and local levels, generated by drivers and non-drivers alike. According to the study, car ownership for the typical household is now being subsidized by $1,100 per year (over and above the costs of gas taxes, tolls, and other user fees).
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The Cumulative Difference Between Public Spending on Highways and
How Much Drivers Pay to Use Them (courtesy of The Frontier Group/U.S. PIRG
|
The study has many other important findings and examines the implications of funding shortfalls for traffic congestion, road repair, and new highways.
Cortright adds that the problem of pricing roads correctly is one that will grow in importance in the years ahead because improved vehicle fuel efficiency and more electric vehicles will further diminish gas tax revenues and because autonomous self-driving vehicles and the business model of companies like Uber take advantage of paying much less for the use of the road system than it costs to operate.
Cortright notes that these same issues can be raised about public-transit, biking, and walking projects but writes that a key difference with these other forms of transportation is that they arguably come with bigger social benefits—lower congestion, less pollution, greater safety, and make transportation available to those who don’t own or can’t operate a motor vehicle.
Labels: congestion, cost of transportation, gas tax
Getting around Tysons by bike
When most people think about going to Tysons they think about navigating Routes 7 and 123 which are congested major state highways. Or they think about the Dulles Toll Road or the Beltway which are limited access highways. What many don't realize is that there are relatively bike-friendly routes into Tysons, and with over 2 miles of new bike lanes inside Tysons, biking to and through the area is improving.
We left from the Vienna Town Green and headed east on the W&OD Trail for a short distance to a trail that leads to Branch Rd in Vienna. We then followed Echols St to Wolftrap Rd all the way to bike lanes (or the paved side path) on Gallows Rd. We turned right on Gallows Branch Rd that turns into Kidwell Dr and the bridge over Route 123, then right on the Tysons Corner Center ring road where there are bike lanes leading to a paved trail that extends to paved shoulders on the Westpark Dr bridge over Route 123. There is a short section on Westpark that will soon have sharrows leading to the new bike lanes on Westpark just past Jones Branch Dr.
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| Photo: Tom Wyland |
We stopped at Park Run Dr to view the new bike lanes and then continued on the Westpark bike lanes to new bike lanes on Greensboro Dr where set stopped for a discussion of the challenges faced implementing the project. The recently adopted Bicycle Master Plan is playing a key role. We were very fortunate to have key staff from VDOT and FCDOT to provide background information. Greg Billing, WABA's new Executive Director also joined the ride.
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| Photo: Tom Wyland |
From there we took the Route 7 side path to Westwood Center Dr past the new urban Walmart complex and made our way to Ashgrove Lane to left on Northern Neck Dr which leads to the Ashgrove Trail, a major entry point to the Tysons area from north Vienna neighborhoods. There are three options from the trail; head west on Montmorency Dr toward Wolf Trap and eventually to the W&OD Trail, head south on Ashgrove Lane to get to Courthouse Rd, or head east toward Westbriar Elementary School and roads that lead to downtown Vienna.
After the ride several of us stopped for lunch and beverages at The Caboose, the very popular new brewpub located adjacent to the W&OD Trail. Most of the customers arrived by bike. It was a fitting end to a very successful FABB Social Ride.
Labels: fabb social ride, tysons bike lanes, tysons bike tour
Monday, October 26, 2015
Responses to School Board Candidate Survey
The purpose of the survey is to allow candidates to discuss their positions on a number of questions regarding school transportation issues with a special emphasis on biking and walking to school. Because of our nonprofit status we do not endorse candidates.
See the responses to the FABB School Board Candidates Survey. Questions that were asked of all candidates:
- Do you agree with the statement? "The school system and school board should be doing more to enable FCPS students to walk and bike to school instead of driving or being driven."
- Do you support the hiring of a full-time SRTS Coordinator position to help achieve this goal (current position is grant funded until Aug 2016)?
- Do you support a comprehensive traffic safety education program that ensures, at the appropriate age levels, all students learn how to safely walk, bike, drive and use transit for their daily travel needs? Currently only drivers education is taught. Note: In 2012, the School Board adopted the following policy: "The school system will ensure that programs of walking, bicycling and bus safety education shall be established and maintained for students in the elementary schools."
- Do you support a comprehensive transportation study of FCPS, akin to the school lunch and school start time studies, to understand FCPS' student transportation patterns, regional traffic impact, costs and other factors that drive decision making.
Labels: 2015, candidate survey, school board
Soapstone Connector meeting tonight in Reston
Fairfax County plans to build a bridge across the Dulles Toll Road/Access Road as an extension of Soapstone Dr. The Soapstone Connector will extend from Sunrise Valley Dr to Sunset Hills Dr. The County is holding a public meeting tonight to provide an update on the project. The meeting will be held from 6-8pm at South Lakes High School, 11400 South Lakes Drive, Reston, VA 20191. A presentation will be given at 7pm.In Reston the Dulles Toll Road is a major barrier to north-south bike travel. The Soapstone Connector will provide a much needed additional way for northbound cyclists to reach the W&OD Trail, Plaza America, and other locations. Bike lanes are planned on the Connector along with a shared use trail. The new bike lanes will connect to bike lanes on Soapstone Drive to the south. Those lanes extend from Sunrise Valley Drive all the way to Lawyers Road. Many cyclists use this route to connect to the Wiehe-Reston East Metrorail station and destinations to the north.
From the Soapstone Connector page:
The Soapstone Connector Project aims to provide a direct connection between Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive crossing over the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267), as recommended by the Reston Metrorail Access Group (RMAG).The project is also included in the Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment which was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in February 2014.
The proposed Soapstone Connector alignment is a composition of two previously evaluated alternatives and was chosen due to its advantages over the numerous alternatives studied. These advantages include benefits to multi-modal users, connectivity to Soapstone Drive, and minimization of impacts to environmentally sensitive areas.
The typical section of the bridge will include:
The proposed Soapstone Connector alignment is a composition of two previously evaluated alternatives and was chosen due to its advantages over the numerous alternatives studied. These advantages include benefits to multi-modal users, connectivity to Soapstone Drive, and minimization of impacts to environmentally sensitive areas.
The typical section of the bridge will include:
- Two (2) travel lanes (one lane in each direction).
- One (1) bike lane in each direction.
- A sidewalk on one side of the roadway and a shared use trail on the other side of the roadway
Labels: soapstone connector, soapstone drive
Faces of Fairfax - Debbie Skeins
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| Debbie Skeins |
Debbie said that, in addition to commuting, she rides to run errands and exercise, regularly participating in group rides with the Potomac Pedalers. She said biking helps her “clear my head” and she loves getting fresh air. Debbie added that it takes her no more time to bike to work than to drive.
Debbie also said that when she and her family go biking, they greet and talk to more people and see more interesting things.
Labels: city of fairfax, FABB, Faces of Fairfax, potomac pedalers touring club
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Responses to Board of Supervisors Candidate Survey
Dear Board of Supervisor Candidate,
Since 2005 Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting bicycle engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation throughout Fairfax County. The Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 2014, contains ambitious recommendations for transforming Fairfax into a more bicycle-friendly community.
Unfortunately, Fairfax County has not provided adequate funding to implement the vision outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan. While significant engineering progress was made this year when several miles of bike lanes were implemented as part of the summer paving program, there is no dedicated funding for education, encouragement, and evaluation programs.
Better bicycling will attract new businesses, provide for safer routes to schools, reduce traffic, and promote a more active, healthier life style for ages 8 to 80. Beginning in 2016, our bicycle advocates will need the support of local elected officials to make meaningful changes in the county. Allocating scarce resources to implement the Bicycle Master Plan will benefit future generations and result in a safer, healthier, and more competitive communities.
So that our supporters and all county voters can be informed about your views and level of support for better bicycling, it would be greatly appreciated if you would complete, sign, date return the attached short survey to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, P.O. Box 3752, Reston, VA 20195 or chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 20, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election. Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright, Chairman
1. Do you agree with the following statement? "I support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County.”
2. One of the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October, 2014 is to “Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and programming initiatives, and small scale capital projects such as: installation of bicycle parking racks and lockers; signs for signed bicycle routes; curb ramps; and small bicycle and trail access projects.”
A. Do you support implementation of this recommendation?
B. If so, how will you support it?
3. Would you sponsor or support a motion for Fairfax County to seek recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists?
4. The Bicycle Master Plan also recommends development of an encouragement and education program call Bike Fairfax with dedicated staff separate from the Bike Program staff. The program could be funded using Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) sources. Will you support Bike Fairfax funding in the FY 2017 budget?
5. Please comment on your bicycling experiences and your efforts to support better bicycling to places of work, play, study, and worship.
Name:
Date:
Update: We received an additional response that was recently added to the others for a total of 12 of 19 who have responded.
Since 2005 Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting bicycle engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation throughout Fairfax County. The Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 2014, contains ambitious recommendations for transforming Fairfax into a more bicycle-friendly community.
Unfortunately, Fairfax County has not provided adequate funding to implement the vision outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan. While significant engineering progress was made this year when several miles of bike lanes were implemented as part of the summer paving program, there is no dedicated funding for education, encouragement, and evaluation programs.
Better bicycling will attract new businesses, provide for safer routes to schools, reduce traffic, and promote a more active, healthier life style for ages 8 to 80. Beginning in 2016, our bicycle advocates will need the support of local elected officials to make meaningful changes in the county. Allocating scarce resources to implement the Bicycle Master Plan will benefit future generations and result in a safer, healthier, and more competitive communities.
So that our supporters and all county voters can be informed about your views and level of support for better bicycling, it would be greatly appreciated if you would complete, sign, date return the attached short survey to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, P.O. Box 3752, Reston, VA 20195 or chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 20, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election. Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright, Chairman
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
November 2015 Candidates Survey
1. Do you agree with the following statement? "I support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County.”
2. One of the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October, 2014 is to “Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and programming initiatives, and small scale capital projects such as: installation of bicycle parking racks and lockers; signs for signed bicycle routes; curb ramps; and small bicycle and trail access projects.”
A. Do you support implementation of this recommendation?
B. If so, how will you support it?
3. Would you sponsor or support a motion for Fairfax County to seek recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists?
4. The Bicycle Master Plan also recommends development of an encouragement and education program call Bike Fairfax with dedicated staff separate from the Bike Program staff. The program could be funded using Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) sources. Will you support Bike Fairfax funding in the FY 2017 budget?
5. Please comment on your bicycling experiences and your efforts to support better bicycling to places of work, play, study, and worship.
Name:
Date:
Labels: candidate survey, fairfax county board of supervisors
Adam Lind is new Bicycle Coordinator
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| Image from LinkedIn |
Adam has done a great job as acting coordinator, working with VDOT on the creation of over 34 miles of new bike lanes as part of this summer's repaving program. The work included conducting numerous meetings around the county to seek comments on individual projects. He is developing a plan to implement bike sharing in Reston. Most recently he has worked with VDOT on the design of the I-66 parallel trail and other bike facilities related to the project.
Adam came to Fairfax County in February 2014 as a Bicycle Planner. From the county news release:
“Looking to the future, the Bicycle Master Plan will guide the development of bike lanes and trails that will help connect neighborhoods to the places residents want to go,” said Lind. “Our goal is to create a connected and safe bicycle network that will allow people to rethink their commute. I look forward to working with the community to make this a reality.”
Most recently, Lind has worked on coordinating the implementation of bike lanes throughout the county as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) repaving program and the establishment of a bike trail along the I-66 corridor outside the Capital Beltway (I-495) as part of the Express Lanes project. One of his early tasks in his new position will be to coordinate an implementation plan for priority projects in the Bicycle Master Plan.
Prior to joining FCDOT, Lind completed internships with the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; City of Blacksburg, Virginia; and Montgomery County, Virginia. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Most recently, Lind has worked on coordinating the implementation of bike lanes throughout the county as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) repaving program and the establishment of a bike trail along the I-66 corridor outside the Capital Beltway (I-495) as part of the Express Lanes project. One of his early tasks in his new position will be to coordinate an implementation plan for priority projects in the Bicycle Master Plan.
Prior to joining FCDOT, Lind completed internships with the Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; City of Blacksburg, Virginia; and Montgomery County, Virginia. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Labels: adam lind, bicycle coordinator, fairfax bicycle program
FABB meeting tonight at 7:30 in Vienna
Join us for tonight's FABB's meeting at 7:30 p.m. in Vienna at Patrick Henry Library near the W&OD Trail. We'll be discussing the two I-66 meetings held this week in Fairfax and the next steps for ensuring bike facilities are part of the multimodal project, including the extension of the Custis Trail outside the Beltway.Adam Lind, the county Bike Coordinator, will give an update on other bike-related activities in the county. We'll also discuss the responses from the Board of Supervisor's Candidate Survey. All are welcome. Use the entrance to the far right of the building.
Labels: adam lind, FABB meeting, i-66
Monday, October 19, 2015
Show your support for I-66 bike facilities Oct. 19 & 20
VDOT is holding meetings in Fairfax on the latest plans for I-66 Outside the Beltway tonight and tomorrow night. If the project is built, bike facilities are now an integral part of the project, including extension of the Custis Trail parallel to I-66. Please consider attending either the meeting tonight in Oakton or tomorrow night at VDOT Headquarters in the Fair Lakes area to learn more about the plans. Your support for bike facilities is critical and now is the time to show that support. A third meeting will be held in Prince William County. All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m.:
Oakton High School – Cafeteria
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20
VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Wednesday, October 21
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Wednesday, October 21
Piney Branch Elementary School
8301 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136
8301 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA 20136
Faces of Fairfax - Canaan Merchant
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| Canaan Merchant |
Canaan is a regular contributor of blog posts to the Greater Greater Washington website, where he writes about transportation and urban design issues.
Labels: burke, burke vre station, FABB, Faces of Fairfax
CaBi Hack Night IV tonight
Tonight is CaBi Hack Night:
CaBi Hack Night is a show & tell of apps and data visualizations about Capital Bikeshare. Read about CaBiHackNight I and II and III to get an idea of how it works. Doors open at 6:00; presentations start at 6:30. Note we are at 1776's Crystal City location, in Arlington, VA.
Labels: cabi, capital bikeshare, hack night
Friday, October 16, 2015
Reston Bikeshare Meeting Oct. 29
The county-funded Reston Bikeshare Feasibility Study was completed in June 2014. Locations of 13 bikeshare stations were identified in the study clustered around the Reston Town Center and the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station.
More info about the meeting will be posted on the county Bicycle Program site.
See info from the last bikeshare update meeting.
See info from the last bikeshare update meeting.
Labels: bike share, capital bikeshare, Reston bikeshare
Thursday, October 15, 2015
FHWA study on bicycle traffic signals needs your help
According to the study team, "We usually offer a wide range of times throughout the day and sometimes on Saturdays as well. We should be starting the project this upcoming Wednesday October 21st and will continue it into November."
The Center is located on Georgetown Pike adjacent to the CIA. It is possible to bike there via McLean to the paved shoulder on Route 123 to Chain Bridge Rd to Georgetown Pike.
From FHWA:
EARN CASH AND HELP RESEARCHERS MAKE BICYCLING SAFER!
We are currently researching the design and implementation of bicycle traffic signals and signs intended to improve the safety of the bicyclist when at an intersection.
We really value your opinion as a bicyclist.
Study Information
What: Research study on bicycle traffic signs and other transportation studies
Where: Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center – 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
Requirements: At least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and must bike regularly (at least 2 times a week)
We are currently researching the design and implementation of bicycle traffic signals and signs intended to improve the safety of the bicyclist when at an intersection.
We really value your opinion as a bicyclist.
Study Information
What: Research study on bicycle traffic signs and other transportation studies
Where: Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center – 6300 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101
Requirements: At least 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and must bike regularly (at least 2 times a week)
A typical study lasts 1 – 2 hours.
How to sign up: Call or email us: (202) 493-3335 HCS.Research@dot.gov
How to sign up: Call or email us: (202) 493-3335 HCS.Research@dot.gov
Meeting on paving the Cross County Trail in Wakefield is tonight
The public meeting to discuss paving a portion of the Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park will be held at tonight, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. at Kings Glen Elementary School Cafeteria, 5401 Danbury Forest Drive, Springfield, VA. See the earlier FABB blog post for more info. The paved surface will be easier to maintain and provide a much better surface for most trail users. Even so, some opposition is expected. Cyclists are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the project and voice your support.Labels: cross county trail, wakefield park
Wednesday, October 14, 2015
FABB Social Ride Oct. 25 - Tysons' New Bike Lanes
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| Discussing the Greensboro Dr road diet on Tysons pre ride |
Join FABB in celebrating the new bike lanes by signing up for our Tysons Social Ride on Sunday, October 25, leaving at 10:30 a.m. We will gather at the Vienna Town Green located at the intersection of Route 123 (Maple Ave) and the W&OD Trail. The ride is just over 11 miles. To join the ride please register on Eventbrite.
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| Greensboro Dr with new bike lanes |
To join the ride, register on Eventbrite by Friday, October 23. All riders will need to sign a waiver. Helmets are required.
Labels: fabb social ride, greensboro dr, Tysons
School Board Candidate Survey
Candidates have until October 23 to return the survey. We will post the responses shortly afterwards. See our 2007 Board of Supervisors Candidate Survey results. Below is the letter sent to all candidates along with the questions:
Dear Candidate for Fairfax County School Board,
Since 2005, Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting Safe Routes to School's five points of Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation throughout Fairfax County. Bicycling is a life skill that can be enjoyed residents of all ages. It provides a low cost, healthy form of transportation and recreation. A year ago, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan, which includes recommendations regarding school transportation. That section begins on Page 69.
So that Fairfax County bicycle supporters and all voters can be informed about your views and level of support regarding school transportation issues, we would greatly appreciate if you would complete, sign, date, and return the short survey below to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling at chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 23, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election.
Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright
Chairman
1. Do you agree with the statement? "The school system and school board should be doing more to enable FCPS students to walk and bike to school instead of driving or being driven.”
2. Do you support the hiring of a full-time SRTS Coordinator position to help achieve this goal (current position is grant funded until Aug 2016)?
3. Do you support a comprehensive traffic safety education program that ensures, at the appropriate age levels, all students learn how to safely walk, bike, drive and use transit for their daily travel needs? Currently only drivers education is taught. Note: In 2012, the School Board adopted the following policy: 'The school system will ensure that programs of walking, bicycling and bus safety education shall be established and maintained for students in the elementary schools.”
4. Do you support a comprehensive transportation study of FCPS, akin to the school lunch and school start time studies, to understand FCPS' student transportation patterns, regional traffic impact, costs and other factors that drive decision making.
Name:
Date:
Since 2005, Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting Safe Routes to School's five points of Engineering, Education, Encouragement, Enforcement and Evaluation throughout Fairfax County. Bicycling is a life skill that can be enjoyed residents of all ages. It provides a low cost, healthy form of transportation and recreation. A year ago, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan, which includes recommendations regarding school transportation. That section begins on Page 69.
So that Fairfax County bicycle supporters and all voters can be informed about your views and level of support regarding school transportation issues, we would greatly appreciate if you would complete, sign, date, and return the short survey below to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling at chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 23, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election.
Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright
Chairman
1. Do you agree with the statement? "The school system and school board should be doing more to enable FCPS students to walk and bike to school instead of driving or being driven.”
2. Do you support the hiring of a full-time SRTS Coordinator position to help achieve this goal (current position is grant funded until Aug 2016)?
3. Do you support a comprehensive traffic safety education program that ensures, at the appropriate age levels, all students learn how to safely walk, bike, drive and use transit for their daily travel needs? Currently only drivers education is taught. Note: In 2012, the School Board adopted the following policy: 'The school system will ensure that programs of walking, bicycling and bus safety education shall be established and maintained for students in the elementary schools.”
4. Do you support a comprehensive transportation study of FCPS, akin to the school lunch and school start time studies, to understand FCPS' student transportation patterns, regional traffic impact, costs and other factors that drive decision making.
Name:
Date:
Labels: candidate survey, school board
Monday, October 12, 2015
Meeting on paving Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park is Thursday
The public meeting to discuss paving a portion of the Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Kings Glen Elementary School Cafeteria, 5401 Danbury Forest Drive, Springfield, VA. See the earlier FABB blog post for more info. The paved surface will be easier to maintain and provide a much better surface for most trail users. Even so, some opposition is expected. Cyclists are encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the project and voice your support.From the county meeting announcement:
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| Click on image for larger pdf version |
The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is one of the most heavily used trails systems in Fairfax County. The Park Authority’s project includes paving approximately 7,800 linear feet of the trail in Wakefield Park between Braddock Road and Americana Park. The proposed route will follow the existing gravel trail, will be approximately eight to ten feet wide, and will be designed to minimize the impact to natural resources contained within the park. The Park Authority’s project team includes environmental and historic resource professionals who will be closely involved in the design process and will work to ensure that any impacts are limited.
For comments or questions about the project, please call Project Manager Bill Boston at 703-324-2710 or send email to William.boston@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Labels: congressman connolly, cross county trail, wakefield park
Faces of Fairfax - Denise
The Wiehle-Reston East Station boasts Fairfax County's first enclosed, secure bicycle parking facility. This facility provides over 200 bicycle parking spaces located adjacent to the station's bus platform and kiss and ride area and helps make bike commuting to and from Reston much easier.
Labels: FABB, Faces of Fairfax, reston, wiehle station bike room, wiehle-reston east
Friday, October 9, 2015
GGW article on I-66 parallel trail
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| I-66 parallel trail in green along N side at Nutley St. |
This would be a big boost for area trails
Building out the entire thing would make the Custis Trail one of the longest trails in the region. It'd be up there with the W&OD Trail's 45 mile long path, and it'd dwarf other well know trails in the area like the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles) or the Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles). You'd be able to take the trail all the way from the Key Bridge to Manassas Battlefield National Park and beyond.
Working new trails in with road plans is a way to make sure that even highway expansions are, in their own way, bike and walking-friendly. For such efforts to be successful, though, trails have to both get built and is adequate for people's needs. Otherwise the trail just gets seen as a simple amenity rather than a necessary part of the area's transportation infrastructure.
The latest plans are online in several detailed segment drawings and an overview drawing of the proposed trail in Fairfax County. The detailed drawings indicate that most of the parallel trail ramp crossings will be grade-separated, similar to those on the Custis Trail. The latest design indicates that less right of way will be needed than was earlier thought, which should reduce concerns from residents.Building out the entire thing would make the Custis Trail one of the longest trails in the region. It'd be up there with the W&OD Trail's 45 mile long path, and it'd dwarf other well know trails in the area like the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles) or the Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles). You'd be able to take the trail all the way from the Key Bridge to Manassas Battlefield National Park and beyond.
Working new trails in with road plans is a way to make sure that even highway expansions are, in their own way, bike and walking-friendly. For such efforts to be successful, though, trails have to both get built and is adequate for people's needs. Otherwise the trail just gets seen as a simple amenity rather than a necessary part of the area's transportation infrastructure.
VDOT is holding meetings in Fairfax on Oct. 19 & 20. These meetings are a great opportunity for area cyclists to voice their support for this new trail. Just because the trail is shown on plans does not mean it will be built. Your support is critical.
Monday, October 19, 2015Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20, 2015VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Labels: custis trail, greater greater washington, i-66, I-66 multimodal study
Oct. 15 meeting to discuss Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park
The Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park is an important bike route between Little River Turnpike and Braddock Road. The existing trail has a rough, unpaved surface that is difficult to use and maintain. Fairfax Park Authority is proposing to pave that portion of the trail. Some local residents and others are opposing the plan. Some have criticized the paving on the grounds that it creates more impervious surface and that a natural surface trail is better.
The existing compacted gravel trail is considered a semi-impervious surface. After heavy rain the trail can be damaged and become difficult to use. A paved surface would not add significantly to the impervious surface, would be much easier to maintain, and would be preferred by most trail users. Anyone who uses the W&OD Trail knows that most cyclists, runners, and walkers use the paved trail, not the parallel unpaved trail.
The existing compacted gravel trail is considered a semi-impervious surface. After heavy rain the trail can be damaged and become difficult to use. A paved surface would not add significantly to the impervious surface, would be much easier to maintain, and would be preferred by most trail users. Anyone who uses the W&OD Trail knows that most cyclists, runners, and walkers use the paved trail, not the parallel unpaved trail.
If you cannot attend the meeting, send questions or comments to William.boston@fairfaxcounty.gov.
From the Park Authority:
From the Park Authority:
In response to recommendations and suggestions offered by community members and trail users, the Fairfax County Park Authority is planning trail improvements of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail at Wakefield Park in Annandale, Va. A public meeting to discuss the project will be held at 7 p.m. on October 15, 2015 at Kings Glen Elementary School Cafeteria, which is located at 5401 Danbury Forest Drive in Springfield, VA.
The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is one of the most heavily used trails systems in Fairfax County. The Park Authority’s project includes paving approximately 7,800 linear feet of the trail in Wakefield Park between Braddock Road and Americana Park. The proposed route will follow the existing gravel trail, will be approximately eight to ten feet wide, and will be designed to minimize the impact to natural resources contained within the park. The Park Authority’s project team includes environmental and historic resource professionals who will be closely involved in the design process and will work to ensure that any impacts are limited.
For comments or questions about the project, please call Project Manager Bill Boston at 703-324-2710 or send email to William.boston@fairfaxcounty.gov.
The Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail is one of the most heavily used trails systems in Fairfax County. The Park Authority’s project includes paving approximately 7,800 linear feet of the trail in Wakefield Park between Braddock Road and Americana Park. The proposed route will follow the existing gravel trail, will be approximately eight to ten feet wide, and will be designed to minimize the impact to natural resources contained within the park. The Park Authority’s project team includes environmental and historic resource professionals who will be closely involved in the design process and will work to ensure that any impacts are limited.
For comments or questions about the project, please call Project Manager Bill Boston at 703-324-2710 or send email to William.boston@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Labels: cross county trail, wakefield park
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Wednesday is Walk and Bike to School Day
Fairfax County is celebrating Walk and Bike to School Day on Wednesday, October 7. From Fairfax County Public School:
Students are encouraged to bike or walk to school on October 7. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble walking groups for the event. Schools that are launching a schoolwide effort to participate can register online at http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/
Safe Routes to School (SRTS) programs get kids physically active and take cars off the road. The percentage of students walking and bicycling to school declined from 48 percent in1969 to 13 percent in 2009. The increased number of Kiss & Ride users has exacerbated traffic conditions around many schools and has made it more difficult for student walkers and bicyclist to get to school. Find out more about Safe Routes to School in FCPS.
Local organizations that support walking and biking to school include:
Board of Supervisors Candidate Survey
Candidates have until October 20 to return the survey. We will post the responses shortly afterwards. See our 2007 Candidate Survey results. Below is the letter sent to all candidates along with the questions:
Dear Board of Supervisor Candidate,
Since 2005 Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting bicycle engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation throughout Fairfax County. The Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 2014, contains ambitious recommendations for transforming Fairfax into a more bicycle-friendly community.
Unfortunately, Fairfax County has not provided adequate funding to implement the vision outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan. While significant engineering progress was made this year when several miles of bike lanes were implemented as part of the summer paving program, there is no dedicated funding for education, encouragement, and evaluation programs.
Better bicycling will attract new businesses, provide for safer routes to schools, reduce traffic, and promote a more active, healthier life style for ages 8 to 80. Beginning in 2016, our bicycle advocates will need the support of local elected officials to make meaningful changes in the county. Allocating scarce resources to implement the Bicycle Master Plan will benefit future generations and result in a safer, healthier, and more competitive communities.
So that our supporters and all county voters can be informed about your views and level of support for better bicycling, it would be greatly appreciated if you would complete, sign, date return the attached short survey to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, P.O. Box 3752, Reston, VA 20195 or chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 20, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election. Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright, Chairman
1. Do you agree with the following statement? "I support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County.”
2. One of the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October, 2014 is to “Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and programming initiatives, and small scale capital projects such as: installation of bicycle parking racks and lockers; signs for signed bicycle routes; curb ramps; and small bicycle and trail access projects.”
A. Do you support implementation of this recommendation?
B. If so, how will you support it?
3. Would you sponsor or support a motion for Fairfax County to seek recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists?
4. The Bicycle Master Plan also recommends development of an encouragement and education program call Bike Fairfax with dedicated staff separate from the Bike Program staff. The program could be funded using Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) sources. Will you support Bike Fairfax funding in the FY 2017 budget?
5. Please comment on your bicycling experiences and your efforts to support better bicycling to places of work, play, study, and worship.
Name:
Date:
Since 2005 Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling has been promoting bicycle engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement, and evaluation throughout Fairfax County. The Bicycle Master Plan, adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October 2014, contains ambitious recommendations for transforming Fairfax into a more bicycle-friendly community.
Unfortunately, Fairfax County has not provided adequate funding to implement the vision outlined in the Bicycle Master Plan. While significant engineering progress was made this year when several miles of bike lanes were implemented as part of the summer paving program, there is no dedicated funding for education, encouragement, and evaluation programs.
Better bicycling will attract new businesses, provide for safer routes to schools, reduce traffic, and promote a more active, healthier life style for ages 8 to 80. Beginning in 2016, our bicycle advocates will need the support of local elected officials to make meaningful changes in the county. Allocating scarce resources to implement the Bicycle Master Plan will benefit future generations and result in a safer, healthier, and more competitive communities.
So that our supporters and all county voters can be informed about your views and level of support for better bicycling, it would be greatly appreciated if you would complete, sign, date return the attached short survey to Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, P.O. Box 3752, Reston, VA 20195 or chairman@fabb-bikes.org no later than October 20, 2015. We will compile and publish the survey results as a nonpartisan, educational tool before the November election. Please note that our 501(c)(3) status prohibits us from endorsing candidates and contributing to partisan election campaigns.
Should you have any questions please contact me at chairman@fabb-bikes.org.
Sincerely,
Bruce Wright, Chairman
Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
November 2015 Candidates Survey
1. Do you agree with the following statement? "I support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County.”
2. One of the recommendations of the Bicycle Master Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors in October, 2014 is to “Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and programming initiatives, and small scale capital projects such as: installation of bicycle parking racks and lockers; signs for signed bicycle routes; curb ramps; and small bicycle and trail access projects.”
A. Do you support implementation of this recommendation?
B. If so, how will you support it?
3. Would you sponsor or support a motion for Fairfax County to seek recognition as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists?
4. The Bicycle Master Plan also recommends development of an encouragement and education program call Bike Fairfax with dedicated staff separate from the Bike Program staff. The program could be funded using Transportation Demand Management (TDM) and Federal Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) sources. Will you support Bike Fairfax funding in the FY 2017 budget?
5. Please comment on your bicycling experiences and your efforts to support better bicycling to places of work, play, study, and worship.
Name:
Date:
Labels: candidate survey, fairfax county board of supervisors
Meet WABA's New Executive Director Greg Billing
From our friends at WABA:
October 7, 6:00 PM
REI Community Space at Wunder Garten, 150 M St NE, Washington, DC.
Stop by, grab a beer or a snack, and say hello to our new Executive Director, Greg Billing. Nothing too formal, just a nice fun after-work gathering with our friends from REI.
RSVP Here
Labels: greg billing, waba, waba executive director
Monday, October 5, 2015
Faces of Fairfax - Bryan Sweeney
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| Bryan Sweeney |
Asked what he likes most about biking, Bryan responded “Everything!” In response to another question about what he thinks would make cycling easier and safer in the county, he suggested that efforts to increase motorist awareness of bicyclists would be helpful.
FABB continues to work with Fairfax County government and local law enforcement to expand public consciousness about safely sharing roads and to increase knowledge of the “rules of the road” that protect law-abiding cyclists from motorists who do not understand or choose to ignore the law.
Labels: burke, burke vre station, clifton, FABB, Faces of Fairfax
Saturday, October 3, 2015
More renters want secure bike parking
Home is where the bike is appeared in the Washington Post recently, describing how more and more renters are asking for secure bike parking when they look for a home to rent. Most apartment buildings in Fairfax County either have no bike parking or the parking that's provided is inadequate. We hope this will change in the near future as Fairfax adopts new Bicycle Parking Guidelines and county officials encourage more developers to provide safe, convenient bike parking.From the article:
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| Photo: Washington Post |
As the city adds bike lanes to make commuting easier, local apartment buildings have gotten on board with the trend, adding bike-friendly amenities to entice renters who cycle.
Shankar Kulumani, 28, bikes to class at George Washington University, where he’s a doctoral student in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He and his wife, Christine Kulumani, 24, have three bikes between them, so they made finding a bike-friendly building a priority in their apartment hunt.
A year ago, the couple moved to 2800 Woodley (2800 Woodley Road NW; 877-698-4894), which has a secure bike storage space and a bike repair station in the garage.
The bike storage means that when he gets home, “I don’t have to lug my bike up four flights of stairs to my apartment,” Shankar says. “This bike space is a lot better than a lot of other [apartment buildings] I’ve looked at.”
The bike repair station includes an air pump for tires and a set of tools to fix chains and other bike parts in need of maintenance. The video-monitored storage space can accommodate around 40 bikes. Renters who want to store their bikes there get a separate key to access the caged area.
2800 Woodley, which is managed by WC Smith, added the bike amenities about two years ago in response to the popularity of the similar amenities offered at a newer WC Smith-managed property, 2M Street (2 M St. NE; 855-374-5266), says Tanya Congdon, community manager at 2800 Woodley.
The effort has paid off; the bike storage space is currently full and has a waiting list, Congdon says.
Labels: bicycle parking guidelines, bike parking, wc smith
Friday, October 2, 2015
I-66 Outside the Beltway detailed plans now available
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| I-66 at Nutley St, parallel trail shown as solid green line |
Also shown on the drawings are the bike facilities across the bridges that will be rebuilt as part of the project. In the Nutley/I-66 drawing on the right you can see "Proposed Shared Use Paths" as solid green lines. The parallel trail is on the north side weaving through the interchange with bridges or tunnels crossing the ramps. The dashed green line in the upper left is the "Proposed Shared Use Path (By Others)," which in this case would be a section of the parallel trail built by Fairfax County.
There's a great deal of information in a large number of drawings. These will be printed and placed in sequence at the public information meetings planned later this month. Cyclists are encouraged to attend these meetings and learn more about the proposed bike facilities and support VDOT's trail proposal. Even if you don't support the expansion of I-66, if the project is built, we strongly support the trail proposals.
I-66 Outside the Beltway meetings held between 6:30 and 8:30 (as per comment below):
Monday, October 19, 2015,
Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20, 2015VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20, 2015VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Labels: custis trail, I-66 multimodal study, vdot
