Thursday, June 30, 2016
A Walk, Run, Bike Challenge from Children’s Science Center
The Children’s Science Center in Fair Oaks has come up with a great way to make biking (and walking and running) even more fun and interesting for kids and their families.
The Science Center has launched the Walk, Run, Bike Challenge. Through a partnership with AFCEA NOVA (Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association), three military veterans will bicycle 4,200 miles across the United States while raising money to donate to the Children’s Science Center.
Meanwhile, the Science Center is also inviting kids to participate in its Walk, Run, Bike Summer Challenge, with a goal of matching the distance of the three riders biking across America. The Challenge runs through July 24. Families can track their daily activity online. The Science Center will compile it. In the process, the Science Center and participants will explore the science related to exercise and nutrition. More information and registration is available here.
Meanwhile, the Science Center is also inviting kids to participate in its Walk, Run, Bike Summer Challenge, with a goal of matching the distance of the three riders biking across America. The Challenge runs through July 24. Families can track their daily activity online. The Science Center will compile it. In the process, the Science Center and participants will explore the science related to exercise and nutrition. More information and registration is available here.
Labels: Children's Science Center, fair oaks, health, walk-run-bike challenge
More on BrewFest
BrewFest offers four ticket options, which can be ordered in advance here to avoid lines at the event.
- Regular Entry ($25) includes 5-5oz samples.
- VIP Entry ($35) includes 12-5oz samples and 1 hour early entry.
- HopStar Entry ($75) includes unlimited samples, 2 hour early entry, and access to the “Hop Star” lounge to sample unique, small batch brews. HopStar guests will receive a one-of-a-kind beer stein courtesy of the Workhouse ceramic artists.
- Designated Driver Entry and Kids ($15) includes unlimited craft soda samples.
Parking for cars on site costs $15. A shuttle service is available from the additional free parking located across Ox Road. If you plan on driving, Workhouse recommends reserving a parking space ahead of time.
But why drive when you can bike? Bike racks will be available, and FABB will be providing cue sheets to the Workhouse website with routes to the event.
Also, for those interested in getting in some additional biking that day, the Potomac Pedalers will have rides starting at 9AM from the event site with routes that will range from 30-60 miles out to Mason Neck and back. Non-members can join the rides but must sign a ride waiver Check out the Potomac Pedalers calendar for ride details here.
Labels: Brewfest, potomac pedalers touring club, Workhouse Arts Center
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
New Regulations Proposed to Ban Most Cyclists From Arlington National Cemetery
This is despite other national- and local-level efforts to promote bicycle riding as an alternative to driving single occupancy pleasure cars. This is despite an obesity level among potential recruits, where nearly 1 in 3 young adults were too fat for the military. This is also despite the continued permission for motorized tourist trollys with loudspeakers to drive around the cemetery.
This is a significant change to long-existing regulatory language which has permitted riding a bicycle along identified routes inside the cemetery. At this moment, the Arlington National Cemetery permits bicycling downhill from Fort Myer along a designated route during business hours. The downhill route has been used many thousands of times by bicycle commuters safely since the 1970’s, but those commuters must have appropriate identification to enter Fort Myer. It is unknown if there are any cemetery-related reports of disrespectful behavior by bicyclists with appropriate identification to enter Fort Myer. Since this group of bicyclists would typically include Active Duty, Retired, or individuals with other U.S. government affiliations, any disrespectful behavior to our war dead would seem highly unusual.
The new regulations are available for reading and comment.
Highlights of the proposed regulations include:
. . . "(c) Conduct within Army National Military Cemeteries. Army National Military Cemeteries are a national shrine to the honored dead of the Armed Forces, and certain acts and activities, which may be appropriate elsewhere, are not appropriate in Army National Military Cemeteries. All visitors, including persons attending or taking part in memorial services and ceremonies, shall observe proper standards of decorum and decency while in an Army National Military Cemetery. Specifically, no person shall:
(7) Use the cemetery grounds for recreational activities (e.g., physical exercise, running, jogging, sports, or picnics).
(8) Ride a bicycle or similar conveyance in an Army National Military Cemetery, except with a proper pass issued by the Executive Director to visit a gravesite or niche. An individual visiting a relative's gravesite or niche may be issued a temporary pass by the Executive Director to proceed directly to and from the gravesite or niche on a bicycle or similar vehicle or conveyance."
Public comments may still be made until 11 July. See below for info on how to comment.(7) Use the cemetery grounds for recreational activities (e.g., physical exercise, running, jogging, sports, or picnics).
(8) Ride a bicycle or similar conveyance in an Army National Military Cemetery, except with a proper pass issued by the Executive Director to visit a gravesite or niche. An individual visiting a relative's gravesite or niche may be issued a temporary pass by the Executive Director to proceed directly to and from the gravesite or niche on a bicycle or similar vehicle or conveyance."
Representative Beyer's staff Kudos notified us of this change and about the opportunity to comment.Rep. Beyer's office engaged the Arlington National Cemetery leadership on behalf of a (retired military) constituent inquiry over modifying existing local regulations to permit uphill riding. Under existing law, the Superintendent may permit bicycle riding in both directions or in other locations.
Now that Virginia law has changed effective 1 July 2015 to permit crossing a double yellow line in order to pass a bicyclist, the cemetery roads should safely permit bicyclists and motorists to share the previously designated roads. A motorist may now legally pass a bicyclist heading uphill (who would probably be nowhere near the 20mph speed limit) by crossing a double yellow line so long as the motorist does it safely and with at least three feet clearance.
See an earlier blog post at The Wash Cycle about cycling in Arlington Cemetery. See also BikeArlington's page on Biking Through Arlington National Cemetery.
How to Comment:
It is not straightforward, but you can comment on the proposed regulations. Instructions are as follows:
You may submit comments, identified by 32 CFR part 553, Docket No. USA-2015-HQ-0046 and or by Regulatory Information Number (RIN) 0720-AA60 by any of the following methods:
- Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
- Mail: Department of Defense, Office of the Deputy Chief Management Officer, Directorate of Oversight and Compliance, 4800 Mark Center Drive, Mailbox #24, Alexandria, VA 22350-1700.
- Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number or RIN for this Federal Register document. The general policy for comments and other submissions from members of the public is to make these submissions available for public viewing on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov as they are received without change, including any personal identifiers or contact information.
Labels: arlington national cemetery
The Return of Faces of Fairfax - Stacey Hardy
Last year FABB presented a series of stories that sought to personalize Fairfax County’s bicyclists for the larger public. During this year’s Bike to Work Day in May, FABB members again took pictures of area bikers and asked them about themselves and their biking habits.
Stacey Hardy likes to ride to work and around her neighborhood on weekends. She first participated in Bike To Work Day in 2015 and since then rides to work a few times a week from Fairfax City to the Fair Oaks area.
Stacey Hardy likes to ride to work and around her neighborhood on weekends. She first participated in Bike To Work Day in 2015 and since then rides to work a few times a week from Fairfax City to the Fair Oaks area.
She likes to ride because it gets her outside and is a welcome physical challenge in a world where it's easy to be sedentary. She also likes the fact that biking to work accomplishes the multiple functions of getting to work, getting outside, and getting exercise at the same time.
Stacey would like to see more dedicated bicycling facilities that treat bicycling as a valid way to get around. She thinks that just sharing recreational trails and sidewalks can endanger pedestrians.
As we wrote last year, FABB encourages its members and other readers to share these profiles in social media as a reminder to our fellow citizens that, when it comes to our area’s bike commuters, recreational riders, and other bicyclists, we represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests. We are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and sons and daughters. And, when we ride with safety in mind and within the law, we deserve reciprocal care and consideration from others on the roads and trails.
As we wrote last year, FABB encourages its members and other readers to share these profiles in social media as a reminder to our fellow citizens that, when it comes to our area’s bike commuters, recreational riders, and other bicyclists, we represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests. We are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and sons and daughters. And, when we ride with safety in mind and within the law, we deserve reciprocal care and consideration from others on the roads and trails.
Labels: bicycle safety, bike to work day, city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
FABB and Potomac Pedalers Supporting Bike-Friendly BrewFest
FABB is proud to be working with the Potomac Pedalers and the Workhouse Arts Center in promoting and supporting BrewFest, the first of its kind craft beer event in Fairfax County. Brewfest will feature nearly 100 craft brews by 30 breweries, including many local brewers. In addition, the day will feature a dozen bands performing on three stages, numerous food trucks, and lawn games. Plus Workhouse Arts Center artists will open their galleries for visitors to explore. BrewFest takes place on August 13, 2016 from 10am-6pm, rain or shine, at the Workhouse Art Center, 9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, VA 22079.
Potomac Pedalers, of course, is one of the region’s largest non-profit educational, recreational and social organization for bicycling enthusiasts. Every week, Potomac Pedalers provide a variety of routes for novice to veterans riders, with routes from the Chesapeake Bay to the Blue Ridge Mountains and all around the Beltway.
For the Workhouse event, the Potomac Pedalers will have rides starting at 9AM from the Vulcan parking lot across Ox Road with routes that will range from 30-60 miles out to Mason Neck and back. See the Potomac Pedalers calendar for ride details here. After the ride, participants are encouraged to join the Brewfest festivities.
BrewFest is encouraging other bicyclists to attend, and bike racks will be available on site. FABB is preparing cue sheets for bike routes to Brewfest and these will be available on the Workhouse website prior to the event.
All proceeds from the event benefit the arts and education programs at the Workhouse Arts Center. Workhouse is a non-profit dedicated to providing outstanding visual and performing arts, arts education and history programs—all in the unique historic setting of the former DC Prison in Lorton.
All proceeds from the event benefit the arts and education programs at the Workhouse Arts Center. Workhouse is a non-profit dedicated to providing outstanding visual and performing arts, arts education and history programs—all in the unique historic setting of the former DC Prison in Lorton.
Labels: Brewfest, potomac pedalers touring club, Workhouse Arts Center
Monday, June 27, 2016
Fairfax Bike Program Is Looking for a Fall Intern
The title above was modified to reflect the fact that this internship position is for Fall 2016, not Summer. See the job announcement below from Fairfax Co Dept. of Transportation.
This position will include developing and implementing community and business outreach strategies and materials related to bicycle projects, developing a variety of bike-related encouragement and educational efforts, and attending outreach events.
Minimum QualificationsCurrent student or recent graduate in the field of marketing, sales, communications, community organizing, urban or transportation planning, or similar. Experience with outreach efforts, advocacy or event planning desirable. Must be able to ride a bike. Must have valid driver’s license. Ability to communicate in Spanish a plus.
Salary
This intern position is UNPAID, but will work with intern to earn class credit if offered through his/her college or university.
Schedule
The position requires 20 hours per week from September-December. Attendance of some evening and weekend events is required. Exact length of position will depend on candidate’s availability. Schedule can be flexible.
Preferred Qualifications and Knowledge-Excellent organizational skills and great initiative
-Strong writing skills and ability to synthesize key information into a compelling written presentation
-Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
-Ability to use Word, PowerPoint, Excel
-Some knowledge of bicycle planning and encouragement principles
Please send resume and cover letter to DOTBicyclePrograms@fairfaxcounty.gov by July 18, 2016. Call 703-877-5625 with questions.
Labels: fairfax bicycle program, fairfax county department of transportation
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Newly Paved Shoulder on Franklin Farm Road
However, where the road intersects with side streets with curb and gutter, the shoulder disappears. We are told that VDOT had funding only for repaving, not reconstructing curb and gutter at these intersections. We've asked that the modifications be added to the project list. At these locations cyclists will need to merge into the travel lane, which can be a difficult maneuver when traffic is heavy.
Thanks to VDOT and Fairfax Co for improving bike conditions on this road. Let's hope there will be funds in the near future to improve the intersections which will greatly improve this route.
Here's a before and after comparison of a section of the road just west of Fairfax Co Parkway:
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| Franklin Farm Rd before repaving |
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| Franklin Farm Rd after repaving |
This is what one of the curb and gutter intersections looks like:
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| Franklin Farm Rd at Tuckaway Dr |
Labels: franklin farm road, repaving
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
One Month Until Richmond to DC Ride
The inaugural Ride to DC: Bike for Your Right event, a 160-mile ride from Richmond to Gateway Park in Rosslyn, will be held on 23-24 July 2016. Early registration closes next week on 30 June. The cost is $150, which includes access to food and water stations every 15 miles and a complimentary beer for riders over 21 who make the finish line. Transportation options are available for purchase during online registration.
FABB is encouraging interested northern Virginia cyclists to participate in this challenging and fun advocacy ride, which is sponsored by Sports Backers of Richmond, to demonstrate our area’s strong support for bicycling in the Commonwealth.
The ride will rely on back roads and trails to cover the distance between Richmond and Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg, on the first day. On day two, riders will bike from Fredericksburg along the western border of Quantico Marine Corps Base into Manassas and Chantilly before joining the Fairfax County Parkway trail into Reston. From there, the riders will take the W&OD trail south to the Custis Trail and into Rosslyn. More details on the ride can be found on the Sports Backers website.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, RVA2DC Ride, sports backers, w&od trail
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Crash on W&OD Trail Monday June 13
The cyclist suffered a concussion, a broken rib, and various bruises and road rash. The cyclist was unconscious when he was taken to the trauma center at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where the police issued him a ticket for failure to yield right of way.
At this location there is a very short distance between the nearest road intersection and the trail crossing. A fast-moving motorist could come upon a cyclist very quickly, which may have been the case in this situation. Traffic volume on Michael Faraday Ct is very low, approximately 210 vehicles per day, which is much less than traffic volume on the trail. Fairfax Co recently counted trail users within a mile of this intersection and the daily totals ranged from 887 to 2709. A strong argument could be made for installing STOP signs for motorists traveling on Michael Faraday Ct.
According to the crash report, the VA code used for the citation was 46.2-826, "Stop before entering public highway or sidewalk from private road, etc.; yielding right-of-way.” There is some confusion about whether this is the proper code to use in this case. According to a VDOT report about the zig zag markings on Sterling Blvd, they commented on this confusion:
With regard to language in the Code regarding vehicles entering a public highway from a road other than a highway, § 46.2-826 states: “The driver of a vehicle entering a public highway or sidewalk from a private road, driveway, alley, or building shall stop immediately before entering such highway or sidewalk and yield the right-of-way to vehicles approaching on such public highway and to pedestrians or vehicles approaching on such public sidewalk.” Again in this case, however, bicycles are not considered “vehicles” by § 46.2-100 because “a private road, driveway, alley, or building” does not meet the Code’s definition of a “highway.” Therefore, this code provision does not appear to apply to bicyclists on the W&OD Trail.”
On the other hand, on June 14, 2013 the VA Attorney General's office issued an opinion on the enforcement of STOP signs on the W&OD Trail: "Accordingly, it is my opinion that law enforcement officers may enforce against trailer [sic] users stop signs installed on the W&OD Trail if such signs represent a rule or regulation adopted by NVRPA under the Virginia Park Authorities Act." The opinion does not state which code should be used for writing a citation.The bottom line is be very careful when crossing road intersections. We know that most trail users don't come to a complete stop (including Fairfax Co bike police). But if you don't stop, and are involved in a crash with a motorist, there's a good chance you will either be found to be at fault or the contributory negligence law in VA will prevent you from winning in civil court.
Labels: bike crash, michael faraday dr, W and OD Trail
Monday, June 20, 2016
Results from Vienna Walk Bike Challenge Week
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| Banner over Maple Ave during Walk Bike Challenge Week |
Cunningham Park received the Challenge Cup at an awards ceremony June 17 before the Chillin On Church Street Party. The Cup is awarded to the school with the most improvement in participation over the prior year. Westbriar came in second making 3 years in a row with a top 2 finish.
Vienna Elementary will also be recognized for the fifth straight year with the Biking Cup which is awarded to the school with the highest level of participants that bike to school. Vienna ES had 232 students bike to school on Friday - over 50% of the students - which is as far as we know only the second time in the Commonwealth of Virginia that a school has had over 200 students bike to school. The previous time being last year Vienna Elementary had 279 students bike to school for our field day.
Final results:
Challenge Cup:
1. Cunningham Park
2. Westbriar
3. Vienna Elementary
Biking Cup:
1. Vienna Elementary
2. Marshall Road
3. Wolftrap
Labels: vienna, vienna bike/walk challenge
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Bike Room at Stringfellow Park & Ride Photos
Yesterday we attended the Stringfellow Park & Ride ribbon-cutting ceremony. The facility was recently expanded to include the county's second secure bike room. We were able to tour the facility and check out the new racks. There's a row of inverted U racks and a row of 2-Tier racks, all located inside a covered bike cage accessed by a key fob, which is also usable at the Wiehe-Reston East bike room.As far as we know, this is the first installation of the 2-Tier racks in the county. Using the racks, made by Dero, will take some practice. To park in the upper rack, a cyclist must first pull the rack out and down, lift the bike into the rack, attach the spring-loaded wheel holder to the front wheel, lift up the rack and bike and roll back into place. You can then squeeze between the racks and place a U-lock around the frame. Most people will use the U-racks and the lower tier racks but the upper racks add capacity when those are full.
Here's a video showing the process:
Expansion Highlights
- Approximately 300 additional parking spaces.
- Three additional bus bays.
- A Connector transit store
- Improved pedestrian and bike facilities, including a secure bike room.
- Solar panel with net metering for electric service.
- 9 biofilters for Low Impact Development (LID) features.
Labels: bike room, stringfellow park and ride
Popularity of Biking During Safetrack
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| Bike to Work Day in Vienna |
During Metro's first phase of repairs, Safetrack, it seems that many more people are discovering the joys of bike commuting. According to the Post, How Safetrack can actually make us happier:
As commuters made adjustments to their travels in response to last week’s first surge of Safetrack, Metro’s yearlong maintenance plan, ridership at stations west of Ballston was down by over 25 percent.
One type of commuter did go up in numbers, however: cyclists.
Between Monday and Friday last week, automated bike counters recorded a 70 to 90 percent increase in bike traffic in Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor compared to the same period last year. The counter at 14th Street Bridge alone recorded close to 4,400 extra bikes zipping past it last week, compared to the same week last year.
And all that biking might be a cause for joy.
In 2014, researchers Eric Morris of Clemson University and Erick Guerra of the University of Pennsylvania published a study on how different modes of transport affect the way we feel. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that cyclists are the happiest commuters of all, ahead of car passengers, car drivers, and public transit users.
One type of commuter did go up in numbers, however: cyclists.
Between Monday and Friday last week, automated bike counters recorded a 70 to 90 percent increase in bike traffic in Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor compared to the same period last year. The counter at 14th Street Bridge alone recorded close to 4,400 extra bikes zipping past it last week, compared to the same week last year.
And all that biking might be a cause for joy.
In 2014, researchers Eric Morris of Clemson University and Erick Guerra of the University of Pennsylvania published a study on how different modes of transport affect the way we feel. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that cyclists are the happiest commuters of all, ahead of car passengers, car drivers, and public transit users.
Labels: safetrack
Reporting Trail and Sidewalk Problems
One problem is that Fairfax County owns some trails and sidewalks so ownership must first be determined by VDOT. The W&OD and Mt Vernon Trails are not owned by the county or VDOT. Nearly all sidewalks are owned by VDOT as are many trails.
Another problem is that the forms used for reporting problems do not include "trails" or "sidewalks" as options. The Active Prince William article addresses how to get around that issue. We've requested that the form be broadened to include trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and other bike facilities.
For sidewalks and trails owned by Fairfax County you can report problems by filling out a form on the Report a Walkway Problem page. At last night's FABB meeting the bike coordinator mentioned that there are now some funds for trail and sidewalk maintenance. More on that later.
Labels: myvdot, trail maintenance, vdot
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
New Bike Room at Stringfellow Park & Ride
Fairfax County is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Stringfellow Road Park-and-Ride expansion. The event will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2016, at 1 p.m., at 4920 Stringfellow Road, Centreville. The expansion includes new U-racks and a secure bike room. |
| New Stringfellow Park & Ride Bike Room and Racks |
Bike access to the Stringfellow lot is adequate, with a 10 foot trail on the east side, wide outside lanes for on-road cyclists, and the Bobann trail that runs parallel to I-66 on the south side from Stringfellow Road to Wharton Lane.
Labels: bike room, stringfellow park and ride
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Vesper & Ashgrove Trails and Fairfax Co Parkway meetings Monday
Two important meetings are planned for Monday, June 13: |
| Ashgrove Trail - 25 Vesper Trail - 24 |
Fairfax Co Parkway - The Virginia Department of Transportation, in cooperation with Fairfax County, is holding a public information meetings on a multimodal study of the 31-mile Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) corridor from Route 7 to Route 1, as well as a 3.5-mile portion of the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. The study is assessing existing transportation issues and developing short-term multimodal improvements that can be implemented within the next one to ten years. The public is invited to stop by to learn more about the study, view displays and discuss questions with VDOT and Fairfax County staff. See the Fairfax Co Parkway Corridor Study page. This is an opportunity to ask that the Fairfax County Parkway Trail be maintained and made safer. 6:30-8:30pm at Sangster Elementary School, 7420 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153.
Labels: fairfax county parkway, fairfax county parkway trail, vesper trail
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Route 7 Widening Meeting
From VDOT:
The Route 7 Corridor Improvements Project will improve 6.9 miles of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive. Some of the proposed work includes:
Widening of Route 7 from four to six lanes, Intersection improvements, Adding 10-foot wide shared-use paths on both sides of the road.
VDOT is holding an information meeting on Thursday, June 16 from 6-8:30 p.m. with a presentation at 7 p.m. at Colvin Run Elementary School, 1400 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.
Labels: route 7
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Public Meeting on Vienna Metrorail Station Bicycle Access Proposals, June 16
FABB wants to alert members and other interested citizens that the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is holding the final meeting to share proposed concepts with and gather feedback from the public on bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Vienna-GMU-Fairfax Metro station. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2016, 6:30 p.m., in the cafeteria of Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna.
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| Streets reviewed by the study. (Courtesy of FCDOT) |
The meeting will focus on proposals developed by the Vienna Metrorail Bicycle Access Study. The study examines ways to improve bicycle access to the Vienna Metrorail Station and encompasses (as shown in map) Nutley Street (blue), Sutton Road (green), and Virginia Center Boulevard/County Creek Road (red).
It's Time to Fix the Fairfax County Parkway Trail
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| Fairfax Co Parkway Trail in Reston |
Please consider attending one of the following meetings or submit comments to: meeting_comments@vdot.virginia.gov?subject= Fairfax County Parkway/Franconia-Springfield Parkway Corridor Study. Please include “Fairfax County Parkway/Franconia-Springfield Parkway Corridor Study” in the subject line.
The sections under study are Fairfax County Parkway from Route 7 to Route 1 and Franconia-Springfield Parkway From – Fairfax County/ Franconia- Springfield Parkways interchange west of I-95 To – Route 613 (Beulah Street). See the meeting presentation.
From VDOT:
Fairfax County Parkway & Franconia-Springfield Parkway Corridor Study
Assessing short-term multimodal improvements in Fairfax County
Public Information Meetings
The public is invited to attend one of three public information meetings about the study:
Meeting Times: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation: 7 p.m.
June 8: Hayfield Secondary School - 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
June 9: Oak Hill Elementary School - 3210 Kinross Circle, Herndon
June 13: Sangster Elementary School, 7420 Reservation Drive, Springfield
E-mail or mail your comments by July 5, 2016 to Mr. Abi Lerner, P.E. at 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
About the Project The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in cooperation with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, is conducting a multimodal corridor study for the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield Parkways. The Fairfax County Parkway portion of the study corridor is approximately 31 miles in length, while the Franconia-Springfield Parkway portion is 3.5 miles long. The study is evaluating existing transportation issues and is developing recommendations for short-term multimodal improvements that can be implemented within the next one to ten years.
Project Activities and Schedule
The project is expected to be completed by early 2017 and includes the following activities:
Assessing short-term multimodal improvements in Fairfax County
Public Information Meetings
The public is invited to attend one of three public information meetings about the study:
Meeting Times: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation: 7 p.m.
June 8: Hayfield Secondary School - 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria
June 9: Oak Hill Elementary School - 3210 Kinross Circle, Herndon
June 13: Sangster Elementary School, 7420 Reservation Drive, Springfield
E-mail or mail your comments by July 5, 2016 to Mr. Abi Lerner, P.E. at 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
About the Project The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in cooperation with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, is conducting a multimodal corridor study for the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield Parkways. The Fairfax County Parkway portion of the study corridor is approximately 31 miles in length, while the Franconia-Springfield Parkway portion is 3.5 miles long. The study is evaluating existing transportation issues and is developing recommendations for short-term multimodal improvements that can be implemented within the next one to ten years.
Project Activities and Schedule
The project is expected to be completed by early 2017 and includes the following activities:
- Traffic/Safety Data Analysis - Spring 2015
- Identify Issues - Spring 2015
- Analysis of Existing Conditions - Fall 2015/Winter 2015-2016
- Identify & Evaluate Improvements - Winter 2015-2016/Spring 2016
- Public Information Meetings - June 2016
- Finalize Evaluations/Final Project Documentation - Winter 2016/2017
Labels: fairfax county parkway, fairfax county parkway trail, franconia-springfield parkway
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
FABB’s Next Monthly Meeting to be Held in Lee District, 15 June
Join FABB on June 15 at 7:30 pm at the Richard Bird Library in Springfield to talk bicycling and learn about upcoming Fairfax County bike plans for the Lee District. These meetings in district venues are part of FABB’s effort to hear more from local residents about their bicycling needs.
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| Supervisor McKay |
Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay will be there to speak about his vision for bicycling in the district and county. Fairfax County Bicycle Program Manager Adam Lind also will be there to discuss current and future bicycle plans for the district. We also plan to have a discussion about Safe Routes to School programs and representatives from local bike shops and Springfield Towne Center there. As always, FABB monthly meetings will provide updates on various events and developments around the county of interest to cyclists. And, the meeting is your opportunity to share concerns about and suggestions for improving bicycling in Fairfax County.
The Richard Byrd Library is at 7250 Commerce Street in Springfield. See you there!
Labels: adam lind, FABB, lee district, monthly meeting, safe routes to school, supervisor mckay
New Bicycle/Pedestrian Program Staff in Fairfax County
Fairfax County recently hired two new staff for the bicycle and pedestrian programs. Nicole Wynands previously worked at the League of American Bicyclists and Lauren Delmare was with Toole Design Group. Welcome to Fairfax County!
Nicole, what are the general duties of your new job and what specifically will you be working on in the near future?
I will work primarily on bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure scopes, wayfinding projects, and outreach. Some of my first tasks include developing wayfinding signage for the Fairfax County Parkway Trail, preparing the scope for four bike/ped projects, and assisting with BTWD outreach. I am also working on promoting the Bicycle Friendly Business program, the update of the Fairfax County bicycle map, and bike parking at Fairfax County government facilities.
What is your educational/work background?
I have a graduate degree in Community Planning from the University of Maryland at College Park. I was first introduced to bicycle and pedestrian planning right after graduating from college through an internship with one of the leading active transportation design firms in Germany. After completing my graduate studies I was accepted into the Junior Professional Associate program at the World Bank, where I worked on transportation projects in India and Nepal. After graduating from the JPA program, the League of American Bicyclists hired me to manage their Bicycle Friendly Community program. For a brief period, I also managed the Bicycle Friendly State program.
What did you do at the League of American Bicyclists and how will that work influence your work at the county?
At the League, I worked with local governments, advocates, bike clubs and citizens nationwide on making their community more bicycle-friendly. Specifically, I provided assistance to applicants, conducted the local review portion of the application, judged all applications, developed report cards for all applicants, developed recommendations on how to improve the applicant community for people on bikes for all applicants, regularly updated the application and resource pages, and provided technical assistance to planners and engineers. I had the unique opportunity to witness and learn from the incredible bicycle-friendly efforts that are going on all across the country. This insight gives me a very good idea what it will take for Fairfax County to become a high ranking Bicycle Friendly Community.
Do you think you will be able to bike commute to your new job?
I am hoping to bike commute to work regularly, once family logistics allow for it.
What kind of riding do you do?
Growing up in Germany I mostly rode my bike for utilitarian reasons. I didn’t own a car until I was nearly 30. But recently I have started to ride recreationally as well, either with my kids in the trailer on Reston’s shared-use path system or on a mountain bike along natural surface trails. I can actually ride to the CCT from my backyard.
Anything else you would like to add?
I am looking forward to working with FABB, the business community, schools and citizens on making Fairfax County a great place to ride a bike for everyone.
What are the general duties of your new job and what specifically will you be working on in the near future?
My new job duties include evaluating, scoping, and designing pedestrian and bicycle projects and coordinating with stakeholders in Fairfax County to improve walking and bicycling conditions. In my first few weeks, I have worked on scoping two sidepath projects and preliminary design of bike lane retrofits, crosswalk enhancements, and bicycle wayfinding.
What is your educational/work background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Virginia where I cultivated interests in transportation and urban planning. Nearly five years with Toole Design Group offered me tremendous exposure to bicycle and pedestrian work across the country. I earned my Professional Engineering license last fall.
What did you do at Toole Design Group and how will that work influence your work at the county?
At Toole Design Group, my work focused on bicycle and pedestrian analysis and design, including wayfinding signage design, intersection analysis and design, traffic analysis, corridor studies, parking studies, and Safe Routes to School engineering reviews. I hope that my experience in multimodal best practices will help me serve as a resource on all transportation projects as the county strives to build a better network for all users.
Do you bike? If so, what kind of riding do you do? and do you think you will be able to bike commute to your new job?
I enjoy recreational bicycling, especially while traveling. I appreciate how the growth of bikeshare systems in the U.S has made tourism biking more convenient, and I have definitely taken advantage of it. Though my family duties limit me now, I hope to be able to bike to work soon!
Anything else you would like to add?
I am looking forward to working with members of FABB to improve bicycling in Fairfax County in the years to come!
Thank you both for your responses and we look forward to working with you in the future.
Labels: fairfax county bicycle program, fairfax county pedestrian program, lauren delmare, nicole wynands
Thursday, June 2, 2016
9 June Public Hearing on Funding Falls Church Capital Bikeshare
Falls Church hopes to expand Capital Bikeshare to the city, but the plan may be stopped short if necessary funding is not approved. Your input can help make the difference. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is holding a public hearing next week on whether to fund the Falls Church program as part of its FY2017 program.
FABB is encouraging members and interested citizens to speak up in support of bringing the popular bike share program to Falls Church. The public hearing will be held at 7pm, June 9, at 3040 Williams Drive, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA. Comments can also be submitted by email to FY2017Program@TheNoVaAuthority.org .
Falls Church submitted an application to the NVTA, which is a regional body that works to fund transportation initiatives that provide cost effective congestion relief, like Capital Bikeshare. If approved, NVTA funding would support the installation of up to 16 bikeshare stations in Falls Church, providing residents and visitors additional travel options to Metro and points around the city. It would also serve to connect the city to the regional bikeshare network that already covers the District, Arlington, Alexandria, and soon the Reston-Herndon and Tysons areas. Falls Church plans to have its bikeshare program online by late spring or early summer of 2017.
The effort to bring bikeshare to Falls Church follows the City Council’s unanimous adoption of the City’s Bicycle Master Plan in 2015. The plan identifies several bikeshare corridors and recommended bike routes and infrastructure that will help increase access to the East and West Falls Church Metro stations and improve connections throughout the region.
FABB supports bikesharing as a way to expand transportation options and promote better bicycling in the area. By making bicycles readily available in the community, bikeshare encourages more people to make their trips by bike. More people biking, in turn, increases demand for better bike infrastructure. It also serves to increase motorist awareness of bicyclists contributing to a safer biking environment.
Labels: bikeshare, capital bikeshare, falls church, nvta
