Friday, July 27, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Jim Kirk
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| Jim Kirk |
During his morning commute on Bike to Work Day, Jim Kirk of the Waynewood neighborhood near Alexandria briefly spoke to FABB about bicycling. Jim regularly rides the Mount Vernon Trail for commuting and recreation. He admitted, however, that he rides now because running hurts his knees. More than a few FABB members understand just what Jim means because bicycling became their go-to exercise option after running had taken its toll. When we asked Jim what would he change to make it easier and safer to ride in the county, he said that better education for motorists would make a major difference.
FABB has a standing committee (new volunteer members welcome!) that is working with the Fairfax County Police Department to address a range of issues, including motorist education. At FABB’s January meeting earlier this year, we were honored to host two FCPD officers from the Traffic Division. We were all happy to learn that the division was focused on increased education and enforcement efforts against distracted driving. Our FCPD guests told us in January that their unit’s officers regularly conduct community outreach and are available to support community initiatives. For a more detailed report on the FCPD presentation, visit our blog here.
Labels: alexandria, bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, mount vernon trail
Sunday, July 22, 2018
Pohick Stream Valley Trail Improvements
Starting next month riders in the Burke Station area should be alert for work on the Pohick Stream Valley Trail, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority. The FCPA warns that the project may impact parking and access to trails.
The improvements will consist of approximately 2,400 linear feet of 8-foot wide paved trail, landscaping, and a new prefabricated fiberglass pedestrian bridge. Work at the site will continue through this fall and completion is anticipated prior to spring 2019.
Construction access to the site will be from the park entrances on Kerrwood Street and Burke Road. Parking restrictions near these entrances are anticipated in order to facilitate the passage of construction materials and equipment. In addition, construction equipment will be present on the trail in Pohick Stream Valley Park during construction.
As a safety precaution, portions of the existing trail may be occasionally closed to users during the project.
For more information, please visit the Trails page or contact Project Manager Tom McFarland at Thomas.McFarland@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-324-8688.
Labels: burke station, fcpa, pohick stream valley trail
Friday, July 20, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Delia Johnson
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| Delia Johnson |
Meet Delia Johnson, a rider from Burke, who kindly spent a few minutes with FABB to talk about bicycling on Bike to Work Day 2018. Delia rides her bike regularly to get around the county. She commutes to her job at George Mason University and uses her bike for trips to the store and her local library. For her, the exercise is great but she also appreciates saving money that might otherwise be spent on gas and parking. In response to our question about what she most likes about riding, Delia told us that she likes the exercise and health benefits along with the feeling that she is doing her part for the environment and congestion by taking one car off the road. She would love to see a bike lane on Braddock Road to make is easier and safer to ride around Burke.
FABB has been supportive of the efforts of Braddock District Supervisor John Cook and members of the Burke community to develop pedestrian and bicycle improvements for the Braddock Road corridor between Guinea Road and I-495. As briefly discussed at a public meeting on proposed pedestrian bridges last month, the plan now includes a shared use path on both sides of Braddock Road. Not a bike lane, but a clear improvement in a heavily trafficked area.
Labels: braddock road, Braddock Road multimodal study, burke, Faces of Fairfax, supervisor cook
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Dutch Dreaming
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| Photo courtesy of The Economist |
The Netherlands continues to be the premiere bicycle-friendly country and sets a very high bar for US aspirations. The Economist reports that a new underground bicycle park at the Utrecht Central railway station, which opened last year, is three stories deep, has electronic monitors indicating where spaces are available, and has room to park 7,500 bicycles!
The national government’s latest bicycling plan, released last month, envisions spending €250 million ($293 million US) to the end of 2022 on new paths and parks. The aim is to lure 200,000 motorists to switch to cycling and to increase annual bike travel by 3 billion bicycle-kilometers (1.86 billion miles) in 2027.
The Netherlands has roughly three times the population of the DC metro area, but imagine what could be accomplished if the region devoted $97 million to news paths and parks over the next four years. Definitely a “reach,” but with your help and support, FABB will be working hard with like-minded groups across northern Virginia to move local government and businesses to provide more and better bicycle infrastructure. Please volunteer or donate now, so we can continue our advocacy to make bicycling better in Fairfax and the region.
Labels: donation, Netherlands, volunteers
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
National Bike Challenge Mid-month Update
Fairfax riders are holding on to fourth place in our category in the National Bike Challenge. Ten more cyclists have signed up since the first of the month and that’s a big help in adding to our totals. Fairfax riders have now logged more than 6,600 trips and 96,000 miles.
Local cyclists also can take a bow for helping to keep Virginia among the top three states in the 8 to 12 million residents category. Our mileage represents more that half of the miles logged in Virginia, which is helping to keep the Old Dominion well ahead of North Carolina.
Keep riding and keep inviting friends and colleagues to join in the fun by registering at Love to Ride.
Labels: national bike challenge
Monday, July 16, 2018
Register Now for FABB Adult Learn to Ride Classes
If you or someone you know want to experience the joys of biking but have not yet learned to ride, now is your chance! FABB is offering classes for adults (18 years and up) on three different Saturdays in August and September. Our team of certified instructors will teach the basics in a helpful learn-at-your-own-pace class. Over the course of two hours they will help students get their balance on a bike and then progress into using pedals and basic riding skills.
Register now for class on either August 11, August 18, or September 8 at our Eventbrite page. Classes will be from 9:00 to 11:00 am at the Fairfax County Government Center’s Parking Lot B. Students need to wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather and need a bike and a helmet that fits.
If you have questions, please email FABB’s Education Coordinator at education@fabb-bikes.org.
Special accommodations will be provided upon request. Please call the education coordinator at 540-227-6051 two working days before the event to make the necessary arrangements.
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Bike Your Park Day Coming In September
The third annual Bike Your Park Day will take place on September 29, 2018, to encourage and promote bicycling in parks and public lands across the country.
FABB is making plans now to help inspire Fairfax residents to use the day to discover nearby county parks and public lands by bicycle. We are looking for volunteers to help plan or lead FABB social rides on Bike Your Park Day to promote bicycling as a healthy, sustainable way to travel and see the great outdoors. If interested, please send us a note at info@fabbbikes.org.
Adventure Cycling has a program to allow bicyclists to register at no cost their own Bike Your Park rides in parks and public lands. Registrants can choose to make their ride private or open it up for others to join. Registrants also are eligible to win prizes that include a bike and two Amtrak tickets to Glacier National Park. Every registrant also receives a Bike Your Park Day sticker in the mail. There are now a number of registered rides in Fairfax County, including the W&OD trail, Lake Fairfax Park, and Burke Lake Park. The George Washington Memorial Parkway will also be open to bicyling that day. You can sign up for these registered rides here. Save the date and start making your plans now.
Labels: bike your park day
Saturday, July 14, 2018
myVDOT More Bike-Friendly
Good news! The Virginia Department of Transportation’s myVDOT webpage has been updated in a way to make it more useful for cyclists and pedestrians. The best tool to report problems on VDOT maintained roads, sidewalks, and paths, myVDOT recently added an option titled "I need to report an issue on a sidewalk, or pedestrian or bicycle path." This will make it easier to draw VDOT’s attention to problems you encounter on your rides.
Of course, VDOT does not maintain all sidewalks or pedestrian and bike paths in Virginia, but the new option and the existing ability to enter locations and details will speed the process of repairs. If you are reporting multiple problems, VDOT asks that you submit a separate report for each request. Also, if your request is related to a road hazard that needs immediate attention, please call 1-800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD).
Friday, July 13, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Matt Crosby
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| Matt Crosby |
When FABB saw Matt Crosby of Fairfax on Bike to Work Day, it was clear he was an experienced commuter. With rain gear and a bright neon green foldable bike, Matt looked ready to take on the world regardless of weather. Matt told us he likes to ride, in part, just for the joy of beating traffic. When not commuting, Matt rides around Fairfax and into Arlington. In response to our question about what changes he would make to improve bicycling in Fairfax County, Matt said more bike lanes would be a great start.
It is always great to see experienced and confident cyclists who are ready to ride regardless of conditions. FABB appreciates Matt’s desire for more bike lanes. He recognizes that to make bicycling better and more available to a wider range of riders, safety is a key factor. When people think they can ride safely on dedicated bicycling infrastructure, they will do so. This is why FABB continues to advocate for more infrastructure, especially dedicated bike lanes, and is looking to build even greater popular support for the inclusion of bicycle infrastructure and education in Fairfax County’s future transportation plans.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Friday, July 6, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Chloe Ritter
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| Chloe Ritter |
On Bike to Work Day 2018, FABB volunteers were pleased to meet and talk to Chloe Ritter. A regular bike commuter, Chloe lives in the City of Fairfax and rides to her work at Fairfax City Hall. She also likes to ride the Daniels Run Trail and, when she needs to get to the Vienna Metro station, on Old Lee Highway. Chloe calls bicycling a "good way to trick myself into getting exercise." She most enjoys the freedom and convenience that comes with being on a bike. When asked what would make it easier and safer for her to ride, Chloe told us, "Separated bike lanes, and robust education for drivers and bicyclists."
Better bicycle education was a common theme across the various pit stops on BTWD 2018. FABB is actively working with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to support its BikeFairfax program and associated educational efforts. FABB also is stepping up its own educational efforts through bike classes and support to training more certified instructors in the county.
Better bicycle education was a common theme across the various pit stops on BTWD 2018. FABB is actively working with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to support its BikeFairfax program and associated educational efforts. FABB also is stepping up its own educational efforts through bike classes and support to training more certified instructors in the county.
Labels: BTWD, city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax
Sunday, July 1, 2018
National Bike Challenge: Fairfax’s Strong June Finish
Since June 10, the 184 Fairfax County cyclists who have signed up for the National Bike Challenge have continue to log an impressive number of trips and miles. Fairfax County is holding strong in fourth place in the nation among com- munities of a million or more residents.
Since June 10, the Fairfax riders have taken 1,455 more trips for a total since the start of the challenge of 5,658 trips. In just 20 days they logged another 33,093 miles for a total of 90,549 miles since the first of May.
Fairfax is keeping ahead of Chicago-area riders but has yet to close the gap with the Philadelphia-area cyclists, who have the advantage of 200 more riders signed up. It would help if some more Fairfax cyclists who are also fans of the Nationals, Redskins, Wizards, and NHL Champion CAPITALS signed up. Show your team spirit and sign up at Love to Ride.
Labels: national bike challenge
July Meeting Features Braddock and Springfield Districts
FABB is returning to Burke for our July meeting, and we are anticipating interesting presentations on bicycle-related developments and future transportation projects in the Braddock and Springfield Districts. Braddock District Supervisor John Cook will be joining us along with a representative from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation and other speakers. There will be time for questions and answers and the usual lively discussion of bicycle issues.
The meeting will be in Braddock Hall at the Braddock Government Center, 9002 Burke Lake Road, in Burke on Wednesday, July 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. See you there!
Labels: Braddock District, burke, monthly meeting, springfield district
