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
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
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
Friday, June 29, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Bob Sachs
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| Bob Sachs |
FABB volunteers at the BTWD 2018 pit stop in Mount Vernon enjoyed talked to local rider Bob Sachs. It was hard not to like talking to someone who says he just loves to ride bikes and rides everywhere he can. Trying to pin him down on what he most likes about bicycling on that soggy Bike to Work Day, our volunteers had to laugh when he first said “Rain!” Bob then added that riding helped to clear his occasionally befuddled head. Bob would like to see more bike lanes and sharrows in the county to make it easier and safer to ride. He also supports better driver education to make sure everyone is aware of the rules of the road regarding bicyclists.
FABB actively advocates for Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation to continue adding bike lanes, sharrows, and even shoulders and wide curb lanes to routes in and around the Mt. Vernon area. We also encourage people who ride bikes or love someone who does to make their voices heard on improving bicycling infrastructure and safety at public hearings. FABB publicizes such meetings on our social media, so please be sure to follow FABB, share our posts, and give us a like.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax, mt. vernon
Friday, June 22, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Jeanne Brown Leonard
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| Jeanne Brown Leonard |
FABB thought that Burke resident Jeanne Brown Leonard looked familiar when we spent a few minutes talking to her on Bike to Work Day 2018. This is because we’ve spoken to her on past BTWDs, which she tries to support every year.
As she has said in the past, Jeanne rides because she loves the exercise and how being outside on her bike makes her feel. A considerate rider herself, Jeanne thinks that bicycling would be much better in Fairfax County if all bicyclists would obey the law and trail regulations.
FABB also believes that knowing and abiding by the rules of the road is key to making bicycling a safer transportation option. It also helps make the county’s many multi-use trails more enjoyable for all. We encourage all Fairfax cyclists to ride with safety and consideration in mind.
We look forward to talking to Jeanne again next year (and hopefully no rain gear will be needed).
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Friday, June 15, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Ben Grimes
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| Ben Grimes |
Alexandria native Ben Grimes spoke to FABB at a BTWD 2018 pit stop after dodging raindrops during his commute to work in the District. In addition to commuting, Ben rides for fun and exercise. Fresh air is the great attraction for Ben when he is out on his bike. In response to our question about what the county could do to make bicycling better, Ben said he would like to see more protected bike lanes.
We have some good news for Ben and others who bike in and around Alexandria and the Mount Vernon District. As part of this summer’s repaving and restriping program the Virginia and Fairfax County Departments of Transportation are planning to add buffered bike lanes on Hooes, Pohick, Telegraph, Armistead, and Frye Roads. This should make riding in these areas safer and more comfortable for bicyclists and motorists.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Friday, June 8, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Maria Bissex
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| Maria Bissex |
During the soggy Bike to Work Day at the McLean Pit Stop, FABB had the pleasure of talking to enthusiastic rider and Orioles fan, Maria Bissex. A McLean resident, Maria told us that she bikes for exercise and to be out in nature. She also likes to do charity rides when she can. Her favorite rides are on the many trails in the county, and she especially loves the W&OD trail. In response to our question about what she likes most about bicycling, Maria told us that biking clears her mind and makes her feel energized. As far as making bicycling better in Fairfax County goes, Maria would like to see more connected trails and more bike lines.
More bike lanes and important connections are coming to the Mclean and Tysons areas. Next week, on Thursday, June 14, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the George C. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, in Falls Church, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a public hearing on a project to connect Rt. 123 and Tysons Corner Center. The plans include a 10-foot shared-use path along Old Meadow Road from the McLean Metro Station leading to a pedestrian/bicycle bridge over I-495 to connect to Tysons One place and Fashion Boulevard. FABB hopes local residents will attend the meeting and show their support for these projects.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Debbie Skeins
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| Debbie Skeins |
Debbie Skeins, who has participated in numerous Bike to Work Days, lives in Fairfax City and likes to ride "anywhere I can." She occasionally commutes by bike to her work in Merrifield. More often, she rides in and around Fairfax City for everyday trips and errands and then into other parts of the county for recreation. Debbie told us she rides because "it's enjoyable… and you are killing two birds with one stone. It's good for the environment and it makes you feel better."
When asked what she likes most about riding, Debbie said, "The feeling of freedom from being on a bike." When asked what would make it easier and safer to ride, she said, "More connected trails. Some just end and you can't easily find the next one."
As part of FABB’s advocacy for the I-66 Outside the Beltway parallel trail, we have been working with Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation to ensure that such trail connections are included in this major project. As many of you know, Fairfax City has received I-66 Concessionaire funding to construct connections from the George Snyder Trail Project to the VDOT shared use path along Route 123. When the I-66 parallel trail is completed, this connection will allow George Snyder Trail users the opportunity to travel east into Washington, DC, or west to Haymarket along the I-66 corridor. Public outreach on and design of the connections are expected to start this summer, so check back with FABB's social media for announcements.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Lou From Springfield
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| Lou |
Unconcerned about the rain on BTWD 2018, Lou from Springfield took some time to talk to FABB about his views on bicycling in Fairfax County. Lou rides for his health, laughingly adding that biking takes miles off his car and puts them on his body. He regularly commutes to work by bike. This year he also is riding to get ready to participate in the Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Bike MS: Colonial Crossroads Challenge in early June. Lou told us that he really likes being out in the fresh air as he exercises. To make it easier and safer to ride in the county, Lou recommends better enforcement of the three-feet safe passing law. He also would like to see more bicycle facilities added as businesses expand along Loisdale Road in Springfield.
FABB is happy to report that Fairfax County’s Bicycle Master Plan, which we supported and helped get approved, includes numerous bike lanes and sharrows on and around Loisdale Road and Commerce Street. Between 2015 and 2017, some of these facilities were added as part of the Virginia Department of Transportation’s summer repaving program. Although no additions are planned for this summer in this area, there will be future opportunities for the repaving program to provide this virtually cost-free bicycle infrastructure.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Friday, May 25, 2018
Faces of Fairfax: Ian and Christopher Antonopoulu
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| Christopher and Ian |
A recreational rider from Centreville, Christopher Antonopoulu took a break with his son, Ian, during BTWD 2018 and spent a few minutes with FABB to talk about biking. Christopher likes to ride around his neighborhood and on the W&OD Trail. He told us that he rides to get outside and to take in the fresh air, one of the things he likes most about bicycling. Spending time with his son is another benefit of being outdoors on a bike. In response to our question about what he would change to make bicycling better in Fairfax County, Christopher told us he would like more and better connections between trails.
FABB could not agree more. Better connections are essential to creating the trail and bike lane networks that will make commuting and other short trips by bike a viable option for more Fairfax residents. And FABB is working with the Capital Trails Coalition and other allies in the county to help make this happen.
Labels: BTWD, centreville, Faces of Fairfax
Faces of Fairfax 2018
As Bike Month comes to an end, it’s time again for FABB’s Faces of Fairfax. Since 2015 FABB volunteers at Bike to Work Day pit stops talk to local riders and share their stories. Through these stories our hope has been to personalize Fairfax County’s bicyclists for the larger public. Over the next several weeks, FABB will be posting our new batch of stories to show the breadth, depth, and humanity of cyclists here in northern Virginia.
We encourage FABB members and other readers to share these profiles in social media as a reminder to our fellow citizens that bicyclists are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, and sons and daughters. These stories are a cue to everyone who uses roads and trails that Fairfax County’s bike commuters, recreational riders, and other bicyclists represent a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and interests. And, when cyclists ride with safety in mind and within the law, they deserve common courtesy and consideration from others.
FABB welcomes its members to share their stories. If you would like to be featured in Faces of Fairfax, just send a photo with your name, where you live (city only), and a brief paragraph on why and where you ride, what you like most about bicycling, and what you would like to change to make bicycling easier and safer. We look forward to hearing from you.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Krishtam Chin
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| Krishtam Chin |
Herndon resident Krishtam Chin stopped by the Tysons pit stop on Bike to Work Day and helpfully answered FABB’s brief survey questions.
FABB: Why do you ride?
Krishtam: I ride for the exercise and the sheer pleasure of being on my bike. I’ve just started this year trying to commute to work at least one day each week.
FABB: That's great! Where do you ride?
Krishtam: I mostly ride on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. For commuting, I ride from Herndon on the W&OD and then use bike lanes and side streets to get to my job in Tysons.
FABB: What do you most like about riding?
Krishtam: I love the fresh air.
FABB: What would you like to change to make it easier and safer for you to ride?
Krishtam: I would like to see more bike lanes and more connected networks of bike lanes.
Businesses in Tysons, such as Tysons Corner Center, are devoting more attention to making the area a more bike-friendly destination for employees and customers. FABB is working with the Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Tysons Partnership to help insure that the needs of cyclists (and the benefits of serving the bicycling community) are taken into consideration as Tysons continues its quest to become America’s next great city. FABB applauds initiatives, such as Access Tysons, that seek to improve multimodal transportation options to reduce congestion in the area.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax, herndon, Tysons
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Kathleen Kelley
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| Kathleen Kelley |
Kathleen Kelley of Falls Church spoke to us at the Tysons pit stop on Bike to Work Day, telling us that she commutes daily from her home to Tysons. She said that she rides because it is way more fun than driving. In addition to her daily commute, she has a few favorite routes she rides to Shirlington and around the Harper’s Ferry area.
Kathleen told us that one of the things she likes most about bicycling is the friends she has made over a common love of biking.
Kathleen would like to see better transportation planning to correct car-centric networks such as is found in and around Tysons. The good news is that a number of projects are underway in the Tysons area that address Kathleen’s concerns. For example, shared use paths on both sides of Route 7 from Tysons to Reston Avenue are included in the Route 7 widening design. And grade separated ramp crossings for the Route 7 bridge over the Dulles Toll Road are under construction. The 14-foot-wide shared-use path being built for pedestrians and bikes as part of this project will tie into future trails.
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax, falls church, Tysons
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Maureen Roche
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| Maureen Roche |
Burke resident Maureen Roche told FABB that she loves to ride. She finds that getting out on her bike just makes her feel better. Maureen also told us that she likes to ride because of the freedom it gives her and because she regularly meets new people while out on her bike.
In response to our question about where she rides, Maureen told us that she usually rides on the W&OD Trail and along Rt. 123 for trips to Occoquan.
Before heading off to finish her ride, Maureen mentioned that she also values biking because when she and others ride it helps reduce local traffic congestion by taking at least a few cars off the road.
Labels: burke, Faces of Fairfax
Wednesday, July 26, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Jon Cline
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| Jon Cline |
Jon Cline, an avid bike commuter from Vienna, answered FABB’s brief survey questions while participating in Bike to Work Day 2017 at the Tysons pit stop.
FABB: Why do you ride?
Jon: I just love biking.
FABB: Where do you ride?
Jon: I regularly commute by bike to my work in McLean. I try to Bike wherever I go, so I’ve been using BikeShare when it is available. For fun and on weekends, I will bike out to Purcellville on the Washington and Old Dominion Trail.
FABB: What do you most like about riding?
Jon: I love being outside and being active. It’s a great way to get exercise.
FABB: What would you like to change to make it easier and safer for you to ride?
Jon: More bike lanes!
Labels: BTWD, Faces of Fairfax, Tysons, vienna
Wednesday, July 19, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Donald and Susan
Burke-resident Donald Curran and Springfield-resident Susan Demsko have been commuting to work for many years. Since 2015 and on each of the subsequent two Bike to Work Days they have been kind enough to tell FABB a little about themselves and give us updates on their thoughts and concerns.
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| Donald Curran |
Donald tells us that he still enjoys riding, especially for the time it allows him to be outdoors. Susan, meanwhile, says that for her riding is a great way to exercise and reduce stress. She can’t think of a more healthful way to stay in shape.
Both riders express the desire to see more bike lanes. Their morning commute to the Burke VRE station has gotten better over the yeas with the addition of new lanes and trails. Still, there are gaps on some of the local main roads, such as Rolling Road, Burke Lake Road, and Old Keene Mill Road, which could use bike lanes.
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| Susan Demsko |
The good news for the area is that improvements are being made in the area. New bike lanes are being added as part of the VDOT summer repaving program in accordance with the Bicycle Master Plan. This will includes stretches this summer along Greeley Boulevard from Carrleigh Parkway to Old Keene Mill Road and on Hillside Road from Rolling Road to Old Keene Mill Road. In addition, the Burke VRE Station is getting paths connecting it to nearby neighborhoods. Also, Rolling Road will soon get a sidewalk section that completes an important connection near Luthern Church.
We look forward to seeing Donald and Susan next year and hearing their views on these and other changes in the area.
Labels: burke, Faces of Fairfax, springfield
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Daniel Graifer
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| Daniel Graifer |
Daniel Graifer is dedicated bike commuter, regularly riding from his home near George Mason University to his job at Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) in Tysons. He told FABB that he rides for his health and to avoid traffic.
With support from his employer, Daniel set up a commuting group at Freddie Mac that encourages people to ride to work and that has up to two dozen participants. Freddie Mack supports the group by providing lockers, showers, parking, and even a repair stand and tools.
In response to our question about what he would like to change to make it easier and safer for you to ride, Daniel responded that more sharrows and bike lanes around Tysons would really help.
Labels: city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax, Tysons
Wednesday, July 5, 2017
Faces of Fairfax: Doreen and Annette
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| Doreen (left) and Annette (right). |
Good friends Doreen Grzelak and Annette Reichenbaugh used Bike to Work Day 2017 as an opportunity for some outdoor fellowship. They answered FABB’s brief survey questions at a BTWD pit stop in Herndon.
FABB: Where do you ride?
Doreen: Mostly on the W&OD Trail and around Reston
Annette: Same here. The W&OD Trail and around my home in Fairfax City.
FABB: Why do you ride?
Doreen: To be with friends.
We hope Doreen and Annette will join FABB on one of our next social rides. FABB regularly conducts social rides around Fairfax County. We do this not only to meet people and have fun but to share our knowledge about safe routes and point out newly added bicycling infrastructure. Please watch this blog and our social media for announcements for our next planned ride.
Labels: city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax, reston
Faces of Fairfax 2017
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Since 2015 FABB has taken advantage of Bike to Work Day to collect photos and stories of local bicyclists. Our goal has been to personalize Fairfax County’s bicyclists for the larger public. Once again, over the next few weeks, FABB will be posting what we modestly call “Faces of Fairfax” to show the breadth, depth, and humanity of cyclists here in northern Virginia.
We encourage FABB 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 road and trails.
FABB welcomes its members to share their stories. If you would like to be featured in Faces of Fairfax, just send a photo with your name, where you live (city only), and a brief paragraph on why and where you ride, what you like most about bicycling, and what you would like to change to make bicycling easier and safer. We look forward to hearing from you.
Labels: Faces of Fairfax
