Saturday, March 31, 2018
April Meeting To Focus on Advocacy
FABB, as you know, has successfully advocated for improved bicycling in Fairfax County for more than a decade. Our April meeting will feature a Bike Advocacy 101 mini-course to introduce basic tools and strategies for working for change in our communities. Please plan on joining us on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. at the Patrick Henry Library, 101 Maple Ave E, Vienna, near the W&OD Trail.
This will be a great opportunity to learn more about bicycle advocacy and about Fairfax Country. Part of the presentation will help you understand local decision making and how best to get results in making your neighborhood safer and more accessible for riders.
We also will talking about the many plans for and events during National Bike Month in May. And, as usual, FCDOT will be there to provide an update on ongoing and future bicycle-related developments in the county.
Again, please come to our April meeting and get started on helping to make Fairfax County more bike friendly.
See you there!
Labels: advocacy, monthly meeting
Friday, September 29, 2017
Special FABB Offer for National Youth Bike Summit
Hey, FABB members, here is a reminder about and a special offer for next weekend’s National Youth Bike Summit, which is being held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, in Arlington from October 6-8.
As you may know, the summit is a three-day conference on bicycle education, advocacy, and leadership. It focuses on young people, programs for children and young adults, and the role youth can play in leading the charge on bicycle advocacy. This 7th annual summit will feature numerous activities, workshops and sessions by national and local advocates, including Fairfax’s own Jenifer Madden and Fionnuala Quinn, and the National Youth Bicycle Ride on Sunday. Details on the sessions and activities can be found here on the Summit’s website.
What’s the special offer? Well, how would you or a young person you know like to attend the summit for free? The registration fee, which covers all three days, is $35 for youth (ages 24 and under) and $60 for adults. FABB is offering to pay this cost for the first four members who contact us and agree to attend the conference. If you are interested, please contact president@fabb-bikes.org.
This a great opportunity for a young person to gain experience as a leader and an advocate for making our community better and stronger.
Please join us there.
Labels: advocacy, national youth bicycle ride, national youth bike summit, youth bike summit
Sunday, March 19, 2017
What You Missed - The Bureau of Good Roads Presentation
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| Fionnula Quinn and young designer. (Photo courtesy of The Bureau of Good Roads) |
Cold messy weather kept the turn out for our March
monthly meeting unusually low. But those in attendance got to hear a wonderful
presentation by our good friend Fionnula Quinn on the work of her company, The Bureau of Good Roads.
The main goal of
The Bureau of Good Roads (BGR) is to help to communicate ideas to the public to
gain support for transportation improvements. The core of BGR’s program is to
show how safe and accessible infrastructure gets built and the importance of
public involvement. BGR creates design challenges, field events, and
hands-on demonstrations for children and adults to explain the ideas behind how
our streets are put together and how they work. BGR classes and workshops help to educate the public about design
basics to promote acceptance of ideas about safe and accessible infrastructure.
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| More young street designers. (Photo courtesy of The Bureau of Good Roads) |
The business, which started in 2016, grew out of Fionnula’s earlier advocacy work with FABB and her desire to engage people and help them understand general aspects of multimodal transportation design before public meetings on specific projects are held. BGR projects include real-life design and safety principles and highlight the role of STEM professionals.
The activities advance ideas through telling stories and simple design projects and often include presentation on the history of the original Good Roads Movement in the United States between the late 1870s and 1920s. These stories and activities highlight the importance of public involvement in getting streets built that meet community needs.
In addition to classes and workshops, BGR leads walks in the region that talk about the history of the design of specific streets and discuss future ideas for evolving infrastructure. Upcoming walks are scheduled for 1 April in Downtown DC and Anacostia and for 4 May in Reston.
Labels: advocacy, fionnuala quinn, street design, The Bureau of Good Roads
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Fairfax County Bike Advocacy Workshop Feb. 4
The advocacy workshop will be held on February 4, 2017 from 9:30 am to 3pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8304 Old Keene Mill Rd in Springfield (across the street from the Springfield Golf and Country Club). There is no charge for the workshop. Lunch will be provided, however participants are asked to pre-register before January 29, 2017.
Labels: advocacy, advocacy workshop
Monday, April 4, 2016
Essential Elements of a Bicycle-Friendly Community
The Urban Land Institute report, Active Transportation and Real Estate: The Next Frontier, provided other important insights not mentioned in our previous blog about efforts to make bicycling better in Fairfax. One important insight, citing the League of American Bicyclists, notes that there is no single route to becoming a “bicycle-friendly community.” For different communities to capitalize on their strengths to make biking better and safer, the league recommends five key “Essential Elements of a Bicycle-Friendly America”:
>> Engineering. Have facilities been built to promote cycling in the community? What is the total mileage of the bicycle network, both on-road and off-road? Do arterial streets have bike lanes? What is the availability of bike parking? Signals? Repair shops? Does the bike network connect to major community destinations like schools, neighborhoods, and the downtown?
>> Encouragement. Does the community promote and encourage cycling through events, campaigns, and incentives? Is there a bicycle club? A bicycle advisory committee? A bicycle advocacy organization? Does the community promote a bike-to-work day, week, or month?
>> Education. Does the community do education about bike safety for both cyclists and motorists? Is there a community-wide bike map? How about bicycle-skills classes on repairs and ridership? Is the community aware of the location of bike trails and other facilities?
>> Enforcement. Does the community have bicycle-friendly laws and policies in place? Does the community use enforcement to encourage cyclists to obey the laws and motorists to share the road? Do police patrol the bike trails? Are they plowed during the winter?
>> Evaluation and planning. Does the community know how many people cycle and for what reasons? Is the bike plan current? Is it being implemented? Should it be updated? Is there a bike program coordinator or staff person? Does the city have data on ridership, crashes, and fatalities?
With these questions in mind, how is Fairfax doing and what can we be doing better?
With these questions in mind, how is Fairfax doing and what can we be doing better?
Labels: advocacy, bicycle education, bicycle planning, law enforcement
Saturday, February 6, 2016
FABB Coming to Mt. Vernon District
Come join us on Wednesday, February 17th, at 7:30 pm for our monthly meeting, which is being held for the first time in Mt. Vernon District at the Mt. Vernon Government Center Community Meeting Room, 2511 Parkers Lane, Mt. Vernon, VA, 22306.
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| Biking near Ft. Belvoir in Mt. Vernon District. (Photo courtesy of Ft. Belvoir) |
The meeting will feature a presentation by Adam Lind, Fairfax County’s Bicycle Program Manager, on the implementation of the county’s Bicycle Master Plan in the district. In addition, other speakers will provide reports on bicycling-related developments and events. There also will be an open discussion period to allow Mt. Vernon residents to raise issues about improving local bicycle access and safety.
The Mt. Vernon Government Center Community Meeting Room is accessible by Metro using Huntington Station (Yellow Line) and Bus #161 or #162.
February’s meeting is part of FABB's effort to better serve and represent cyclists and other supporters throughout the county. During 2016 FABB plans to hold monthly meetings in all of the county’s districts. If you would like to assist in setting up the program for the meeting in your district, please contact Steve Ward at srward1057@gmail.com.
Labels: adam lind, advocacy, FABB meeting, ft belvoir, mt. vernon
Thursday, January 28, 2016
US Mayors Support Bike Policies and Infrastructure
In a recently published study by Boston University researchers a survey of 89 US mayors of medium and big cities (populations over 100,000) showed that these public officials express strong support for bike-friendly policies and bicycling infrastructure. Not surprisingly, however, aging and underfunded physical infrastructure was the most pressing challenge the mayors faced, and these problems continue to outrank bicycling, pedestrian, parks and recreation needs in the cities’ funding priorities.
The study explains that “big ticket” infrastructure needs, including roads, mass transit, and water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, dominate the mayors’ plans and efforts.
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| Figure 2: Thinking about infrastructure in and around your city, what are the top three areas you would prioritize if you could allocate a significant amount of new money? |
Still, when asked to name more modestly priced infrastructure priorities, bike and pedestrian infrastructure and parks were the most frequently cited by the mayors. According to survey, the mayors included bike-friendly policies with biking infrastructure as funding priorities.
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| Figure 5: Please think about “small” infrastructure projects. That is, projects with costs equal to a small portion of your city’s annual capital budget. If your city were given an unrestricted grant to pay for any ONE such “small” infrastructure project, what would you spend it on? |
As encouraging, 70 percent of mayors support improved bike accessibility, even at the expense of parking and driving lanes. A mere 15 percent disagreed or strongly disagreed.
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| Figure 6: Cities should make their roads more accessible to bicycles even if it means sacrificing driving lanes and/or parking. |
Labels: advocacy, bicycle infrastructure, bicycle policy plan, bike-friendly community
Saturday, April 11, 2015
FABB's Bruce Wright receives volunteer service award
Please pass along your congratulations to FABB Chairman
Bruce Wright, who was recently awarded a Citation of Merit by the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations as part of its annual Citizen of the
Year competition. The program seeks to recognize and honor those citizens whose
voluntary contributions of time and talent have resulted in major
accomplishments that have enhanced the quality of life for the citizens of
Fairfax County.
We can think of no one more deserving than Bruce, not only
for all of his tireless efforts to get the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan
passed last year but for his work since 2005 in advancing public recognition of
the economic, health, and community benefits of transportation by bicycle.
Bruce has been a major catalyst in getting the county government to commit to
major new bicycling infrastructure throughout Fairfax and in implementing a
myriad of measures designed to make our county a better, healthier, and more
fun place to live.
Bruce and his fellow winners will be honored at the Fairfax
County Federation of Citizens Associations annual banquet, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 3, starting at 5:30pm at the
Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner, 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, VA 22102. Please
join us in celebrating Bruce’s accomplishment. You can RSVP online and the
cost of the banquet is $65 per person.
Posted by Steve Ward.
Posted by Steve Ward.
Labels: advocacy, bruce wright, FCFCA award
Thursday, December 16, 2010
How to Talk About Cycling to a Conservative
Don't assume they’re all hostile to our cause. What makes you think cycling isn't conservative? Of course it is! It conserves energy, it's individualistic, and it's anything but new-fangled. So they should be receptive. So don't let campaign posturing turn you away-all elected representatives have cyclists in their districts, and all of them would probably like to claim they brought dollars to their district or state.
Key points to keep in mind, and use as needed:
Key points to keep in mind, and use as needed:
- Cycling is an exercise (literally) of a fundamental freedom – freedom of movement. Although not explicitly defined in the Constitution, it is derived from the "privileges and immunities clause" as interpreted by the Supreme Court in United States v. Wheeler, 254 U.S. 281 (1920). (You were warned: I am in fact a lawyer). This is why you don't need a passport to enter New Jersey.
- Cycling is efficient. True Conservatives love efficiency! It has been said that a cyclist is more efficient than a bird in flight.
- Cycling has a glorious history of entrepreneurism! Think: Wright Brothers, Schwinn, and Trek. Lots of senators and representatives probably had paper routes. America invented the mountain bike, BMX and freestyle.
- Use numbers. Here are some I find persuasive:
- A study in one community showed that properties located near bike paths increased in value by 11% more than similar properties not near such facilities.
- The Outdoor Industry Foundation estimates that the bicycling industry supports 1.1 million jobs and generates $17.7 billion in tax revenue each year.
- A 3% reduction in traffic can result in a 30% reduction in traffic congestion.
- Cycling reduces heart disease and other costly health problems – blunting the need for expensive health care – regardless of who pays for it.
- The total maximum annual cost of bike commuter credit: less than $75 million even if every existing bicycle commuter got it – Total subsidies to drivers and transit users: $4.4 billion
- Cycling generates $133 billion annually in economic activity
- $76 billion a year on health care costs related to physical inactivity – Bike/Ped infrastructure can reduce this
- $164 billion a year on health care costs associated with traffic injuries and deaths – caused by cars
- $64 billion a year on health care costs of asthma and air pollution
Labels: advocacy, bikewalk virginia
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Revolution Cycles hires events and advocacy coordinator
Welcome to our newest Revolutionary!
Revolution Cycles is thrilled to welcome Angela Koch (pronounced Cook!) to the team as the new Events and Advocacy Coordinator . After spending over ten years in Portland, Angela is excited to be back on the East Coast and to share her bicycle advocacy knowledge with the Revolution Cycles organization and the DC Metro area. In her most recent position as the Operations Director for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Angela advanced cycling causes through the support of legislation and education, and we are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team planning events and working to improve the cycling experience in our communities. Be sure to participate in Revolution Cycles events and meet Angela in person!
Welcome Angela. We look forward to meeting you in the near future.Revolution Cycles is thrilled to welcome Angela Koch (pronounced Cook!) to the team as the new Events and Advocacy Coordinator . After spending over ten years in Portland, Angela is excited to be back on the East Coast and to share her bicycle advocacy knowledge with the Revolution Cycles organization and the DC Metro area. In her most recent position as the Operations Director for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, Angela advanced cycling causes through the support of legislation and education, and we are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team planning events and working to improve the cycling experience in our communities. Be sure to participate in Revolution Cycles events and meet Angela in person!
Labels: advocacy, revolution cycles
Friday, January 2, 2009
Loudoun cyclists form advocacy group
A group of bicyclists in Loudoun County recently formed a group to advocate for better bicycling conditions in the county. Their first meeting was held on Dec. 18 with about 16-18 avid cyclists attending. One of their main goals is to have the county designate a dedicated bicycle coordinator staff position. They also formed a Yahoo Group to facilitate their communictation, Bike Loudoun.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at Cascades Library, 21030 Whitfield Place, Sterling, VA. (map).
See the Loudoun County Bicycle and Pedestrian Mobility Master Plan.
Labels: advocacy, bikeloudoun, loudoun county
