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
Saturday, March 17, 2018
March-April 2018 FABB News
FABB News
March-April 2018
A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling
Volunteers Needed for Springfest and Bike to Work Day
Spring is coming and FABB needs your help! Volunteers are needed to staff FABB tables at Springfest on April 21 and Bike to Work Day on May 18. Help FABB get out in the community and promote bicycling as a fun and healthy way to run errands, commute to work and get excercise. Sign up now for Springfest or Bike to Work Day!
Upcoming Repaving Meetings and Comment Deadlines
VDOT and FCDOT continues to hold district specfic public meetings on their plans for 2018 repaving and restriping projects, which include bicycle and other safety improvements. Upcoming meetings will be held in the Mason District on Tuesday, March 13; Hunter Mill District on Monday, March 19; and Springfield District on Thursday, April 5. You're encouraged to attend to speak up in support of the planned addition of new bicycling infrastructure.
There is still time to submit comments on proposed improvements in the Braddock District, comment deadline is March 16, and Lee District, comment deadline is March 23. Learn more about the 2018 Paving and Restriping Program here.
County Budget Meetings: Speak Up for Bikes
Fairfax County is seeking public input on its proposed FY2019 budget and is hosting several town hall meetings around the county. This is a great opportunity to speak out for better bicycling in the county. Consider attending a meeting near you one and speaking up or writing in support of: maintaining Safe Routes to School funding for a full-time Coordinator to work with county schools to improve bicycling and walking to school; and increasing funding for maintenance and repair of bicycle facilities.
Budget Town Hall meetings will be held at the following locations and times:
Budget Town Hall meetings will be held at the following locations and times:
- GREAT FALLS: Monday, March 12 at 7:30 PM, Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike
- PROVIDENCE: Wednesday, March 14 at 7:00 PM, Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax
- BRADDOCK: Wednesday, March 14 at 7:30 PM, location TBD.
- MASON: Thursday, March 15 at 7:00 PM, Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
- MOUNT VERNON: Monday, March 19 at 7:00 PM, Whitman Middle School, 2500 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
- LEE: Wednesday, March 21 at 7:00 PM, Franconia Governmental Center, 6121 Franconia Road, Alexandria
- SPRINGFIELD: Thursday, March 22 at 7:00 PM, Springfield Governmental Center, 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
Visit the County’s webpage on the proposed budget for more information. You can also contact your local district Supervisor to express your support for expanded funding for better bicycling. Find their contact information here.
Park E-Bike Policies Under Review
Electric bikes (E-Bikes) are growing in popularity and now park groups in Fairfax County are considering how best to manage the bikes use and safety on trails. The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority and the Fairfax County Park Authority are considering whether to allow e-bikes on shared use park trails.Shared-used trails in our parks are key transportation links so local jurisdictions are determining how best to accommodate e-bikes, while hopefully providing some consistency in the rules between jurisdictions. Currently under Virginia law, e-bikes are treated as bicycles if they have a maximum power of 1,000 watts, and a top speed of 25 mph. They’re subject to the same rules of the road as human-powered bicycles, and are allowed on sidewalks and paths where traditional bikes are allowed. However, shared use trails in our parks are subject to different rules, which currently prohibit motor vehicles on trails.
If you’re unfamiliar with e-bikes, they are bikes and trikes with an electric motor that can be used to assist the rider’s pedaling efforts. People for Bikes developed model legislation categorizing e-bikes into three classifications. The Class I pedal-assist bike has a motor that kicks on only when pedaling. Class II has a throttle and the motor engages on demand. Both of these types have a 750 watt motor that cuts out at 20 mph. There is also a Class III pedal assist that tops out at 28 mph.The FABB Board is looking into the impact of the small yet growing numbers of e-bikes. E-bikes can help make the benefits of bicycling accessible to more people and encourage more trips by bike instead of a car. At the same time, we want to make sure increased e-bike use is safe on our trails. What do you think? Take FABB's quick survey on E-Bikes.
Distracted Driving Bill Moves in Virginia General Assembly
Distracted driving legislation was the one bicycling related bill to move in the Virginia General Assembly this year. The distracted driving legislation, HB181, states that the use of a cellphone that “substantially diverts the driver’s attention from the operation of the motor vehicle is guilty of distracted driving.” The bill would make distracted driving a primary motoring offense (a driver can be stopped solely for the offense) with fines of up to $500.While HB181 passed the House, the bill was amended in the Senate to address concerns about the potential for racial profiling. The new language would require development of best practices and that law enforcement keep a record of citations. With the amended language, the bill passed the Senate, but is now in conference committee to reconcile the different versions of the legislation. Given the legislative session is over, time may have run out on the bill for this year.
Due to this increase in distracted-driving related deaths, bike advocacy groups, as well as AAA, Drive Smart Virginia, and police groups have called for revisions to Virginia’s distracted driving laws. According to The Virginian-Pilot, since 2012 as smart phones became more widely used, there have been 949 distracted driving-related fatalities in Virginia. This compares to 1,380 drivers who have been killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes during the same period.
I-66 Parallel Trail Update
While initial construction activities on the I-66 Outside the Beltway Project are set to begin, there are no new developments to report on the parallel bike trail. The contractor is working to finalize design plans for the trail as they complete engineering surveys of the corridor. Fairfax County DOT, meanwhile, is focusing on the off-corridor portions of the planned parallel trail, developing the scope of work documents and revising cost estimates. The good news is that the county will be able to begin the design process using existing funds. The bad news is that more money will be needed to complete the projects, and this funding must be identified and allocated. VDOT and FCDOT continue to assert that the entire I-66 parallel trail will be complete and open when the overall highway project is delivered.
Save the Date! Join Us at FABB's March and April Meetings
The March FABB meeting will be in Alexandria focusing on bicycling developments in the Lee and Mount Vernon Districts. Join us at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, March 21 at the Mount Vernon Government Center. We'll hear the latest updates from the Fairfax County bike program, Lee District Supervisor Jeff McKay's staff and, tentatively, Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck. This meeting is a great opportunity to get updates on projects such as the EMBARK Richmond Highway Project and raise concerns about bicycling and other multimodal transportation options in the district.
At the April meeting, FABB will provide an introduction to basic techniques and approaches for effective bicycle advocacy. If you've been contemplating becoming more involved in bicycle advocacy, this meeting can help jumpstart your participation. Join us at 7:30pm on Wednesday, April 18 at Patrick Henry Library in Vienna. Consider bringing a friend who may be interested in getting involved too!
Springfest Fairfax in April
Join FABB at Springfest 2018, Fairfax County’s annual Earth Day and Arbor Day event. This year’s FREE festival will be on April 21, from 10-4 pm at the Sully Historic Site. FABB is proud Springfest partner. Stop by FABB's table or join one of our social rides to the event. Stay tuned for more details. Interested in volunteering with FABB at Springfest? Sign up today!
Springfest 2018 will include workshops, exhibitors, and activities to help people take action to make a “Healthy Planet-Healthy People.” Activities include a petting zoo, an environmental obstacle course, and arts and crafts. You check out the bees and the trees exhibit, consult with Master Gardeners,and buy plants for your garden.
Join Us for National Bike Challenge
Are you ready for the challenge? After FABB's successful advocacy challenge last year as part of the National Bike Challenge, we're getting ready to do it again! Will you join us? Register today! Invite your friends and neighbors too! We're gearing up for the challenge which starts May 1st. The goal is get people out on their bikes to reap the benefits that come from an active, healthy, and fun means of recreation and transportation.
National Bike Summit A Success
The 2018 National Bike Summit wrapped up this week in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, the Summit featured speakers, workshops and panel discussions on a variety of bicycle education and advocacy efforts around the country. FABB was represented by President Jeff Anderson, Vice President Sonya Breehey, and Reston advocate Mario Martin-Alciati.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao opened the summit on Monday highlighting the administration's efforts to address bicycle safety, announcing the Federal Highway Administration's release of guidelines for Measureing Multi-Modal Network Connectivity, and touched on the Trump administration's infrastructure plan. Over the two days, there were workshops on developing e-bike policies, working with law enforcement, autonomous vehicles, bicycle friendly driver training, and many other topics. On Wednesday, FABB joined Bike Arlington, the Virginia Bicycling Federation and other advocates from around the state meeting with legislators on Capital Hill to advoacte for better bicycling in Virginia.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao opened the summit on Monday highlighting the administration's efforts to address bicycle safety, announcing the Federal Highway Administration's release of guidelines for Measureing Multi-Modal Network Connectivity, and touched on the Trump administration's infrastructure plan. Over the two days, there were workshops on developing e-bike policies, working with law enforcement, autonomous vehicles, bicycle friendly driver training, and many other topics. On Wednesday, FABB joined Bike Arlington, the Virginia Bicycling Federation and other advocates from around the state meeting with legislators on Capital Hill to advoacte for better bicycling in Virginia.
2018 FABB Planning, Volunteers Needed
FABB held two planning meetings in February to develop a 2018 work plan. The first meeting was among the Board members and the second involved a larger group of other key volunteers. In the first meeting, the board reviewed the organization’s overall objectives over the years and agreed to condense these into five priority areas. In the second meeting, the broader group of FABB volunteers broke into groups to develop goals, activities, and timelines for 2018 under each of the priority areas. The five priority areas are:- Advocacy for Better Bicycle Infrastructure and Multimodal Transportation
- Bike Ridership and Education
- Alliances with Regional, Government, and Private Sector Partners
- Inclusive Outreach to All Fairfax County Communities
- Legal Rights for Cyclists
A board member was assigned to lead each priority area and will work with a broader team of volunteers to meet the objectives for each priority area. But, we need more help! If you would like to learn more about any of these priority areas or contribute to them in any way, please contact info@fabb-bikes.org.
If you don't already, please Like us on Facebook and follow our Twitter feed. If you have news about bicycling in Fairfax to share with our readers, please submit brief articles to news@fabb-bikes.org.
Labels: bike to work day, budget, e-bikes, fabb newsletter, i-66, national bike summit, repaving, springfest
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Bike to Work Day Registration Now Open
List of Fairfax events:
Burke VRE Station
Fair Lakes
Fairfax City Downtown
Fairfax County Government Center
Falls Church
Fort Belvoir
Herndon
Mosaic
Mt. Vernon – Collingwood Park
Reston – Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station
Springfield/Metro Park at Walker Lane
Tysons Corner Center
Vienna
Labels: bike to work day
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - John and Lucas Grim
This father and son duo from McLean spoke to FABB at the Tysons pitstop on Bike to Work Day. Both bike commute to Tysons and also ride to exercise. In response to our question about what they like most about cycling, they agreed that being out “in the beautiful outdoors” is a key attraction. Asked what could be done to improve bicycling in Fairfax County, John joked that he would like to see “fewer hills.” He added that he thought Tysons’ greatest need was better sidewalks.
It is not surprising to hear a bicyclist advocate for improved walkability along with better bicycling. People who ride bikes know that better pedestrian facilities encourage people to walk rather than drive and create more opportunities for using bikes for short trips, especially when bike sharing is available. FABB has long been involved in the planning for the future of Tysons, to include this year’s announcement that Capital Bikeshare will soon arrive. FABB also has worked with Fairfax County on the recent additions of new bike lanes on several Tysons roads, new trail links into Tysons, improved on-road conditions in and around Tysons, new bike parking requirements, and improved signage. But, more needs to be done and FABB needs more volunteers to help keep up the demand for better bicycle infrastructure.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, mclean, Tysons
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Brad Crohn
FABB met Brad Crohn, a resident of Ballston, on Bike to Work Day at the Tysons pitstop. Brad regularly commutes to his job in Tysons. He says he does it for the exercise and for the “freedom of it all.” In response to our question about what he would like to see to make bicycling better in Fairfax County, Brad said he would like to see more bike lanes on main roads.
FABB actively advocates for Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation to continue adding bike lanes, shoulders and wide curb lanes to routes in and around Tysons. FABB continues to encourage people who ride bikes or love someone who does to make their voices heard on improving bicycling infrastructure and safety at public hearings publicized on this blog site.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, Tysons
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Giresis and Brews
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| Autumn and April Giresi |
It is always great to see parents and kids biking together, especially on Bike to Work Day. April and Autumn Giresi of Vienna were showing their civic spirit by volunteering for Trail Patrol duty. Jessica Brew was staying active by riding with sons, Ben, Theodore, and Samuel (although Theodore was a little too active to pause for a photo).
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| Ben, Samuel, and Jessica Brew |
FABB supports biking for all ages. Our group has worked for years to support the Safe Routes to School program and encourage biking to school every day. We are ready to assist interested groups with planning and sponsoring activities and with identifying safe routes to encourage children to bike and walk to school.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, vienna
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Edward Myers
FABB had to talk to Edward Myers when he and his “solar bike car” stopped at the Vienna pitstop on Bike to Work Day. Ed commutes from Sterling to his job in Tysons and also bikes for exercise. His Solar Bike Car project, which he discusses in detail at his website, is about exploring an innovative combination of exercise, transportation, fun, and safety. Ed is all about efficiency and, of course, few things are more efficient than a bike.
Ed’s “bike” is an ELF two-seat recumbent tricycle with a shell enclosure and an electric assist motor powered by a solar panel-charged battery. Because it is relatively large compared to regular bicycles, the ELF’s use on multi-use trails like the W&OD has been controversial. For FABB, this merely underscores the need for more multimodal transportation facilities in the county and for more education and enforcement efforts to insure that everyone—cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians—know the rules of the road and multi-use trails.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, vienna
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Ling Dao
Ling Dao paused briefly at the Tysons pitstop on Bike to Work Day to speak to FABB. He told us that regularly bikes to work in Tysons but that he also rides because it “makes me feel good.” Apparently a confident biker, he is relatively satisfied with biking conditions in the county.
FABB recognizes that there are experienced and confident cyclists who will ride regardless of conditions. But these riders seldom account for more than a small percentage of all of the potential people who might commute by bike or use bikes for short trips. The key factor is safety. 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: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, Tysons
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Matt Merrill and Allison Schwartz
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| Allison Schwartz (left) and Matt Merrill. |
Matt “Viking to Work” Merrill and the equestrian-themed Allison Schwartz spoke to FABB at the Vienna pitstop on Bike to Work Day. Reston-resident Matt, perhaps not surprisingly, told us that he rides for fun and to make people smile. Allison commutes by bike from her home in Arlington to Reston but stressed that fun, exercise and being outside are the main reasons she rides. In response to our question about what would make bicycling better in Fairfax County, Allison asked for more bike lanes and better clearance at intersections while Matt simply requested that everyone “please follow the rules.”
FABB agrees with these suggestions and continues to advocate for the completion of the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan. In particular, FABB is seeking the implementation of bike safety education curriculum in county schools, updated Virginia Driver Education curriculum, and public education campaigns on sharing the road, safety at trail/roadway crossings, and other trail safety issues.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, vienna
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Jeanne Brown Leonard
Jeanne Brown Leonard of Burke enthusiastically endorsed biking when she spoke to FABB on Bike to Work Day. Jeanne said that she rides because she loves the exercise. She added that she likes the fact that she is saving the environment and money by not driving a car. But, most of all, Jeanne just loves the therapeutic effects of being outside on her bike. Asked what changes she would like to see to make bicycling easier and safer in Fairfax, Jeanne said that, in addition to more bike lanes and trails, she would like to see all cyclists follow the rules of the road.
FABB is working with Fairfax County to do more on the education and enforcement elements of the Bicycle Master Plan (check out pages 65-75). We encourage members to reach out to their supervisors and other representatives to press for more attention and resources for these critical foundations for making Fairfax a true bicycle-friendly community.
FABB is working with Fairfax County to do more on the education and enforcement elements of the Bicycle Master Plan (check out pages 65-75). We encourage members to reach out to their supervisors and other representatives to press for more attention and resources for these critical foundations for making Fairfax a true bicycle-friendly community.
Labels: bike to work day, burke, Faces of Fairfax
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Eric Assur
Eric Assur stopped at the Fairfax City pitstop on Bike to Work Day and spoke to FABB about his long history of using his bike to commute to work. He told us that he started biking to work when his family moved to Fairfax in 1976. Eric lives in Fairfax Villa, just a few miles away from his job at the county courthouse. One of the benefits for the Assur family was that the family was able to get rid of one of its cars because he could ride his bike to work.
FABB is aware that as Fairfax County continues to grow, the challenges to the mobility, affordability, and environmental quality of our neighborhoods will mount. We are promoting the expansion of the role of bicycles within the existing structure of cars, public transportation, and other modes of travel to help keep Fairfax economically competitive with more livable neighborhoods.
FABB is aware that as Fairfax County continues to grow, the challenges to the mobility, affordability, and environmental quality of our neighborhoods will mount. We are promoting the expansion of the role of bicycles within the existing structure of cars, public transportation, and other modes of travel to help keep Fairfax economically competitive with more livable neighborhoods.
Labels: bike to work day, city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - The Redding Family – Dave, Ian, Dylan, and Amelia
The Redding family from Jefferson Village took advantage of Bike to Work Day to ride their bikes. Father Dave said his family usually rides for fun around their neighborhood. All of them enjoy the exercise they get when out on their bikes. In order to make biking easier and safer in Fairfax County, Dave said the family would like to see more bike lanes and better trails.
FABB loves to see children on bikes and has long worked with parents, school administrators, and other organizations to encourage Fairfax students to walk and bike to school. Currently, FABB is encouraging Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) to transition the current Safe Routes to School (SRTS) coordinator from a grant-supported position into a full-time FCPS paid position. More public support is needed to encourage the School Board to make sure that the system continues to have someone to work with all interested county and city schools to promote walking and biking to school, bicycle and pedestrian safety programs, and prioritizing infrastructure improvements to create safe walk/bike routes.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, Jefferson Village
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - William Clougherty and Donald Curran
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| Donald Curran and William Clougherty |
William Clougherty of Oak Hill and Donald Curran of Burke posed together when FABB approached them on Bike to Work Day in Burke. William said he does most of his riding on the W&OD Trail. Donald, who was featured in Faces of Fairfax last year, regularly bikes to work but also rides for enjoyment. He said that he enjoys the feeling of freedom he gets when he bikes. Both men said they would like to see more bike lanes and trails to make riding easier and safer in Fairfax County.
In 2016 FABB has been active advocating for Fairfax County and VDOT to continue making multimodal improvements to improve side trails and ramp crossings and add bike lanes, shoulders and wide curb lanes to routes such as the Fairfax County and Franconia-Springfield parkways and the Little River Turnpike inside the Beltway. FABB continues to encourage people who ride bikes or love someone who does to make their voices heard on improving bicycling infrastructure and safety at public hearings publicized on this blog site.
Labels: bike to work day, burke, Faces of Fairfax, fairfax county parkway, fairfax county parkway trail, franconia-springfield parkway, little river turnpike, oak hill, w&od trail
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Michelle Neyland
Of the things Fairfax County could do to make biking easier and safer, Michelle offered that she would like to see more snow clearing and de-icing of trails in winter. In addition, she thought that more needed to be done to improve safety at street crossings. Finally, Michelle said that she would love to see more trails like the W&OD and Custis Trails.
Although not something people are likely to think about in July, FABB has been a longstanding advocate for snow removal policies and ordnances in the county. The heavy snows of the past two winters appear to have increased the profile of the issue with the Board of Supervisors. But more public support is needed to push the county and Virginia Department of Transportation to treat pedestrians and cyclists fairly when it comes to clearing snow from trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes.
Labels: bike to work day, Faces of Fairfax, falls church, health, snow plowing, w&od trail
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Arley Burnette
FABB: Why and where do you ride?
Arley: I ride to work almost every day from Woodbridge to my job at the Harley Davidson store in Fairfax City. I ride on a 1-speed bike, and it's a pretty hilly ride. I stay on the road, taking Rt. 123 most of the way. I often am going faster than the cars caught in stop-and-go traffic. A lot of the people at the Harley store think I'm crazy. But I've been doing this for the past three years and I feel great.
FABB: What do you like most about riding your bike?
Labels: bike to work day, city of fairfax, Faces of Fairfax, health, safety, woodbridge
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Ricardo Estevez
Ricardo Estevez of Burke is a bike commuter who rides in part to honor his daughter, who is a leukemia survivor. In addition to his regular commute to work in Rosslyn, he likes to participate in charity rides. Asked what he likes most about biking, he responded that he enjoys not being in his car. He would like to see more trails and more funding for education on sharing the road for motorists and cyclists.
FABB applauds the progress Fairfax County has made in engineering more bike facilities, but our group continues to advocate for the unfunded education and encouragement aspects of the Bicycle Master Plan. We need cyclists and other concerned citizens to tell their supervisors that Fairfax County has to do more to promote biking and to educate cyclists and motorists about bike safety and the “rules of the road.” Funding the BikeFairfax office, as proposed in the Bicycle Master Plan, to handle such encouragement and education activities would be a good place to start.
FABB applauds the progress Fairfax County has made in engineering more bike facilities, but our group continues to advocate for the unfunded education and encouragement aspects of the Bicycle Master Plan. We need cyclists and other concerned citizens to tell their supervisors that Fairfax County has to do more to promote biking and to educate cyclists and motorists about bike safety and the “rules of the road.” Funding the BikeFairfax office, as proposed in the Bicycle Master Plan, to handle such encouragement and education activities would be a good place to start.
Labels: bicycle master plan, bicycle safety, bike to work day, bikefairfax, burke, Faces of Fairfax
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
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
Thursday, April 28, 2016
Help Celebrate Bicycling on Bike to Work Day 2016
FABB is encouraging all members to participate in this year's Bike to Work Day (BTWD) on Friday, May 20. We also are seeking volunteers to help represent our group at Fairfax County’s 14 pit stops. This is a major opportunity for FABB to reach out to the community and celebrate bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work.
BTWD 2016 for the greater DC area is organized by Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. It will include 83 BTWD pit stops all over the Washington metropolitan region. The Fairfax pit stop locations are: Burke VRE Station, Fair Lakes, Fairfax City Downtown, Fairfax County Government Center, Falls Church, Fort Belvoir, Herndon, McLean, Mosaic, Mt. Vernon–Collingwood Park, Reston–Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station, Springfield/Metro Park at Walker Lane, Tysons Corner Center, and Vienna.
Each pit stop welcomes bicyclists with refreshments and provides registered attendees with free t-shirts and chances to win bicycles and other great prizes. FABB representatives will engage riders about our group’s work and sign them up for the FABB newsletter. Whether a volunteer or commuter, make sure to register with your pit stop location by May 13 to be eligible for the free t-shirts and prize raffle.
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| FABB Table at 2015 BTWD Reston Pit Stop |
If you are willing to volunteer to help FABB promote better bicycling at this event, please sign up at VolunteerSpot.
Labels: bike to work day, volunteers
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
March-April 2016 FABB Newsletter
March-April 2016 FABB News
A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling
FABB Meets in Mason District on March 16
The March FABB monthly meeting will be held at Poe Middle School, 7000 Cindy Ln, Annandale in the Mason District. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16. All cyclists are invited to attend and discuss how we can make the district more bike friendly. As we develop our priorities for the coming year we want to hear what you think are the most important projects in the area.
FABB Members Attend National Bike Summit, March 7-9
Several FABB members attended the three-day National Bike Summit sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists in Washington, DC. During the Summit they were able to network with other Virginia advocates (BikeWalk RVA, VBF, BikeArlington, etc.) and others from around the country, learning and sharing about their mutual efforts. To advance our work in Fairfax County, the FABB attendees chose to focus on workshops to learn about the Bicycle Friendly America program, Mayor's Challenge for Safer Streets, bikeshare and Vision Zero. They also learned about bike education in schools and new counting/data collection methods. On the final day they joined hundreds of cyclists on Capitol Hill for Lobby Day.
Fairfax Embarks on Plan for Better Bicycle Access to Vienna Metro Station
Fairfax County Department of Transportation recently held a meeting to ask people their thoughts about how to improve bike access to the Vienna Metrorail Station. The meeting was the kickoff of the Vienna Metrorail Bicycle Access Study. After a brief presentation, about 20 people gathered around maps of the station area to mark where improvements such as protected bike lanes are needed. The contractor, VHB, will take that input, conduct field work, and develop detailed recommendations. The study will be completed in June. Approximately $1M in project funds is available.
May Full of Major Bike Events
Bike to Work Day, Tour de Fat, and DC Bike Ride are happening on Friday-Sunday, May 20-22. This year Fairfax is hosting 14 Bike to Work Day Pit Stops on May 20, and FABB will be at most of them discussing our work and handing out literature. On Saturday, May 21, FABB volunteers will help the fabulous Tour de Fat folks hold the best bike party of the year. If you're interested in helping out during either the morning or afternoon shifts, please let us know. DC Bike Ride is a car-free ride through the District on Sunday, May 22. Finally, May 4 is National Bike to School Day. Why not reach out to your local school to see if they have activities planned and/or need help with bike rides to school?
Adventure Cycling in Reston
Adventure Cycling Association, Reston Association, and Reston Bike Club held a special gathering on Sunday, March 6. Adventure Cycling staff members Ginny Sullivan and Saara Snow discussed events planned for Adventure Cycling’s 40th anniversary: National Bike Travel Weekend, June 3–5, the Montana Bicycle Celebration, July 15–17, and Bike Your Park Day on September 24. They also highlighted their tours program, membership, new routes, progress on the U.S. Bicycle Route System, and other national advocacy projects. FABB discussed our work along with presentations by Friends of the W&OD Trail, Reston Bike Club, and WABA. Adventure Cycling is a great national bike organization and if you aren't a member, we recommend that you join. If you would like to join, contact me and I'll send you a redemption code for a free 6 month membership (new members only, 2 codes available).
Bicycle Bills in Virginia Legislature
Two bike bills are making their way through the Virginia legislature. SB 117, the Dooring bill "Requires drivers to wait for a reasonable opportunity to open vehicle doors on the side adjacent to moving traffic. A violation constitutes a traffic infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $50." The bill was approved by both the Senate and House and will go to Gov. McAuliffe for his signature. Thanks to everyone who wrote to your legislators to urge them to approve the bill. Thanks also to Senator Chap Petersen for sponsoring the bill and working to ensure it made it through both houses.
SB 669, the Maintenance Reimbursement bill "Provides that cities and towns that receive highway maintenance payments from the Commonwealth based on moving-lane miles of highway will not have such payments reduced if moving-lane miles of highway are converted to bicycle-only lanes..." This bill was "Continued to 2017."
Meeting on W&OD Trail Bridge over Wiehle Ave on March 17
Fairfax County plans to build a bridge on the W&OD Trail over Wiehle Ave. A public hearing on the project will be held on Thursday, March 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Reston Community Center at Hunter Woods, 2310 Colts Neck Road, Reston. This is an opportunity to learn about and discuss the current design options. The Wiehle Ave crossing has been the site of several bike crashes in the past. This bridge will allow cyclists to completely bypass the at-grade crossing. Access to Wiehle Ave from the W&OD Trail will be via paved side trails from east and west of the bridge. See the FABB blog for current plans and design concepts.
Meeting on Proposed Bike Lanes in Annandale on March 21
Fairfax County will hold a meeting on March 21 to discuss plans to install bike lanes on several roads in the Annandale area as part of the summer repaving cycle. Cyclists are encouraged to attend the meeting to support the projects. Without your support these projects may not happen.
From the Fairfax County site Mason District Bike Lanes: "Join Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff on Monday, March 21, 6:30-8 p.m., at the George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, and learn about proposed bicycle enhancements that can be implemented with road repaving this year. Bicycle facilities are proposed on Heritage Drive, John Marr Drive, Markham Street, McWhorter Place, and Ravensworth Road."
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- March 16 - FABB Monthly Meeting in Mason District, Poe Middle School at 7:30 p.m.
- March 17 - Public Hearing on W&OD Trail Bridge over Wiehle Ave, Reston Community Center at Hunter Woods at 6:30 p.m.
- March 21 - Meeting on bike lanes in Annandale, George Mason Regional Library at 6:30 p.m.
- April 22 - Earth Day
- May 4 - Bike to School Day - See who is biking or register your event.
- May 20 - Bike to Work Day - Registration is open for the 14 events in Fairfax County.
- May 21 - Tour de Fat - Join FABB at this fun bike party in DC. To volunteer contact us.
- May 22 - DC Bike Ride - Ride on car-free DC streets.
Labels: adventure cycling, annandale, bike to work day, dooring, fabb newsletter, national bike summit, vienna metrorail bicycle access study, w&od trail
