Monday, October 10, 2016
Bicycle Thefts in Fairfax County
We've been trying to gather bicycle theft data for Fairfax County. We don't have a good understanding of how many thefts are occurring and where they occur. We've asked Fairfax Co Police on multiple occasions and have not been able to obtain data that we can map.
"The daily police blotter is a report put together manually with the creator looking at the exact address and changing it in the Word document to a block number. This is not a field that is readily available."
If in digital form, the address could easily be rounded to create the block number.
In order to extract the data, we would need to go to each daily blotter post, search for bicycles, and cut and past the data (or have a program to do the same). Thinking there should be an easy way to extract this information from the database, we asked again. This was the response:
In order to extract the data, we would need to go to each daily blotter post, search for bicycles, and cut and past the data (or have a program to do the same). Thinking there should be an easy way to extract this information from the database, we asked again. This was the response:
"Theft or Larceny incidents are all categorized the same and listed as singular entries, so larceny is how it is put into the records management system. The item that was taken, in your case a bicycle, is listed separately. ... what it means is to narrow down the search of just bicycle thefts will require a FOIA request. You can make a FOIA request by calling 703-246-2918 or you can email FCPDFOIA@Fairfaxcounty.gov."
We were also told that anyone can access this data in map form using an application called CrimeReports.com. Fairfax County supplies data to the system and bike theft data is included. Below is a screen capture of a section of a map showing Thefts in the area around the Dunn Loring Metro station. Three bike thefts are shown during the past 6 months, which is how far back you can search, but only one can be highlighted.
If zoomed too far out, no incidents are displayed.
Searching is not intuitive. To create the above map I zoomed to the area, clicked on "Filter" under the search window, unselected all and then selected "Theft." Map icons will then show up, either in the form of a diamond ring or a circle with a number inside indicating multiple incidents. On the right there is a dark green box containing: "List <" Clicking on List will bring up the agency. If more than one appears select Fairfax County Police Department. To see the incidents, use the tab at the top next to "Agencies" that says "Incidents." You can then scroll to "Larceny - Theft of Bicycles."
If you want to see whether any bike thefts have occurred recently in your neighborhood you can use this application. Since this data is mapped, we're not sure why it can't be released as map data by the county. If we obtain a countywide map of bike thefts we'll publish it here.
Labels: bike thefts, fairfax county police
Thursday, November 19, 2015
FABB and Police Bicycle Safety Videos
At the meeting we agreed to work with police on production of a bicycle safety video to be shown to all Fairfax County police at roll call. Our goal for the video was to illustrate various aspects of Virginia law as it applies to bicyclists, focusing on those laws that are often misinterpreted. We hoped production of the video would lead to further cooperation with police and a better understanding by all police of bicyclists' rights and responsibilities. FABB would help with the script and we offered to provide locations and bicyclists to appear in the video.
Shortly after that meeting we drafted a script that could be used as a starting point for the video. We based the script on what we thought was a very good police training video produced by Portland police in cooperation with their local bicycle advocacy group. Another good police training video was produced for Maryland police.
We presented the script to our police contact and were told the script would need to be reviewed internally and they would get back to us. A year later, after numerous inquiries about the status of the video, we learned that police had a final script and were preparing to film the video. We did not review the script nor were we invited to participate in the filming. We were told we could attend the filming if we wanted.
We were very disappointed with the final script. Rather than focusing on important concepts of bicycle law, the video concentrated on basic definitions and some minor aspects of the law as it applies to bicyclists, mostly unlawful cyclist behavior such has holding onto a moving vehicle, wearing earbuds in both ears, and carrying an object on the handlebars.
We think one of the most important aspects of VA bicycle code is knowing where cyclists should ride when riding on the road. We are not required to ride to the far right, only as far to the right as is safely practicable. On a road that is too narrow to share with motorists, which is almost all roads in Fairfax County, bicyclists may ride even further from the curb, "taking the lane." This concept is only briefly mentioned and not illustrated half way through the video.
Under a section labelled "Kiss and Ride" the video devotes over a minute explaining why it's ok for motorists to block a bike lane. There is almost no mention of motorist responsibilities such as stopping when turning right on red, obeying the speed limit, etc. There's no mention of common motorist actions that cause crashes.
In response to this video we produced our own draft video that we hoped would be used by police to form the basis of a second video focusing on our concerns. We shared the video with police. The rough draft was sent to station commanders.
The moral of this story is to be careful what you ask for. While the police-produced video illustrates some good points, we think it is very focused on enforcement of bicyclist behavior and not on bicycle safety. You decide:
Video produced by Fairfax County Police
Draft Video produced by FABB
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Fairfax County Police survey on speeding
Fairfax County Police are conducting a very short Neighborhood Speeding Survey. Do you see people speeding in your neighborhood? Do you wish police stopped more people for speeding? The survey is a good way to let police know what you think.On those occasions when I drive, I obey the speed limit, literally. I don't believe that because I can go 5-10 mph over the speed limit, that it's the right thing to do. I'm in the minority because almost everyone on the road seems to go faster than the speed limit, some much faster.
This graphic shows the importance of speed on pedestrian, and you can assume bicycle, crashes. At 20mph the pedestrian fatality rate is around 5%. At 40 mph it's around 85%. Speed kills.
Labels: fairfax county police, speed limit
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Police news release on bicycle and pedestrian safety
Fairfax Police sent out the following news release yesterday on bicycle and pedestrian safety. As we reported in our latest newsletter, we recently met with police to discuss this issue. We're a bit disappointed in the release, copied below.
It states that "An 18-month study of reportable bicycle crashes shows that at least a quarter of the bicyclists were not wearing reflective clothing at the time of the crash; five bicyclists were reported to have been drinking alcohol and about 44% were performing an improper action such as: operating on the wrong side of the road, failing to maintain proper control or disregarding a stop or yield sign."
Wearing reflective clothing, always a good idea, is not required by law. The discussion focuses soley on actions of the bicyclists. What about motorists? In more than half of all bike/motorist crashes (57%), motorists were at fault. Shouldn't there be some mention of motorist's actions that cause crashes such as speeding, distracted driving, failing to maintain proper control, disregarding a stop or yield sign, drinking? We'll relay our concerns to our police contacts.
Here's a copy of the news release:
The Traffic Division of the Operations Support Bureau and the Patrol Division of the Fairfax County Police Department urge motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians to be vigilant this July.
The number of cyclists involved in crashes increased from 85 in 2011 to 106 in 2012. So far in 2013, there have been 45. An 18-month study of reportable bicycle crashes shows that at least a quarter of the bicyclists were not wearing reflective clothing at the time of the crash; five bicyclists were reported to have been drinking alcohol and about 44% were performing an improper action such as: operating on the wrong side of the road, failing to maintain proper control or disregarding a stop or yield sign. Police are working with private cycling groups around the region to increase public education efforts on bicycle safety issues.
The police department reports an increase in pedestrians involved in crashes as well. There were 201 in 2012; up from 185 in 2011. So far this year, there have been 98. Police urge pedestrians to learn more about safety issues at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/pedestrian/pedsafety.htm.
To learn more about bicycle safety laws, check http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp.
Here's a copy of the news release:
Police Stress Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety this Month
The number of cyclists involved in crashes increased from 85 in 2011 to 106 in 2012. So far in 2013, there have been 45. An 18-month study of reportable bicycle crashes shows that at least a quarter of the bicyclists were not wearing reflective clothing at the time of the crash; five bicyclists were reported to have been drinking alcohol and about 44% were performing an improper action such as: operating on the wrong side of the road, failing to maintain proper control or disregarding a stop or yield sign. Police are working with private cycling groups around the region to increase public education efforts on bicycle safety issues.
The police department reports an increase in pedestrians involved in crashes as well. There were 201 in 2012; up from 185 in 2011. So far this year, there have been 98. Police urge pedestrians to learn more about safety issues at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/pedestrian/pedsafety.htm.
To learn more about bicycle safety laws, check http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/programs/bk-laws.asp.
Labels: bike crash, fairfax county police
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Montgomery Co police conduct crosswalk sting operation
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| Photo: Montgomery Co Police |
During this pedestrian enforcement, plain clothes officers dressed in bright clothing cross the street in marked crosswalks. Officers stop vehicles that do not yield to the plain clothes officers or other pedestrians in the crosswalk, and drivers are issued citations. General traffic law is also enforced. Traffic Division officers will continue this type of pedestrian enforcement throughout the month of May.
When I was on the Fairfax Co Non-motorized Transportation Committee (now the Trails and Sidewalks Committee) county police were asked to conduct a similar sting operation and they reacted by saying it was too dangerous. I'm not sure if they got the irony of their response.Anyone how rides on a trail that crosses a road with a crosswalk has encountered motorists who refuse to yield. In my experience, most motorists will yield when I'm IN the crosswalk. Some yield when I approach the crosswalk. According to Virginia law, motorists are required to YIELD to pedestrians and bicyclists in a crosswalk. I believe one difference between Maryland and Virginia is that motorists in Maryland are required to STOP for pedestrians in a crosswalk. The weaker wording of the VA law means the law can be interpreted more loosely.
Labels: crosswalk, fairfax county police, montgomery county
Monday, February 4, 2013
Dangerous bike conditions on Route 1 sidepath - Guest blogger Mark Murphy
The side trail is only a few years old, built as part of the Wilson Bridge Project. Soon after it opened, I found that cars making the right on red at Fort Hunt Road and cars exiting the parking lot at the Hampton Inn routinely drove across the side path, looking to their left to turn into northbound Richmond Highway traffic but never looking to their right for bicycles or pedestrians coming southbound on the trail. So as you come to these crossings, even with the right of way or the green light, you never know if a driver will pull out and hit you.
In 2011 I asked Fairfax Police to do some enforcement at the Fort Hunt Road intersection. The officer who went to the location observed a constant flow of cars running the red to turn onto Richmond Highway. I thought that some new signs and notices might make drivers more aware of the hazard, so I spent most of that year working (not very effectively) to get Fairfax County and Virginia DOT to take a look at the intersection. When I met with a staff member of Supervisor Gerry Hyland’s office and a VDOT employee at the site, I brought this photo of a sign from the City of Alexandria.
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| Photo by Mark Murphy |
VDOT, which controls Fairfax County’s roads, will not post any sign not on its approved list and the one I suggested isn’t on it. The VDOT technician also said he could not paint a yellow stripe on a crosswalk. Instead, VDOT and Supervisor Hyland’s office offered to make three other changes: move the "Yield to Pedestrians / $200 Fine" sign on Fort Hunt closer to the intersection, where it was more likely to be seen by drivers thinking about turning right on red; paint the crosswalk with stripes; and install another "Yield to Pedestrians / Fine" sign at the Hampton Inn entrance nearby. But after a few months, when none of those things happened, I checked back to find that Fairfax County had decided that they couldn’t do any of the things they had agreed to. Exasperated, I asked Supervisor Hyland’s office what they could do, and the staff person said she would talk with Fairfax Police about stepping up enforcement.
That was May of 2012. Every day that I commute home from work, I’m extra watchful of right-on-red drivers and cars crossing the side trail. But last month, on January 4, I was hit by a car entering the Hampton Inn parking lot. The driver didn’t see me riding along the trail, although I had on a reflective vest and two headlights. I didn’t see his turn signal, if it was on. When his car turned towards me, I slammed on my brakes but couldn’t get out of his way in time and when he hit me, I flipped up onto his car’s hood.
Thankfully, I am okay. The driver did the right thing and seemed genuinely sorry about the collision. My bumps and bruises healed and I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike when the repairs are done. The bike needs a lot of work but the driver’s insurance company is taking care of that. But Fairfax County, VDOT and Fairfax Police all failed me and, in a sense, they also failed the driver.
When VDOT and Fairfax County have been made aware of a serious safety hazard to cyclists and pedestrians, why have they done nothing about it? Instead of ignoring, then rejecting a number of ideas for improving safety at these crossings, I would like for authorities to make it their problem and come up with some solutions. VDOT and Fairfax County authorities should have to answer why nothing has been done to alert drivers that they are crossing over a bicycle and pedestrian trail.
When a bicyclist is on a bicycle-pedestrian side trail and gets hit by a car, why does the police officer say the bicyclist shouldn’t ride on the “sidewalk?” The officer came up with several excuses, like a broken streetlight and the questionable effectiveness of reflective vests, for refusing to cite the driver for the collision. The driver that crossed a bicycle path and struck a cyclist was not cited. How can that be right?
Labels: fairfax county police, fort hunt road, richmond highway, route 1, supervisor hyland, vdot
Friday, December 21, 2012
Meeting with Traffic Division police
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| Dangerous pass on Vale Rd from video clip |
I started the meeting by discussing FABB, our goals and projects. I explained that we represent cyclists who use bicycles for transportation and that many people rely on bicycles as their primary way to get around. Without a connected, safe bicycle network, we often must ride on congested commuter routes. I said that all too often we are harassed by motorists for no other reason than that we're riding a bicycle.
As a way of getting my point across I noted that on my ride to his office, on Woodburn Rd for a short stretch from the Cross County Trail, I was passed illegally by 4 motorists, one of whom honked, another two that drove completely into the oncoming lane of traffic, across a double yellow line. In one case approaching motorists had to nearly stop to avoid hitting one of the passing vehicles.
One reason for the meeting was to discuss two recent reports of harassment, one on Vale Road in the Vienna area where motorists often illegally pass on a hilly section and they often pass closer than 2 feet. We later sent two short video clips showing examples of this behavior.
The other instance involves a mother riding her daughter to school, with the daughter in a trailer behind the bike. A motorist on more than one occasion approached the mother, rolled down her window, and screamed about how dangerous it is to ride in traffic.
Lt. Grinnan was very sympathetic. He agreed that motorists should be ticketed for their illegal behavior. He also confirmed that unless a policeman witnesses behavior that is a misdemeanor, a ticket cannot be issued by police to the motorist. However, a magistrate-issued summons can be issued to the motorist by an officer.
He explained in detail what cyclists need to do to report aggressive motorist behavior. We can file a report for the record that does not lead to any charges against the motorist but the report is kept on file. The other option is to file a complaint with the magistrate's office and ask that a citation be issued. The following are steps that should be taken if you are harassed by a motorist:
How to report an aggressive driver
- To file a report and not file charges:
- Call the non-emergency number (703-691-2131) and request to speak to someone in the Citizen Reporting Section. Have the license plate number, description of the vehicle and driver, time of day, location.
- A case number will be generated. The information is entered into the Integrated Law Enforcement Automated Field Reporting Dispatch System (ILEADS) but the motorist is not notified.
- To file a report and file charges against an aggressive driver:
- Call the non-emergency number and ask to file a police report. Have the license plate number, description of the vehicle and driver, time of day, location. If the information agrees with information on file, the driver is identified. Ask for the case number, name, address, and date of birth of the driver. This information is needed when contacting the Magistrate's office.
- Contact the Magistrate's office (in person). Ask to file a complaint against the motorist identified above. Provide the case number and personal information. A magistrate-issued summons could then be issued to the motorist by an officer. If the motorist contests the ticket, a court date will be set. Since the incident was not witnessed by an officer, he/she will not be present in court. When the case is heard, the motorist and complainant will have an opportunity to testify.
Cyclists can also ask for increased enforcement on roads where cyclists are harassed. We have done so for a section of Vail Road. Contact the District station where the road is located. Provide specific information about time and place of incidents. Update: Here's the video clip of the close pass.
Labels: aggressive driver, fairfax county police, magistrate
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Fairfax Police bike safety video
The latest bike safety video from Fairfax County police is entitled Bike Safety Equipment and Traffic Rules. The 2 1/2 minute video covers basic equipment used for safe bicycling. Helmet fit is stressed, taking up over a minute of the video. The helmet worn by the officer seems a bit loose to me.Rather than spend so much time on helmets and helmet fit I would prefer they stressed the importance of proper bike handling skills to avoid crashes in the first place. Under the 5 layers of bicycle safety, use of a helmet is listed last (Passive safety): "This is actually the least effective layer. Helmets and gloves protect your most vulnerable body parts as a last resort in case of the very rare failure of Layers 1 through 4, but they do nothing to help you avoid crashes."
The basics of the ABC Quick Check are briefly discussed. Following the rules of the road is the last segment. According to the officer, "If you're on a bicycle on the street you're a motor vehicle" which is incorrect. The definition of a bicycle in Virginia code states that "a bicycle shall be a vehicle while operated on the highway" not a motor vehicle. I know, picky, picky.
Labels: bicycle safety, fairfax county police, helmet
Monday, January 9, 2012
2011 bike crash data finalized
Citations were issued in 30 of the crashes. Of those citations, motorists received 73%. That's the way we would characterize the crash data. Police had a different take:
In 51% of the crashes, the bicyclist was held at fault.
and
Fairfax County had an estimated 10,612 total crashes in 2011. Crashes involving bicycles in this same period represent less than 1% of this total. [emphasis by police].
I guess we're supposed to feel good about this small percentage. The statistics can be found on the county 2011 Bike Crash page. Try to ignore the photo of the goofy looking bike and the very poorly produced safety video on the page.Labels: bike crash, fairfax county police
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Fairfax Co bicycle crashes - January-June 2011
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| Bike crash at North Shore Dr |
In only 13 of the 46 crashes in 2011 was the driver determined to be at fault (28%). Cyclists were said to be at fault in nearly 60% of the crashes. In only 4 of the 27 crashes in which the cyclist was at fault were charges filed.
From some reason the report released by police contained this section: "Fairfax County had an estimated 2,176 reportable crashes in the first quarter of 2011.Crashes involving bicycles in this same period represent less than 1% of this total." We're not sure why "represents less than 1% of this total" is highlighted. For one thing, many bike/car crashes go under reported because they involve less than $1,000 in damage or there were no serious injuries. I would guess that a much higher percentage of auto crashes are reported than bike crashes.
The page on which the crashes were reported also contains the poorly produced safety video we critiqued earlier.
See the TBD article Fairfax County reports more bike crashes in 2011 than this time last year
Labels: bike crash, fairfax county police
Friday, July 8, 2011
Video: Bike Safety in Fairfax County
This week Fairfax County announced the release a bike safety video on their newswire feed (Video: Bike Safety in Fairfax County (July 5, 2011)). It's not a very instructive video; in fact some of it doesn't make any sense. We wish they had taken more time to edit the video and provide some detailed info on bike safety.The video consists of a discussion by Officer Rex Pagerie, Fairfax Co Police Department with some background video of girls checking over and riding their bikes. See our commentary below the video:
While officer Pagerie provides some good info, parts of it don't make any sense. As he discusses various tips, the video shows unrelated random shots of girls looking over her bike. A shot of brakes being applied shows tires that are badly cracked. He should have discussed the ABC quick check and how to do it.
This is what officer Pagerie says about bike fit: "To get the proper seat height the balls of your feet should be touching. Once you're there you should be in good shape."
He goes on to say "We'll make sure your reflectors are on your bike. State code requires that, that you're visible from 500 feet in front from dawn to dusk, and if you're riding on roadway that's 35 mph or over you have to have a red light on the back of your bike." He neglected to say that you're always required to have a front headlight if riding after dark.
"We know 80% of accidents are head injuries related to bike accidents." Not sure what this means.
"Riders are required to ride on the far side of the roadway." There's no mention of Virginia law that includes all the exceptions to riding "as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of the roadway."
Then there's this statement that makes no sense: "They can ride two riders abreast but if a vehicle comes up to overtake them they have to go single file. There's no restrictions on the speed. It would be impossible to keep up with a 35 mile per hour car or faster."
"Riders have to ride with traffic" showing two girls riding on the sidewalk.
"A lot of times you'll see younger riders or kids riding against traffic. Some parents may think that that's an appropriate way to ride so they can see the car coming; it's actually against the code. We prefer that you would ride with traffic and wear something reflective if you're going to ride at night or in the evening hours." Instead of saying that it's against the code he could have explained the many reasons it's dangerous to ride against traffic: Motorists aren't expecting oncoming traffic in their lane, they have less time to react, and the effects of an impact are much greater when both vehicles are riding in opposite directions vs. the same direction.
We think it's time to go back to the editing room and do the film right.
Labels: fairfax county police, safety
