FABB Blog

FABB News

March-April 2018

A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling

www.fabb-bikes.org

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

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:

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.

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.

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:

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.

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3.13 Sidewalks and Shared Use Paths 3.13.1 General

A. The Developer shall design and construct the Project to include proposed pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian facilities within the Project corridor, as identified in the RFP Conceptual Plans. The Developer shall not preclude the future design and construction of pedestrian, bicycle, and equestrian facilities currently being planned or anticipated.

B. Existing pedestrian and bicycle access on facilities shall be maintained to the maximum extent possible throughout construction as per the MUTCD and the Virginia Work Area Protection Manual. Any temporary pedestrian or bicycle facility closure request shall be submitted in writing twenty-one (21) days in advance to the Department for review and approval. Advance notification of closures shall be provided to the public similar to scheduled roadway closures.

C. New bicycle and pedestrian path facilities and modifications to existing bicycle and pedestrian path facilities shall be designed in accordance with the standards and specifications set forth in Attachment 1.5. All new bicycle and pedestrian path facilities intersecting I-66, the associated Interstate ramps, or other roadway facilities as depicted on the RFP Conceptual Plans shall be grade separated (over or under) unless otherwise approved by the Department.

D. Where a box culvert is replaced along a proposed or existing trail, the new culvert barrel carrying the path shall have sufficient width and vertical clearance to accommodate the shared-use path and a handrail adjacent to the stream. In lieu of this, a separate barrel may be solely dedicated for shared- path use. The walking surface of the path shall be located above the five-year stormwater level. Where the path also serves as an equestrian trail, the vertical clearances shall be increased accordingly. Lighting shall be required for all bicycle and pedestrian path underpass structures and facilities. This lighting shall be installed in accordance with the VDOT Traffic Engineering Design Manual.

E. The Developer shall conduct coordination meetings with all local jurisdictions and the Department to ensure existing and planned pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian facilities are identified along the Project corridor. Any planned facility that is not constructed with this project shall not be precluded in the future. For locations where new bridge overpasses are proposed to widen existing bridges with end spans that contain slope protection, the new bridge shall not be reduced in length and the new end span shall not preclude shared- use path placement.

F. The Developer shall coordinate with the Department and local jurisdictions on the design, maintenance of traffic and construction staging of the bicycle and pedestrian facilities within the Project limits.

G. Concrete and asphalt pavement designs for sidewalks and shared use paths shall be in accordance with Attachment 3.7. If a locality wants a stone dust surface on a facility, the Developer shall coordinate obtaining a maintenance agreement for the Department with the Locality. The specifications for the stone dust surface shall be approved by the Department.

H. The Developer shall design and provide drainage for any new independent pedestrian or shared-use path bridge or underpass structure. Drainage scupper grates on bridges and drainage grates in underpass structures shall be located within the 2-foot shoulder of the path unless otherwise approved by the Department. All drainage grates shall be bicycle friendly and meet ADA requirements. All drainage grate installation orientation shall prevent bicycle or pedestrian encumbrance.

I. The Developer shall design a shared use path parallel to I-66 that is consistent with the RFP Conceptual Plans. Where proposed noise barriers are to be located near homes, the path shall be on the I-66 side of the noise barrier. In addition, a roadway barrier with fencing shall separate I-66 vehicular traffic from the new pedestrian/bicycle facility.

J. Where possible, utility manholes should be located outside of any pedestrian areas (sidewalks, paths, etc.). If necessary, utility access manholes may be located within the 2-foot shoulder of the 10-foot shared use path. Where manholes are located within a sidewalk or shared use path, the manhole covers must be ADA compliant.

K. Access points to the shared use path parallel to I-66 shall be provided at approximately half mile increments. These locations may be co-located with other access needs to reduce the breaks in the sound barriers. The Developer shall coordinate with adjacent and nearby communities and local jurisdictions regarding the locations and design of each access point. Possible access points are in the vicinity of the locations listed below:

1. Braddock Rd at NW Quadrant of Route 28 Interchange. Underpass for connection to future trail to Route 28 north.

2. Audrey Dr (Cabells Mill Development, Centreville).

3. Connect to the standard turn at the end of Veronica Rd (Cabells Mill Development, Centreville).

4. West side of Stringfellow Rd connection to Park & Ride Lot and street crossing to east side of street trail.

5. Fair Lakes Shopping Center (behind Target).

6. East Market Shopping Center (behind Whole Food Market).

7. Existing trail from Waples Mill Rd (NE Quadrant of US 50 Interchange).

8. Arrowhead Dr/Rosehaven St (SW quadrant of Route 123 Interchange).

9. Bushman Dr (just east of tennis courts property).

10. Cedar Lane north side connection to I-66 parallel trail.

11. Connection to west bend of Yeonas Drive (west of Southside Park).

The above access points are shown on the RFP Conceptual Plans and the Bicycle/Pedestrian Concept Feasibility Study exhibits.

L. Mile marker and wayfinding signs shall be incorporated into the design.

M. Existing trails impacted by the Project shall be replaced.

N. The Developer shall provide 8 permanent non-motorized traffic counters composed of combined bicycle detector loops and passive infrared sensors. The location of counters shall be proposed by the Developer and approved by the Department. The infrared sensors shall be enclosed in a vertical post. The posts should have a 2-foot clearance from the path where possible. The proposed continuous count equipment and vendor shall be approved by the Department.

Each counter shall be able to:

1. Count both pedestrians and cyclists;

2. Differentiate between pedestrians and cyclists;

3. Measure the direction of travel of both pedestrians and cyclists;

4. Provide for automatic remote transmission of data via a modem;

5. Provide for in-field transmission of data wirelessly to a field computer;

6. Record count data at 15-minute intervals, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year;

7. Provide a detection height of 24 inches to 36 inches (for infrared sensor);

8. Operate in temperatures from -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 100 degrees Fahrenheit;

9. Be waterproof; and

10. Provide a wood post housing for natural settings or a metal vandal resistant post for urban settings.

Software used for transmittal and storage of data shall be able to:

1. Provide customizable alert system for missing or unusual data;

2. Provide the ability to combine data from multiple counters;

3. Provide the ability to record site description data;

4. Provide an estimate of counter battery levels;

5. Provide a data transmission subscription for each counter;

6. Provide the ability to create multiple viewer accounts; and

7. Provide the ability to view, edit, and create reports.

The revised Tier II Environmental Assessment was recently released for public review and comment with updated language integrating the bicycle and pedestrian improvements approved as part of the I-66 Prefferred Alternative.

According to the revised EA, the I-66 project will include a major regional trail along the I-66 corridor outside the beltway (click on image to see map) as well as new bicycle and pedestrian facilities on all rebuilt bridges. The report states that including these improvements will increase access to public transportation, travel choices, connectivity and safety throughout the I-66 corridor.

Specific design requirements for the bicycle infrastructure was also recently released as part of the I-66 Request for Proposals, which included the draft Technical Requirements.

Here are some key things you should know from these documents:

• The regional trail will be a combination of a parallel trail constructed within the I-66 right-of-way as part of the project, and improvements to adjacent roads and trails that will be built separately in coordination with local jurisdictions.
• Bike and pedestrian improvements at I-66 crossings are included where bridges are being reconstructed.
• All new facilities crossing I-66 or associated ramps shall be grade-separated unless otherwise approved by VDOT.
• Where proposed noise barriers are to be located near homes, the parallel trail will be on the I-66 side of the noise barrier.
• There are 13 access points proposed for the parallel trail, along with the suggestion that access generally be at half-mile increments.
• Park-and-ride facilities will include bike and pedestrian connections to nearby facilities, and covered bike racks for a minimum of 75 bicycles.
• Mile marker and wayfinding signs shall be incorporated in the design.
• Existing trails impacted by the project shall be replaced.

For more information on efforts to include bike facilities in the I-66 project, visit FABB's I-66 page.

Thank you for your support,

Sonya Breehey
FABB Board Member

3.4.2.6 Bicycle and Pedestrian Elements
The bicycle and pedestrian accommodation recommendations would support the overall purpose and need of the project, seeking to achieve the following objectives:

• Increase access to public transportation
• Increase travel choices
• Increase bicycle and pedestrian connectivity for communities within the I-66 corridor
• Accommodate safe and efficient bicycle and pedestrian travel within the I-66 corridor
• Integrate existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian networks in communities along the I-66
• corridor

Bicycle Network
Accommodating bicycles strategically along and crossing the I-66 corridor could provide substantial benefits to the transportation system, benefits to the environment, and improvement to people’s quality of life. Bicycling is a healthy, efficient, and affordable transportation alternative. It can dramatically enhance people’s access to transit and related facilities, connect neighboring communities, improve people’s health, and reduce people’s reliance on a personal automobile for short and moderate-distance trips.

Fairfax County and Prince William County have invested substantially in bicycling infrastructure, and along with transportation-related associations, the counties have also invested in programs to encourage and expand bicycling. Currently, I-66 is a barrier to bicycle network connectivity in many locations outside the Beltway (I-495). The modification of bridges, ramp termini, the freeway mainline, and some local roadways offers the opportunity for bicycling networks along the corridor (existing and planned) to become better connected.

Information is not yet posted on the Tranform66.org meetings page but it should be there soon. See FABB's previous coverage of the project and info about our efforts to ensure that safe, convenient bike facilities are included. If the project goes forward, bicyclists should be able to travel safely along this congested corridor to commute and take short trips. The county Trails Plan and Bicycle Master Plan recommend including the parallel trail. It has also been endorsed by the Board of Supervisors.

If you cannot attend the meeting you can provide comments at Transform66@vdot.virginia.gov.

November-December 2015 FABB News

A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling

www.fabb-bikes.org

Board of Supervisors and School Board Candidate Survey Responses

On November 3, all members and the Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors are up for re-election as are all members of the county School Board. FABB recently sent questions regarding bicycling in Fairfax County to candidates for the Board of Supervisors and a separate set to candidates for the School Board. We received responses from 12 of 19 Board of Supervisors candidates and 19 of 24 School Board candidates.

See the Board of Supervisors candidate responses and the School Board candidate responses.

All Board of Supervisors candidates who responded agreed with the statement "Do you support safe bicycling as an integral part of the overall transportation options in Fairfax County."  Three quarters or 75% of respondents said they support implementing the Bicycle Master Plan recommendation to "Allocate an annual budget dedicated to bicycle planning and program initiatives." All School Board candidates who responded to the survey generally agreed with the statement "The school system and school board should be doing more to enable FCPS students to walk and bike to school instead of driving or being driven."

FABB does not endorse candidates. We provide the information so that you can better understand candidates' views on improving bicycling in Fairfax.

Extension of Custis Trail Included in I-66 Outside the Beltway Project

On October 27, the Virginia Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the latest plans for the widening of I-66 Outside the Beltway. The plans include the parallel trail that will serve as an extension of the very popular Custis Trail, which is located inside the Beltway. The rebuilt bridges also will include new ped/bike facilities. We are very encouraged that the parallel trail is now included as an integral part of the project and that most of the ramp crossings are grade-separated using either bridges or tunnels.

Unfortunately much of the trail is located on the highway side of the soundwalls, mostly due to opposition from residents living adjacent to I-66, particularly in the Dunn Loring area. As the project moves forward we hope residents will begin to understand the major benefits of having access to this trail and that the final design will be modified to reflect that support.

Adam Lind Named as New Fairfax County Bike Coordinator

Fairfax County recently named Adam Lind as the new Bicycle Program Manager, commonly referred to as the Bike Coordinator. Adam has been serving as the acting Bike Coordinator since Charlie Strunk retired in January of this year. Congratulations Adam!

Adam has done a great job as acting coordinator, working with VDOT on the creation of more than 34 miles of new bike lanes as part of this summer's repaving program. The work included conducting numerous meetings around the county to seek comments on individual projects. He is developing a plan to implement bike sharing in Reston. Most recently he has worked with VDOT on the design of the I-66 parallel trail and other bike facilities related to the project.

See the FABB blog for more info on Adam.

Soapstone  Connector Across Dulles Toll Road in Reston to Provide New Bike Access

Last week Fairfax County presented the latest plans for the Soapstone Connector, which will extend Soapstone Drive from Sunrise Valley Drive to Sunset Hills Road across the Dulles Toll Road. With limited crossings of the Toll Road, intersections around the Reston Parkway and Wiehle Ave. crossings become very congested during rush hour, making them especially dangerous for pedestrians and bicyclists. The Soapstone Connector will provide a new way for cyclists and pedestrians to safely cross the Toll Road and access the Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail station and other destinations on both sides of the Toll Road. Bike lanes are included in the project and serve as an extension of the current bike lanes on Soapstone Dr.

Unfortunately the proposed road will extend only to Sunset Hills Road on the north where no bike facilities exist. The W&OD Trail is located a short distance north of Sunset Hills Road but there are no nearby connections to the Trail. Please contact the county and ask that a connection to the W&OD Trail be included in the project. Deadline for comments is November 6. Email comments to audra.bandy@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Support the Proposal for Paving Cross County Trail in Wakefield Park

Fairfax Co. Park Authority has proposed to pave a section of the Cross County Trail through Wakefield Park. The trail is heavily used by commuter and recreational cyclists. The unpaved trail is in poor condition and is difficult for most transportation bikers to navigate. A paved surface will be easier to maintain and would provide a much better surface for most trail users with minimal adverse effects on the environment. Cyclists are encouraged to send a message to Project Manager Bill Boston, William.boston@fairfaxcounty.gov, to voice support for paving the trail segment. See the FABB blog for more info.

County to Apply for Federal Funds for Bike Projects

At their October 20 meeting, the Board of Supervisors endorsed four bike project applications to VDOT and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's Transportation Planning Board for FY2017 Transportation Alternative funding. See the Board Agenda for details (Action Item 3):

• Vienna Metrorail Bicycle Access Improvements: $400,000 [Application postponed until after planned Vienna Metrorail construction is completed.]
• Cinder Bed Bikeway: $400,000
• Van Dorn Street Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements: $400,000
• Reston Bike Share Capital Equipment: $400,000 (See FABB blog for details of recent Reston bikeshare meeting.)

Fairfax County SRTS Coordinator Conducts Bike Safety Classes

Using Safe Routes to School grant funds, Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) has purchased 30 bikes and 6 Strider bikes for bicycle safety lessons at elementary schools. Week-long lessons were conducted at 12 elementary schools last spring for grades 4, 5, and 6, reaching over 8,000 students. Students at several more schools received lessons this fall. Additional grant funds will be used to purchase more bikes to expand the bike program to middle schools. Lessons include bike skills, safety education, signaling, and road simulation riding.

Elementary schools where classes have been held include: Island Creek, Kings Glen, Rolling Valley, Stratford Landing, Washington Mill, Greenbriar West, Lane, Hollin Meadows, Canterbury Woods, North Springfield, West Springfield, Colin Powell, Fort Hunt, Hunters Woods, and Rose Hill. Kudos to Sally Smallwood, FCPS SRTS Coordinator for implementing this program. We hope the program can grow in the near future to allow all elementary students to learn safe bicycling skills. See the Fairfax SRTS Newsletter for more info.

Fairfax County Parkway Trail Restored Between Fox Mill and Pinecrest Roads

Fairfax Water recently replaced a major water main adjacent to Fairfax County Parkway. Major construction work required removing and relocating the Parkway trail. Fortunately, Fairfax Water provided a paved detour throughout the long construction phase, which lasted for several years. In October, construction was completed and the original trail was replaced and opened. We want to thank Fairfax Water for their diligent efforts toward maintaining trail access during the construction period.

Help FABB Identify Bike Rack Locations in Fairfax County

To improve bike parking in the county, help us locate and map existing bike racks. Rackspotter is a web-app that Arlington County is using to map bike racks. The application is now available for mapping racks in the greater DC area. The app allows you to identify the rack type, capacity, and location. You can also add a photo of the rack. As you travel around the county, why not take a minute to map bike racks that you encounter.

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This would be a big boost for area trails

Building out the entire thing would make the Custis Trail one of the longest trails in the region. It'd be up there with the W&OD Trail's 45 mile long path, and it'd dwarf other well know trails in the area like the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles) or the Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles). You'd be able to take the trail all the way from the Key Bridge to Manassas Battlefield National Park and beyond.

Working new trails in with road plans is a way to make sure that even highway expansions are, in their own way, bike and walking-friendly. For such efforts to be successful, though, trails have to both get built and is adequate for people's needs. Otherwise the trail just gets seen as a simple amenity rather than a necessary part of the area's transportation infrastructure.