Tuesday, August 30, 2016
Safetrack Surge #8 Underway - Franconia-Springfield to Van Dorn St
According to WMATA's Surge #8 page there will be continuous single-tracking between the two stations during that period, and NO weekend service. Free shuttle bus service will be provided on the weekends.
There are a couple of routes that bicyclists can use. Google Maps bicycle directions between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St is a 4.2 mile route. Cyclists could then park at Van Dorn St and take Metro from there. Cyclists could also ride an 8.5 mile route between Franconia-Springfield and King St station.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Fairfax Co Bike Options for SafeTrack Surge #4
- Huntington Ave to Braddock Road Metro - Map (PDF)
- Braddock Road Metro to Pentagon City Metro - Map (PDF)
- Huntington Ave to Washington D.C. - Map (PDF)
Labels: braddock road metro, huntington ave, pentagon city metro, safetrack
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Popularity of Biking During Safetrack
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| Bike to Work Day in Vienna |
During Metro's first phase of repairs, Safetrack, it seems that many more people are discovering the joys of bike commuting. According to the Post, How Safetrack can actually make us happier:
As commuters made adjustments to their travels in response to last week’s first surge of Safetrack, Metro’s yearlong maintenance plan, ridership at stations west of Ballston was down by over 25 percent.
One type of commuter did go up in numbers, however: cyclists.
Between Monday and Friday last week, automated bike counters recorded a 70 to 90 percent increase in bike traffic in Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor compared to the same period last year. The counter at 14th Street Bridge alone recorded close to 4,400 extra bikes zipping past it last week, compared to the same week last year.
And all that biking might be a cause for joy.
In 2014, researchers Eric Morris of Clemson University and Erick Guerra of the University of Pennsylvania published a study on how different modes of transport affect the way we feel. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that cyclists are the happiest commuters of all, ahead of car passengers, car drivers, and public transit users.
One type of commuter did go up in numbers, however: cyclists.
Between Monday and Friday last week, automated bike counters recorded a 70 to 90 percent increase in bike traffic in Arlington’s Rosslyn-Ballston corridor compared to the same period last year. The counter at 14th Street Bridge alone recorded close to 4,400 extra bikes zipping past it last week, compared to the same week last year.
And all that biking might be a cause for joy.
In 2014, researchers Eric Morris of Clemson University and Erick Guerra of the University of Pennsylvania published a study on how different modes of transport affect the way we feel. Using data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they found that cyclists are the happiest commuters of all, ahead of car passengers, car drivers, and public transit users.
Labels: safetrack
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Metro's SafeTrack Program and Bicycling - Update2
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| Photo: Fairfax County |
Bike Commuting - One significant advantage of traveling by bike is knowing how long it takes to get to your destination. It may take longer to ride than some other options but at least you can plan accordingly. Most Fairfax commuters travel long distances so it may not be feasible to complete your full commute by bike. However, bikes are a great way to connect non-Metro travel options. You could ride to the bus stop, put your bike on the rack on the front of the bus, then reverse the process at the other end of your bus ride.
Folding bikes can be taken on Metro during all operating hours and they give you yet another option during unscheduled delays. Full-size bikes cannot be taken on trains during peak hours (7-10 am and 4-7 pm). See WMATA's Bikes and Metro page. Fairfax Connector and Metro buses have bike racks, so combining bikes and buses greatly extends your trip.
Use WMATA's Trip Planner to learn about Metro bus and train options (including Fairfax Connector buses) and to estimate travel times. We've been told that Trip Planner travel times will include SafeTrack delays. Use Google Maps bike directions and Fairfax County's interactive bike map to find possible bike routes.
If you'd like more info on strategies for bike commuting, including advice on equipment, clothing, and finding the best routes, contact FABB.
Capital Bikeshare - Bikeshare bikes are available at many of the Metro stations where single-tracking will occur. See the CaBi Station map for details. You must be a CaBi member to check out a bike. Several membership options are available: 24-hour ($8), 3-day ($17), 30-day ($28), or Annual ($85). All rides lasting under 30 minutes are free. See the CaBi How it Works page for details.
Update - June 2 - WABA recently published their page How to Bike During SafeTrack. WABA is also looking for volunteers to support biking during SafeTrack.
Update 2 - June 3 - WMATA has bike info on their SafeTrack Surge #1 page:
- Arlington County is installing a Bikeshare station at the East Falls Church Metrorail station, and capacity will be added to the Bikeshare stations at Ballston and Rosslyn stations. Most Metrorail stations have a Bikeshare stand nearby. One-day, three-day, monthly, and yearly memberships are available.
- Consider bicycling to Ballston, Virginia Square, and other stations to the east, where more trains will be running and provide a good chance of getting space on board. Added bicycle parking will be available at Ballston.
- For customers at McLean, Vienna, West Falls Church, and East Falls Church, consider taking the W&OD and Custis Trails to Ballston station. The W&OD trail is within a half-mile of those stations, and leads to Ballston. The route to the station will be signed clearly. WABA has posted bike-friendly routes to and from these stations to the trail.
- Customers who normally bike to Wiehle-Reston East station should consider riding and parking at the North Reston and Herndon-Monroe Park & Rides, where enhanced express bus service will be available.
Labels: bike commuting, capital bikeshare, safetrack, wmata
