Wednesday, March 8, 2017
March-April 2017 FABB News
A bi-monthly publication of the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling
Board of Supervisors Endorses Bicycle Parking Guidelines
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently endorsed the county's Bicycle Parking Guidelines that have been in development for almost 10 years. Kudos to the Board, and to FCDOT staff for their work over the years developing the guidelines and working them through the approval process.
FABB began advocating for these guidelines in 2007 when we met with Supervisor Smyth to discuss the importance of the county having guidelines for developers and others to implement safe, convenient bike parking. The guidelines will be applied to all new developments in the county. While existing developments are not required to install bike parking, they now have guidelines to use when bike parking is provided. Please refer to the guidelines when asking for bike parking.
New bike lanes -- and a sidewalk! -- connect GMU and downtown Fairfax
In February, the City of Fairfax added bike lanes to a three-block section of University Drive between George Mason University and downtown. Fairfax opted for a road diet, converting the four-lane road to two through lanes with a center two-way turn lane and 5.5’ bike lanes. The road diet begins just north of City Hall and ends a few blocks south of downtown. In another piece of good news, the City also addressed a major safety hazard for pedestrians by adding a new sidewalk on the west side.
Representatives from FABB, George Mason University and other community members supported the road diet, and the City Council approved it in 2015 as a one-year pilot project to calm traffic, improve safety and increase bicycling. The new configuration will be evaluated for safety. Other road diets in Fairfax County, and throughout the U.S., have measurably improved safety for all users.
Virginia 2017 General Assembly Wrap Up
The 2017 Virginia legislative session ended with a win for bike lanes. Legislation ensuring highway maintenance payments are not reduced to municipalities who choose to reconfigure their roadways with road diets and bike lanes passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. This is an important win for bicyclists as it chips away at putting cycling needs on par with motor vehicles.
It was an odd mix of legislation this year with several bipartisan bills put forward in the House and Senate. Other bills that passed included legislation that tightened vision test standards for drivers and another that addressed dog bites. Unfortunately, bills addressing distracted driving, vulnerable users and handheld phone usage all failed to get out of committee. Read more at the Virginia Bicycling Federation.
Vote for FABB as Most Valuable Clean Air Partner
FABB is excited to have been nominated by Clean Air Partners as a Most Valuable Partner in their Best in Air awards. Clean Air Partners recognize FABB’s work promoting bicycling and that more people biking would have a positive impact on our regional air quality. We need your help to win! Please vote for FABB here.
FABB is excited to have been nominated by Clean Air Partners as a Most Valuable Partner in their Best in Air awards. Clean Air Partners recognize FABB’s work promoting bicycling and that more people biking would have a positive impact on our regional air quality. We need your help to win! Please vote for FABB here.
Clean Air Partners is a regional group working to educate the Washington-Baltimore region on ways to reduce their environmental impact and exposure to air pollution. FABB has worked with Clean Air Partners in the past, using their Air Quality Forecast widget to notify cyclists about Code Red and Code Orange air quality warnings.
Regional Vision Zero Summit Planned
The DC region’s inaugural Vision Zero Summit is being held on March 31 at GW University's Milken Institute of Public Health. Hear from leaders in the Vision Zero movement and learn about the latest regional efforts in ending traffic deaths. According the summit website, “Vision Zero is a public commitment to ending all traffic deaths and serious injuries. The data-driven initiative works by designing safer streets, effective traffic enforcement, and increased public education and outreach.” The Washington Area Bicycling Association is holding the summit in conjuction with GW University Hospital and AAA-Mid Atlantic.
Around the region, Washington D.C. and the City of Alexandria have embraced Vision Zero. Fairfax County has not yet enacted a Vision Zero policy. However, VDOT has adopted a similar effort and as we know, the State of Virginia owns our roads. It's not as rigorous as Vision Zero but is a good start.
FABB will sponsor a couple people to attend the summit so if you’re interested in attending, please drop us an email.
FABB will sponsor a couple people to attend the summit so if you’re interested in attending, please drop us an email.
FCDOT Holds Meetings on Roadway Safety Improvements
Fairfax County is off to a productive start in 2017 holding several community meetings in January and February on proposed bike lanes and safety improvements to roadways around the county. The improvements are part of VDOT’s 2017 repaving program. Proposals include enhancements to Greeley Boulevard, Hillside Road, and Braeburn Drive in Springfield and Braddock districts.
In the Mason District, they hope to build out more of the network laid down last summer in Annandale with the addition of bike lanes on Hummer Road, Sleepy Hollow Road and sharrows on Little River Turnpike service roads. Several roads in the Lee District could see bike infrastructure including sections of Harrison Lane, Memorial Street, Bedrock Road, Vantage Drive, and Rolling Stone Way.
The Hunter Mill Street Design Improvements community meeting is coming up on March 16th. FCDOT and VDOT representatives will be on hand to discuss proposed traffic, bicycling and pedestrian safety improvements in the Reston area, including sections of North Shore Drive, Twin Branches Road and Colts Neck Road. Support is needed to ensure these safety improvements happen. Please consider attending the meeting or submitting comments. For more information check out FABB’s Reston Bike Meeting blog post.
Fairfax County Budget Meetings Scheduled
Fairfax County is holding town hall meetings to allow citizens to learn about the proposed budget and a chance to tell your county representatives about your priorities. We encourage cyclists to attend one of these meetings to tell county representatives that our trails are in very poor condition and we shouldn't ignore needed maintenance any longer. Check out FABB’s blog for a list of town hall dates. If you can't attend a meeting, consider writing to your County Supervisor and Chairman Bulova.
FABB Meeting in Oakton March 15, Falls Church in April
Join FABB at our monthly meeting on March 15th to hear from Fionnuala Quinn about the great things going on at the Bureau of Good Roads. We’ll also discuss the latest bike news and county update. FABB’s meeting will be held at the Oakton Public library (10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA), starting at 7:30.
Mark your calendars! In April, the FABB meeting will be in Falls Church. We’re meeting at the City Hall Dogwood Room, 300 Park Ave. Hope you can join us.
FABB Board Convenes for Annual Strategy Session
FABB’s Board of Directors met on Saturday, Feb 18th for a strategy and planning session. This half-day working meeting included a review of the 2016 results before outlining our goals and objectives for 2017. Additionally, the team took some time to conduct a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) analysis to help identify areas of growth. The objectives and activities discussed support FABB’s goals of expanding outreach, advocacy and public support throughout the County.
The board will review this plan in six months to assess progress and make updates as needed. A high-level version of the plan will be shared at an upcoming FABB monthly meeting!
FABB at SpringFest 2017
FABB will once again participate in SpringFest 2017, a free, all-day celebration of Earth and Arbor Days sponsored by the Clean Fairfax Council. The event will be held April 29th and offer plentiful entertainment for children, environmental exhibitors, farmers market and much more. Temporary bicycle parking will be available. This year Springfest has a new location at the Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly.
FABB is looking for volunteers for Springfest. Are you interested in organizing rides to/from the event, or helping at FABB’s table? Contact Howard Albers for more information.
Fairfax County is off to a productive start in 2017 holding several community meetings in January and February on proposed bike lanes and safety improvements to roadways around the county. The improvements are part of VDOT’s 2017 repaving program. Proposals include enhancements to Greeley Boulevard, Hillside Road, and Braeburn Drive in Springfield and Braddock districts. In the Mason District, they hope to build out more of the network laid down last summer in Annandale with the addition of bike lanes on Hummer Road, Sleepy Hollow Road and sharrows on Little River Turnpike service roads. Several roads in the Lee District could see bike infrastructure including sections of Harrison Lane, Memorial Street, Bedrock Road, Vantage Drive, and Rolling Stone Way.
The Hunter Mill Street Design Improvements community meeting is coming up on March 16th. FCDOT and VDOT representatives will be on hand to discuss proposed traffic, bicycling and pedestrian safety improvements in the Reston area, including sections of North Shore Drive, Twin Branches Road and Colts Neck Road. Support is needed to ensure these safety improvements happen. Please consider attending the meeting or submitting comments. For more information check out FABB’s Reston Bike Meeting blog post.
Fairfax County Budget Meetings Scheduled
Fairfax County is holding town hall meetings to allow citizens to learn about the proposed budget and a chance to tell your county representatives about your priorities. We encourage cyclists to attend one of these meetings to tell county representatives that our trails are in very poor condition and we shouldn't ignore needed maintenance any longer. Check out FABB’s blog for a list of town hall dates. If you can't attend a meeting, consider writing to your County Supervisor and Chairman Bulova.
FABB Meeting in Oakton March 15, Falls Church in April
Join FABB at our monthly meeting on March 15th to hear from Fionnuala Quinn about the great things going on at the Bureau of Good Roads. We’ll also discuss the latest bike news and county update. FABB’s meeting will be held at the Oakton Public library (10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA), starting at 7:30.
Mark your calendars! In April, the FABB meeting will be in Falls Church. We’re meeting at the City Hall Dogwood Room, 300 Park Ave. Hope you can join us.
FABB Board Convenes for Annual Strategy Session
FABB’s Board of Directors met on Saturday, Feb 18th for a strategy and planning session. This half-day working meeting included a review of the 2016 results before outlining our goals and objectives for 2017. Additionally, the team took some time to conduct a SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threats) analysis to help identify areas of growth. The objectives and activities discussed support FABB’s goals of expanding outreach, advocacy and public support throughout the County.
The board will review this plan in six months to assess progress and make updates as needed. A high-level version of the plan will be shared at an upcoming FABB monthly meeting!
FABB at SpringFest 2017
FABB will once again participate in SpringFest 2017, a free, all-day celebration of Earth and Arbor Days sponsored by the Clean Fairfax Council. The event will be held April 29th and offer plentiful entertainment for children, environmental exhibitors, farmers market and much more. Temporary bicycle parking will be available. This year Springfest has a new location at the Sully Historic Site, 3650 Historic Sully Way in Chantilly.
FABB is looking for volunteers for Springfest. Are you interested in organizing rides to/from the event, or helping at FABB’s table? Contact Howard Albers for more information.
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Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- March 6-9 - 2017 National Bike Summit, Washington, D.C.
- March 9 - Burke VRE Connector Trail Meeting, 6:30pm, 6060 Burke Centre Pkwy, Burke, VA
- March 15 - FABB Monthly Meeting, 7:30pm, Oakton Public Library, 10304 Lynnhaven Pl, Oakton, VA
- March 16 - Reston Bike Lane Meeting, 6:30pm, Dogwood Elementary School, 12300 State Rte 4721, Reston, VA
- March 22 - FABB Board meeting, 7pm, location TBD
- March 28, Lee District Bike Lane Meeting, 6:30pm, Crestwood Elementary School, 6010 Hanover Ave., Springfield, VA
- March 31 - Vision Zero Summit, 9am – 5pm, George Washington University Hospital 900 23rd St NW, Washington, DC
- April 8 - Opening Days for Trails 5K Fun Run, 8am, Bluemont Park, N Manchester St & 4th St N, Arlington, VA
- April 19 - FABB Monthly Meeting, 7:30pm, Dogwood Room, Falls Church City Hall, 300 Park Ave. Falls Church, VA
- April 29 - SpringFest, The Sully Historic Site, 3650 Sully Historic Way
Labels: bicycle parking guidelines, fabb newsletter, vision zero
Friday, January 13, 2017
Vision Zero Video: The Dutch Example
Systematic Safety: The Principles Behind Vision Zero. "This video is an explanation of the Dutch 'sustainable safety' policy by prof. Peter Furth of the Northeastern University of Boston, who feels Systematic Safety would have been a better name. Concept and narration: Peter G. Furth. Filming and editing by Mark Wagenbuur."Labels: vision zero
Thursday, December 12, 2013
Bike news from BikePortland
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| The Copenhagen Wheel |
Happiness machines: The many benefits of bikes include slowing the aging of skin, getting you to sleep promptly and separating you from air pollutioncompared to car use.
Bike share placemaking: In NYC, Citi Bike stations are providing more than just transportation. People are using them for on-street public seating, rendezvous points and interaction hubs, all from "the space that would have otherwise been used to store a couple of empty cars."
Total safety: The almost daily drumbeat of road deaths has convinced a TV anchor in New York City that Vision Zero, a policy that to use road design to eliminate them, is "a fight worth having."
Suburban calm: The "safest suburb in the world" got that way by building "two separate transportation networks." The city of 44,000 suffered exactly one traffic fatality between 2001 and 2005.
Gas tax hike: U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) wants to add 15 cents per gallon to repair roads and build new infrastructure. It'd be the first such increase in 20 years, during which time the market price of a gallon has risen $2.20.
License requirements: A British driver's license is "basically a Ph.D. in driving," while American driving tests are "a joke," writes an American in England.
Safety gap: People on bikes and foot account for 15% of annual average U.S. traffic deaths, a recent study found. In car-bike collisions, people were using bikes legally 89% of the time and people in cars are at fault 87% of the time.
E-bike ban: NYC's government is in hot water over a new law banning the use of electric bikes by businesses or their employees.
Street grid science: On Strongtowns.org, Andrew Price looks closely — very closely — at six different street grid patterns, including Portland's, and offersrevealing insights about the cities each one creates.
Black Friday parking: "If you want to build a strong town, get rid of your parking minimums," writes Chuck Marohn in a photo essay ridiculing the amount of land devoted to auto parking that's useful on one day every year. "Any chaos that ensues will be healthier for your city than the acres of unproductive, wasted space we have justified with a veneer of professional expertise."
Pro-bike smackdown: "Just as it would be inefficient to force travelers to walk or bike for trips most efficiently made by motorized modes, it is inefficient and unfair to force travelers to drive for trips most efficiently made by active modes," writes Todd Litman in a total demolition of most arguments in favor of car-dependent cities. I especially like his calculation that building Portland's 2030 bike plan would cost "$6 to $25 annually per capita, a small fraction of the approximately $665 per capita spent annually on roadways."
Cargo bikes: It's the Associated Press's turn to notice that these are a thing.
Outrage shortage: Last week's awful New York train derailment that killed four, injured 60 and got wall-to-wall news coverage and investigative resources was dwarfed by the little-noticed death toll of local street systems.
Indoor parking: Bike theft is a significant barrier to biking, and the infrastructure that fixes it is secure indoor parking, says newspaper coverage from Vancouver BC.
Biking gadgets: Laser-projected bike lights, snap-on electric assists, airbag-style helmets: all part of a boom in cool bike gadgets, but maybe a "distraction" from the supposed need for "hard segregation" to improve safety.
Easy e-bike: The 12-pound, $700 Copenhagen Wheel, which snaps into your rear dropout and gives your bike a smartphone-connected electric assist, is now on sale, and it's worth a couple minutes as your video of the week:
Labels: bike portland, copenhagen wheel, vision zero
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Recent bike-related news
We read a number of bike and smart growth blogs. After returning from a trip to Vermont, where we had some glorious weather and great bike riding, it took a while to get caught up on our reading. Below are a number of links we found that might be of interest:- Dulles Airport must reduce its carbon "toeprint"—One way would be to develop a bike trail along the Dulles Toll Rd that would allow some of the 36,000 people who work there to go by bike. From GreaterGreaterWashington.
- "Why do we allow these deaths to occur?" - A Q&A with Peter Jacobsen—Jacobsen is the researcher behind the widely regarded and influential "Safety in Numbers" concept. He is now involved with the "Vision Zero" traffic safety philosophy. From Bike Portland.
- Car Free City is a Ride Lexington County Takes on a Bike—Formerly known as Bicycle City, Car Free City is being developed in Gaston, SC, located just south of Columbia. Originally from Bike Portland.
- Kiwi commuters go green with new bike monorail—Google recently invested in this new pedal-powered transportation system, known as the Shweeb. Some have said it could be used in Tysons as another way to get around.
- The Invisible Cyclists of Los Angeles—Includes a section titled "Less Money = Less Choice + More Danger." FABB plans to hold bike light giveaways this Fall to reach out so those who depend on bikes for transportation and often ride at night without lights. Originally from Bike Portland.
- Plan to reduce sprawl will boost health, environment—"Oil dependency, climate change and health-care costs are but three of a growing list of ills, rapidly becoming crises, that give us reason to look again at how we build our communities and what policy can do about it. American suburbanization did not happen by accident; it was heavily subsidized by federal and state dollars, most powerfully in the form of highway funds. The first step to a solution is to reduce incentives for sprawl, including new highways or highway lanes. If we have learned one thing from the suburban experiment, it is that you can't grow a green economy on blacktop." From the Washington Post.
Labels: bicycle city, dulles airport, invisible cyclists, peter jacobsen, shweeb, sprawl, vision zero
