Thursday, October 4, 2018
W&OD Trail Bridge Over Route 29 Meeting
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| Simulation of proposed bridge. |
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a community meeting this month to present the final design and aesthetic details for the Washington & Old Dominion Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over U.S. Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Arlington. The trail bridge is being built as a component of the I-66 Inside the Beltway Eastbound Widening Project. It will separate trail users from motorists at the signalized intersection, enhancing safety for both. This section of the W&OD Trail serves approximately 1,500 trail users on weekdays, and over 2,000 on weekends.
The meeting is set for Thursday, October 11, 2018, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm with the main presentation to start at 7:00 pm. It will be held at Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Boulevard, in Arlington.
Plan now to attend, show support for bicycle infrastructure, and offer your ideas to make the bridge even better.
Labels: route 29, Route 29 bridge, vdot, w&od trail
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
I-66 Inside the Beltway Meeting on June 5
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Hey, FABB members and friends in the McLean/Tysons and Falls Church area: the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding a “Pardon Our Dust” meeting to discuss upcoming construction in your part of the county as part of the I-66 Inside the Beltway project.
For bikers, the most important part of the project is the plan to build a bridge for the Washington & Old Dominion Trail over Route 29 (Lee Highway) as you leave Falls Church and enter Arlington. The upcoming construction also will add an additional travel lane to I-66 on a four-mile stretch of eastbound I-66 between the Dulles Connector Road and Fairfax Drive (Exit 71) and connect two existing ramps at the I-66 and Route 7 interchange to allow direct access from eastbound I-66 to the West Falls Church Metro Station.
Construction is just now getting underway. Please plan to attend and speak up for making the W&OD bridge the best it can be. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 5, 2018, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Boulevard, in Arlington.
Labels: falls church, i-66 inside the beltway, lee highway, route 29, w&od trail
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Tree Cutting Along W&OD Trail in Reston
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| Looking west toward Reston Town Center at Old Reston Ave |
The work being performed in the area is part of the habitat restoration going on along the W&OD Trail and other areas throughout the region by Dominion. The trees removed will be replaced by suitable vegetation (to be determined) that is native to our region and also safe from future interference with Dominion's transmission lines. NOVA Parks met and reviewed the area with Dominion as we normally do whenever work is performed on the trail.
Labels: dominion power, NOVA parks, w&od trail
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Van Buren Bridge Construction in East Falls Church
Here’s a heads up for cyclists that there will be street work near the W&OD Trail in Falls Church that will impede through traffic in East Falls Church and could affect your ride for several months.
The City of Falls Church Department of Public Works will begin the replacement of Van Buren Bridge in the first week of October 2017. The current construction schedule has access across the bridge shut down starting October 16th, 2017. The bridge probably will be closed till the end of March 2018. Marked detours will be set up, routing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic around the work zone.
More information on this project, as well as project updates, are available at the City’s project website: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1568/Van-Buren-Bridge
If you have concerns or questions at any time please call James Mak at 703-248-5105 or via email at jmak@fallschurchva,gov.
Labels: falls church, van burn bridge, w&od trail
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
New Belmont Ridge Road Bridge Over W&OD
The new Belmont Ridge Road bridge over the Washington & Old Dominion trail in Ashburn opened in late July and greatly improves safety for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers by eliminating the potential for crashes. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is funding the congestion relieving, multi-modal improvements on Belmont Ridge Road. The new Belmont Ridge Road bridge is part of a congestion-reducing project that will widen Belmont Ridge Road from Gloucester Parkway to Hay Road.
Check out VDOT's video to hear what several cyclists, including FABB member Charlie Bobbish, had to say about the improvements.
The widening of Belmont Ridge Road is expected to be complete in Summer 2018. To find out more about this project and other NVTA funded projects visit www.TheNoVaAuthority.org and www.virginiadot.org/Belmont.
Labels: belmont ridge, belmont ridge road bridge, nvta, vdot, w&od trail
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
W&OD Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge Over Rt. 29 Meeting
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| Map courtesy of VDOT |
As part of the Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Eastbound Widening Project, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a public meeting on the W&OD Trail pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Rt. 29 on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Boulevard, Arlington. This is a follow-up meeting to present a bridge option that was developed based on public input received during the planning workshop held on April 5, 2017.
VDOT staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions between 6:00-6:30 p.m. and will then give a short presentation on the proposal. This is another great opportunity for cyclists who use the W&OD (and isn't that just about everyone) to provide input to the important infrastructure addition. Please mark your calendars and plan on being there.
If you unable to attend the meeting you can email your comments or questions to Transform66@VDOT.Virginia.gov or send written comments to Ms. Amanda J. Baxter, Special Projects Development Manager, VDOT Northern Virginia District, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please reference "W&OD Trail Bridge" in the subject line. Comments must be submitted by May 18, 2017.
Labels: i-66 inside the beltway, rt.29 bridge, vdot, w&od trail
Sunday, April 2, 2017
Reminder: W&OD Trail Bridge Over Rt. 29 Meeting This Wednesday
Just a quick reminder that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a planning workshop this Wednesday, 5 April, on the W&OD Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over U.S. Route 29 (Lee Highway) project. The workshop will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Boulevard, Arlington.
FABB members and others interested in supporting this critical improvement to the W&OD Trail are encouraged to attend and make their views known.
Labels: i-66 inside the beltway, w&od trail
Monday, March 27, 2017
Workshop on W&OD Trail Bridge Over U.S. Route 29
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a planning workshop to gather input from the public on bridge options and design details for the W&OD Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge over U.S. Route 29 (Lee Highway), which will be built as part of the Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Eastbound Widening Project. The workshop will be on Wednesday, April 5, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Yorktown High School, 5200 Yorktown Boulevard, Arlington.
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| Proposed Bridge Location |
VDOT will hold a short presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. followed by a public participation session. There are local concerns about the bridge’s location, look, and impact on development. Alternatives have been proposed, such as taking the trail along Four Mile Run and under Lee Highway through an existing box culvert or adding a grade-crossing of Fairfax Drive and then taking the trail along I-66. The final choice for the bridge also will have impacts on the regional trail network.
FABB members and others interested in supporting this critical improvement to the W&OD Trail are encouraged to attend and make their views known.
Labels: rt. 29, vdot, w&od trail
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Faces of Fairfax – Jeff Lewis
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| Jeff Lewis |
Jeff rides every morning with his 9-year-old daughter to Wolftrap Elementary before continuing on to Oakton High School where he teaches Spanish. At other times he bikes with both of his daughters to get ice cream in town, pick up a few items at the grocery store, or just to ride on the W&OD Trail. He is pleased to see that his daughters seem to feel the same sense of independence and adventure when biking that he felt as a kid.
In response to our question about what he enjoyed most about biking, Jeff said that time spent biking with his two daughters is something he would always treasure. He then returned to the sense of adventure he felt as a kid and continues to feel:
“I especially enjoy riding early in the morning or when the weather gets colder. The landscape changes, the air is crisp, and I feel like I am more a part of nature. Before teaching at Oakton, I taught for five years at Herndon High School and would ride from Vienna to Herndon. That ride was mostly on the W&OD trail and I was on the trail between 6:00 and 7:00 in the morning. At that hour, as the sun is coming up and the mist is rising from ground, it is always quite surreal. I would often see rabbits, deer, and foxes trotting through the mist along the trail, not to mention owls and other beautiful birds flying overhead. It is really magical. It is chilly some days, but I'll take that over I-495 any day.”
When asked what he would like to change to make it easier and safer for him to ride, Jeff replied that more dedicated bike lanes would make a big difference. “Biking is so much safer and more enjoyable when you can be confident you aren't going to get run over,” he said. He added that there should be better driver's education about the rights of cyclists as well as how and when to pass a cyclist.Labels: Faces of Fairfax, oakton, vienna, w&od trail, wolftrap elementary school
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
People for Bikes Draft Meetup Coming to Our Area
People for Bikes, with help from The Bike Lane, is holding one of their famous Draft Meetups on 18 October from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at New District Brewing, 2709 South Oakland Street, Arlington, just off the W&OD Trail in the Shirlington area. Draft meetups, which have been held across the country, are networking events that bring passionate folks from the local bike, business, and advocacy world together to celebrate their individual stories and build on their collective success.
At each event, four speakers share short pitches on bike products, events, and other bicycling topics and creative ideas. This idea exchange is designed to help incubate bike businesses, develop entrepreneurs, and improve all things related to bicycling. The event is looking for additional speakers for this and future meetups. If you are interested, apply here.
The meeting is open to the public, and biking enthusiasts—that’s you, FABB members—are encouraged to attend to offer their ideas about how businesses can better serve the biking community and make biking better for everyone.
There will be beer and some bike swag to create a great weeknight party around the presentations.
Please plan on attending this informative and fun event. Beer and banter start at 6 pm and the program begins at 6:30 pm. You can find more information at this Facebook Event page link. You will need to RSVP using the Eventbrite page here.
Labels: draft meetup, people for bikes, the bike lane, w&od trail
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Potomac Pedalers Bike Train to Clips
You can find more details on the ride and sign up on the Potomac Pedalers Clips ride page.
It will be a great outing! Don’t forget to bring lights.
Labels: clips beer and film, potomac pedalers touring club, w&od trail
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, June 22, 2016
One Month Until Richmond to DC Ride
The inaugural Ride to DC: Bike for Your Right event, a 160-mile ride from Richmond to Gateway Park in Rosslyn, will be held on 23-24 July 2016. Early registration closes next week on 30 June. The cost is $150, which includes access to food and water stations every 15 miles and a complimentary beer for riders over 21 who make the finish line. Transportation options are available for purchase during online registration.
FABB is encouraging interested northern Virginia cyclists to participate in this challenging and fun advocacy ride, which is sponsored by Sports Backers of Richmond, to demonstrate our area’s strong support for bicycling in the Commonwealth.
The ride will rely on back roads and trails to cover the distance between Richmond and Old Mill Park, Fredericksburg, on the first day. On day two, riders will bike from Fredericksburg along the western border of Quantico Marine Corps Base into Manassas and Chantilly before joining the Fairfax County Parkway trail into Reston. From there, the riders will take the W&OD trail south to the Custis Trail and into Rosslyn. More details on the ride can be found on the Sports Backers website.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, RVA2DC Ride, sports backers, w&od trail
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
Herndon W&OD Trail Lighting Presentation on Thursday
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| W&OD Trail near Van Buren Street. |
Herndon Parks and Recreation and the engineering firm Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson will make a presentation on the proposed second phase W&OD Trail lighting project on Thursday, May 12, at 7 pm at Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn Street, Herndon. In addition to hearing about the project, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer comments on the project.
The proposed second phase will add to the first phase’s installation in 2014 of light posts to illuminate 3,800 feet of the W&OD Trail in Herndon between Van Buren Street and Ferndale Avenue. Under the proposal, another 2,400 feet of the 2.4 mile section of the trail in the town will be lit. The 22 new light posts will cover the section of the trail between Ferndale Avenue and Crestview Drive.
For more information, call 703-435-68--, extension x2123 or email parksandrec@herndon-va.gov.
Labels: herndon, lighting, w&od trail
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
Monday, February 1, 2016
Faces of Fairfax - Robert Sohl
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| Robert Sohl |
Labels: burke, FABB, Faces of Fairfax, w&od trail
Monday, November 2, 2015
Faces of Fairfax -Sunil, Ariji, and Paresh
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| Sunil, Ariji, and Paresh |
FABB continues to work with Fairfax County to implement the county’s Bicycle Master Plan, which includes recommendations to expand on-road and off-road facilities as part of a larger bicycle transportation network that will make Fairfax County more bicycle friendly.
Labels: bicycle master plan, FABB, Faces of Fairfax, falls church, w&od trail
Monday, April 20, 2015
Construction along W&OD promises improvements, requires more care on detours
By Kelley Westenhoff
The photo below from 19 April shows the new refuge island in Herndon where the W&OD crosses Crestview Drive. You can see a cyclist using it (as viewed from the east).
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| Crestview Drive - photo by Kelley Westenhoff |
There also is construction blocking the trail at Van Buren
in Herndon with a detour up to the light at Monroe that uses the narrow
sidewalks on both sides. It looks like the curb cuts are being reworked and an
island is possibly being added.
Finally, there is major construction blocking the W&OD
just before Lawson Road southeast (where the Old Mill Kennels are). The detour
is a steep gravel side trail at a location where the trail has been washing out.
The detour sucks, unless you have 14-year-old knees, mountain bike tires, and
no fear of natural consequences. So, be
careful out there.
Labels: crest view, herndon, lawson, monroe, w&od trail
