SAIC Transportation Fair

Handing out literature at SAIC Trans. Fair

Yesterday we attended the SAIC Transportation Fair. As you can see from the photo on the right, it was held outdoors in one of the massive parking lots next to the building located on Greensboro Dr in Tysons. It's always impressive how much free parking space is used in Tysons, where land is very valuable. And people think that bicyclists don't pay for facilities. We all pay for free parking.

We talked to several people who live very close to Tysons. They all said they would ride to work if they could do so safely. I had a copy of the latest version of the Fairfax County Bicycle Route map that is being delivered to the county this week, showing people the many bike-friendly routes leading to Tysons. The worst part of the ride for most people is along Gosnell Road and Westpark Road. During rush hour the streets are packed with commuters and even the most experienced cyclists are challenged by the conditions. We need to make these critical connecting routes more bike-friendly.

New trail that ends near service road

We rode to the event, using the same route we used to the Wolf Trap concert, instead turning right on Gelder Ln at Trap Rd, left on Bois Ave, left on Montmorency Dr to the end where there's a trail into Tysons behind the Sheraton. We crossed Route 7 and took a right on the paved trail to Spring Hill Rd at the site of the new Metro station. There's a short climb after turning right on Greensboro Dr to the SAIC parking lot. It took about 35 minutes, probably less time than it would take to drive, park, and walk to the building during heavy rush hour. It was a very pleasant ride for most of the trip.

Northbound bike lane on Gallows Rd closed

On the return trip we wanted to check out the Gallows Road bike lanes again as they were part of a discussion of bike lane widths at the Bicycle Master Plan advisory committee meeting on Wed. We rode to Tysons Corner Center mall then to the ring road past the Towers Crescent building to a left on the bridge over Route 7 where we took the photo above. There's a new, much needed trail that extends from the new bridge over the 495 Express Lanes/Beltway to this location where it abruptly ends. Someone needs to complete this connection to the service road you seen in the distance. We're trying to find out if that's in the works.

Backing out of the W&OD Trail

If you're riding on the Gallows Road bike lanes this week beware that there is construction on the northbound lane just north of Idylwood Rd where the bike lane is closed and cyclists must merge with traffic in the center lane.

The bike lanes are a vast improvement over previous conditions. When traffic is congested cyclists can easily ride to head of the line at traffic lights. The lanes are about 4 feet wide with a 2 foot gutter pan. Even so we'd like them to be 5 feet wide but they work pretty well as is.

Finally, we eventually made our way back to the W&OD Trail where we took the photo of a motorist who had turned right onto the W&OD Trail thinking it was either a road or an entrance to the adjacent Whole Foods store. People do some crazy things out there so beware. That's the second car we've seen on the W&OD Trail in that area, but we would definitely not want bollards placed at the entrances which are a hazard to cyclists, especially at night. Maybe better signage is needed.

Wolf Trap bike train

Bridge over Dulles Toll Rd at Wolf Trap

We went to see Wilco at Wolf Trap on Tuesday. We live in Reston near South Lakes Village Center and it's only 6 miles to Wolf Trap. Here's a map of the route, which uses the W&OD Trial, Clarks Crossing Road, a short stretch of Beulah Road where new Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs were recently installed, Trap Road, the trail along Trap Road in front of the Barns at Wolf Trap, and the great new bridge over the Toll Road to the park.

In searching our blog I see that the last time I rode to Wolf Trap was to see Wilco in 2009. Unfortunately the same crummy rack that I complained about then is still in place. It really is time for Wolf Trap to provide some decent bike parking for patrons, especially now that there's a great bridge that allows cyclists to easily ride to events. We'll send them a nice note requesting a few U racks.

The same crummy rack that's been there
for many years. Time for an upgrade.

Anyway, as I was leaving I happened across Robert from the bike shop where be both work, and two other cyclists who were headed to the W&OD Trail. We decided to form a bike train and ride to the trail. I can tell you how much nicer it is to leave the Wolf Trap gates, walk a few steps to our bikes, and ride past all the frustrated motorists waiting to exit the park.

It took about 35 minutes to get home, probably less time than it would take to walk to our car, wait to exit, and drive home. An added plus was following a fox on the W&OD Trail for about 50 yards. It was a very pleasant ride home. You should try it next time you visit Wolf Trap.

Herndon Town Council discusses Bicycle Master Plan

At a Public Hearing last week Herndon Town Council members were presented the recommended elements to be incorporated into the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan.  The Council was asked not to build a bicycle network but just to endorse a plan that will go forward to the County.  The Herndon Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) presented a well thought-out plan that outlined some recommended bicycle infrastructure that would connect the historic downtown with the future Metro station, the W&OD Trail and surrounding communities like Reston, Sterling and Oak Hill.   The PBAC plan includes on-road paint treatments like Sharrows (aka shared lane markings) and bike lanes.  They also recommend a cycletrack, or separated bikeway, along Herndon Parkway to link an important north-south corridor (Van Buren St) with the Metro station.  

So based on the above you’d expect some discussion on how people use bicycles in the town, or perhaps how sharrows might impact safety.  The discussion was in two parts:  1) discussion by the Town Council and 2) comments from the public.

The discussion from the Town Council largely centered around:

• Postponing the vote until the next meeting
• Possibility of grants to cover any costs
• How much any of these improvements will cost
• The right of a bicyclist to ride in the road
• Cycling on the sidewalks instead of the roads
• Negative reaction of drivers and homeowners if bike lanes or sharrows are used
• Discussion of how bicycles must pull over if cars approach and will be ticketed for riding in the middle of the road
• Potential delay to drivers by having bicyclists in the road
• Effectiveness and legitimacy of these on-road bicycle treatments

Comments from the Public:

• New bicycle facilities will be good for those who are older and can’t drive
• There is no possibility of bike lanes and sharrows making the road less safe
• Sharrows will decrease harassment of cyclists by drivers
• Better bicycle facilities will help more residents enjoy events like Herndon Festival since the entire town is 10 minutes or less away from downtown
• Accommodating bicycles in town will be less expensive than building parking garages
• Being more bicycle friendly may attract more of the people who ride the W&OD to the downtown area, helping businesses
• Bicycle facilities will increase the safety of Herndon Residents who cannot afford cars (of which there are many)

Do you see any common themes between what the Public thought was important compared to the Town Council?   I really didn’t either.  The Council voted to defer the vote until the August 14 meeting so the town engineers can review the plan.  

We cannot expect the Town Council to be experts in bicycle and pedestrian safety; however, the Council received conflicting and incorrect information at the Town Council meeting.  It was stated by town staff that bicycles must move over when a car comes up behind them on a narrow road and may not ride in the middle of the lane, which is allowed by Virginia State Law.  FABB hopes to meet with members of the PBAC, Herndon Police Department, and the County Bicycle Coordinator to clear up any confusion on bicycle infrastructure and bicycle laws. I hope the Town Council gets the information they need to realize the benefits of a more bicycle-friendly Herndon.  See the video replay of the Council meeting. Click on Video from the July 10 meeting.

By Tom Wyland


Update: The Town of Herndon published this FAQ on the bike plan:

BICYCLE FACILITY PLANNING – FAIRFAX COUNTY AND TOWN OF HERNDON

What is the Fairfax County Bicycle Transportation Plan, and how does it impact the Town of Herndon?

The Fairfax County Bicycle Transportation Plan is a comprehensive planning effort, currently under way, to make the county’s roads bicycle-friendly. The plan will consist of a map identifying locations of future bicycle facilities as well as a policy document that outlines implementation of the plan. After getting community input at a series of public meetings, Fairfax County has developed a recommendation for a bicycle facility network that includes facilities in the Town of Herndon. The county plan is expected to be considered for adoption by the Board of Supervisors in winter 2012-13.

Does the Town of Herndon have an opportunity to weigh in on the plan and make its own recommendations?

Yes. A resolution currently before the Herndon Town Council outlines specific bicycle facilities, located within the town that, if adopted by the council, will be formally endorsed for inclusion in the county plan. The Town Council will hear public comment at its public hearing on August 14, 2012, and is expected to vote on the resolution at that meeting.

Who crafted the town’s recommendations, as outlined in the resolution the council will be considering on August 14?

Upon receipt of the county draft plan, town staff worked with the town’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC), a committee formed by the Town Council to study and advise on issues related to bicycle and pedestrian access and safety throughout the town. PBAC worked to refine the county plan to specifically address issues within the Town of Herndon. The PBAC recommendation was then presented to, and subsequently recommended by the town’s Planning Commission for Town Council approval.

What types of recommended bicycle facilities are included in the town’s resolution?

The PBAC recommendations call for inclusion within the county plan of bike lanes on Dranesville Road between Herndon Parkway and Park Avenue, and on Elden Street between Monroe Street and Fairfax County Parkway. The recommendations also call for cycle tracks, trails and sharrows in specific locations within the town to facilitate safe bicycle traffic. A full outline of the resolution draft is available at www.herndon-va.gov, see “What’s New.”

I see references to “sharrows” in the PBAC recommendations. What is a sharrow?

A sharrow, or shared lane marking, which is identified with a distinctive bicycle marking: 1) identifies where bicyclists should ride in a lane where on-street parking is present to reduce the chance of being impacted by the open door of a parked vehicle; 2) identifies where bicyclists should ride in lanes that are too narrow for a motor vehicle and bicycle to travel side by side in the same lane; 3) alerts road users of where bicyclists are likely to ride within the roadway; 4) encourages safe passing of bicyclists by motorists; and 5) reduces the incidence of wrong-way bicycling.

If the Town Council does not adopt the resolution making specific recommendations to the county plan, what happens then?

Fairfax County may include facilities proposed in the Town of Herndon in its comprehensive planning effort, but the plan will not be considered as part of the town’s comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plans are long-range planning documents that set policy and do not usually indicate short-term construction projects. Inclusion in the county’s plan does not place any obligation on the town to finance or construct bicycle facilities, nor does it give permission to Fairfax County to build facilities in the town.

If the Town Council does adopt the resolution, what happens then?

Should the Town Council, after hearing public comment, adopt the resolution on August 14, the town’s recommendations will be formally submitted to Fairfax County for inclusion in their plan. This action will not, however, automatically revise the town’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The town may opt to include its bicycle recommendations in future updates of its comprehensive plan; this would not happen without advertised public hearings before both the Planning Commission and the Town Council, so that public input may be provided.

How much will it cost to implement the county’s plan?

The costs to implement the county’s plan are unknown at this time. Should the Town Council adopt the resolution endorsing specific recommendations to the plan, the cost of implementation of bicycle facilities in the town would then be considered when bicycle facilities are added to the town’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan and Capital Improvements Plan. It is important to note that inclusion of the PBAC recommendations in the county’s plan will likely provide additional leverage should the town then apply for grants to fund the construction of bicycle facilities.

How can I get more information?

Visit the town’s Web site at www.herndon-va.gov; see “What’s New” to link to a page with information on the Fairfax County Bicycle Transportation Plan and the town’s proposed recommendations.

Confusion about Bicycles May Use Full Lane Signs

Photo: Fairfax Times

In the Fairfax Times article New state road signs spark confusion for cyclists, motorists: ‘Bikes May Use Full Lane’ intended to alert motorists that cyclists can use center lane on narrow roads, a motorist is quoted as saying the new signs are illegal.

The new Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs are used "where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side" according to the official guidelines for their use. The guidelines go on to state "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane."

In the article Ronald Corso, who says he's a cyclist, complains about "bikers taking up the full lane and going a fifth of the speed limit and backing up traffic." He goes on to state that he thinks the signs are illegal: "In addition, the signs appear to be in conflict with [Va. Code § 46.2-905] which states: ‘Bicyclists operating a bicycle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under conditions then existing shall ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge of roadway.’"

What Mr. Corso neglects to quote is the end of that sentence in the code, "except under any of the following circumstances:" One of those circumstances is "substandard width lanes that make it unsafe to continue along the right curb or edge."

Fortunately Randy Dittberner of VDOT knows the code and he did a good job of explaining why the signs are needed. The signs are for both cyclists and motorists. The cyclist pictured in the article (above) is demonstrating what not to do in a narrow lane, ride in the gutter. This is very dangerous. There is not enough operating room and one small mistake by a cyclist in this position could lead to a crash, potentially in the path of a following motor vehicle. The cyclist is much safer riding away from the curb. If the lane is too narrow to share with a motorist, taking the lane and forcing motorists to pass safely is the best option.

Regarding delay of traffic; bicycles on the road are part of traffic and during rush hour often travel about the speed of other traffic. Even if traffic is traveling at the posted speed, which is 35mph on Beulah Rd, bicyclists are traveling only slightly slower than other traffic. Delays for following motorists, especially on the short 1/4 mile stretch between Clarks Crossing Rd and Trap Rd where most cyclists ride on Buelah, are minimal.

We wrote about the signs not long ago, along with several articles about shared lane markings. Obviously more needs to be done by VDOT and the county to educate motorists and cyclists about the purpose of the new signs and markings and about the laws in Virginia as they apply to bicyclists.

Herndon Town Council public hearing on county bike plan tonight

We just learned that the Herndon Town Council is holding a public hearing tonight on the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan recommendations for the Town. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Herndon Council Chambers Building located at 765 Lynn Street, Herndon.

Cyclists are encouraged to attend the meeting and speak out for on-road bike routes in the Town. Herndon has great potential for being a very bicycle-friendly community but there are currently no designated on-road bike facilities. Bike lanes on Dranesville Road end just north of the Town boundary.

TOWN OF HERNDON, VIRGINIA NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the Town Council of the Town of Herndon, Virginia will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Herndon Council Chambers Building located at 765 Lynn Street, Herndon, Virginia on the following measures intended to be proposed for passage:

Resolution - Summary of the proposed action: consideration of a resolution recommending to the Town Council that the recommendations of the Planning Commission regarding proposed bicycle facilities within the town be endorsed and forwarded to Fairfax County for inclusion into the Fairfax County Bicycle Transportation Plan. The proposed bike facilities for Herndon have been identified by the town’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and sent to the Planning Commission for their review and recommendation to the Town Council. The general goal of Fairfax County’s Bicycle Transportation Plan is to identify specific improvements that are needed to accommodate and encourage bicycling within and between activity and population centers throughout Fairfax County, adjacent jurisdictions as well as to/from rail stations along the Dulles Metrorail Silver Line.

Transit Network Study meetings in July

Fairfax County is conducting a major transit study. See an earlier FABB blog post about the study. Bicyclists are encouraged to learn more about how bicycling is being integrated with transit to allow more options for getting around the county. From Fairfax County:

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold the first public meetings on the Countywide Transit Network Study.  Two meetings, covering the same materials, will be held in two different locations:

Monday, July 16, 2012 in Conference Rooms 9/10 of the Fairfax County Government Center at 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA, and

Thursday, July 19, 2012 in the Middle School Cafeteria of Hayfield Secondary School at 7630 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA.

Both meetings will be in an open house format from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with a brief presentation at 7:00 p.m. and attendees are invited to join in two workshop discussions following the presentation.

This study will determine the most effective way to serve the County’s long term mobility needs and accommodate planned growth by establishing a network of high quality transit corridors.  The purpose of the public meeting  is to discuss the study purpose, scope and schedule and help refine proposed study goals and objectives, as well as to identify possible modifications to the Comprehensive Plan designation of Enhanced Public Transportation Corridors.

A project website has also been developed to keep residents up to date on project related news and provide feedback in the form of an online survey, which will remain open for comment until August 10, 2012 at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/2050transitstudy.

Please consider taking the Transit Survey.

JULY-AUGUST 2012 FABB Newsletter

JULY-AUGUST 2012 FABB News

A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling

www.fabb-bikes.org

Bicycle Master Plan

The final stages of the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan process are underway. At the final two countywide meetings cyclists were asked to rank a list of 18 Early Initiatives. The Initiatives were based on feedback from public meetings held over the past year. The top ranked initiatives were: Create BikeFairfax along the lines of BikeArlington, Strengthen the existing Fairfax DOT Bicycle Program, Develop a Trail Maintenance Program, Create a permanent Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Focus on the VDOT Resurfacing Program to create new bike facilities. The responses will help the Plan team as they develop recommendations for how the county should invest funding, what strategies should be used to build the route network, and which subject areas should receive the highest priorities.

The draft bicycle route network is now being revised. The bike plan Advisory Committee will meet again in mid July to review the latest draft of the plan and the route network. The goal is to complete the plan by the end of July. Public hearings at the Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors will likely be held in late Fall, early Winter.

New Bicycle Road Signs

Shared Lane markings, usually called "sharrows", are starting to appear on roads in Fairfax County, including Courthouse Road near Tysons and Westmoreland Street in McLean. FABB has been advocating for these signs since they were initially developed. The signs consist of two chevrons pointing forward with a bicycle symbol below. Sharrows are used to indicate to cyclists where they should safely ride in the road. The markings are placed away from parked cars so cyclists will avoid the dreaded "door zone."

Sharrows also let motorists know to expect bicyclists in the road. Some motorists and even some cyclists are not aware that bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities to use the road as do motorists. If the road is less than 14 feet wide it is considered too narrow for a bicyclist and a motorist to travel side by side. On those roads cyclists should ride in a way that motorists are not tempted to share the lane with them and pass dangerously close. In these cases, sharrows are placed closer to the middle of the lane.

Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs send the same message as the sharrow, that bicyclists belong on the road, and on narrow roads cyclists have the right to the entire lane. These signs were recently installed on a section of Beulah Road that is along a route between the W&OD Trail and Tysons Corner. The signs also appear on a short stretch of Idylwood Road on a route between the W&OD Trail and the Pimmit Hills/McLean area.

Fantastic Tour de Fat

We hope you were able to attend Tour de Fat. The event was a bike extravaganza sponsored by New Belgium Brewing, makers of Fat Tire Ale. It was held on June 16 at The Yards Park on the banks of the Anacostia River two blocks from Navy Yard Metro station and Nationals Park.

The event was a full day of fun bike activities starting with a bike parade that included many costumed riders. FABB volunteers staffed the ID/Wristband station and we raised $500 to support our advocacy work. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped. I think I can speak for them and say that we all had a blast. Activities throughout the park included the tire toss, Le Tigre performances, the bike pit, life-size Jenga, and performances by acts including Mucca Pazza, Ian Cooke, and Yo-Yo People.

Fairfax Bike Summit

FABB is working with Fairfax County and George Mason University to organize a Fairfax Bike Summit this Fall. The summit will be an opportunity for people to get together to discuss how to make Fairfax more bicycle-friendly. A major goal of the summit will be to build support for the county Bicycle Master Plan. Stay tuned for details.

Bike Crash/Incident Form

We've developed an online form for reporting bike crashes or other incidents. While any bike crash should be reported to the police, many incidents are never reported. In the past, Fairfax County Police collected information using their Aggressive Driver form. Due to budget cuts, that form is no longer available. Cyclists can use the FABB form to report harassment from motorists, incidents on trails, or anything else that you think needs to be reported. A summary of reported incidents will be published periodically.

Bike Count Summary

FABB volunteers participated in the National Bicycle Documentation Project on May 24 & 26. A goal of the project is to provide consistent bike counts for designated locations to record usage over time. We believe strongly that "if you don't count bikes, bikes don't count." VDOT has conducted some bike counts in the past, but only a small number of locations are in Fairfax (the W&OD Trail in Reston and Vienna). We began the project in July of last year. In May we counted cyclists at W&OD Trail/Gallows Rd, W&OD Trail/Route123 (Maple Ave), W&OD Trail/Fairfax Co Pkwy, Chain Bridge Road/Westmoreland St, and George Mason Blvd/University Dr. Thanks to the FABB volunteers who participated.

Bike to Work Day Wrap Up

12,700 cyclists registered for Metro DC Bike to Work Day. FABB members attended most of the 10 Fairfax pit stops, signing up cyclists for our newsletter. Welcome to those of you who signed up. Every year more cyclists participate in this event, a testament to the popularity of bicycling and the need for better bike facilities in the county.

FABB organized a bike locker giveaway at the Reston Bike to Work Day Pit Stop for the second year. Cyclists could enter to win one of two county bike lockers at the Reston Transit Center, Sunset Hills Park & Ride Lot, Herndon-Monroe Park & Ride Lot, or South Reston Park & Ride Lot.

FABB Rides

FABB sponsored a social ride through the City of Fairfax on June 30. Ten riders toured on- and off-road routes throughout the city, including part of the Mason to Metro route to the Vienna Metro station. Along the way we discussed a proposed new tunnel connection to the Cross County Trail under Pickett Lane. We rode one of the alternate Mason to Metro routes on the return trip, passing through the Mosby Woods neighborhood. Several trails were blocked by fallen tree limbs as a result of the strong storm that passed through the area the night before. Bike people power was required to clear the way.

Future rides include tours of McLean and Reston. Once dates are determined they will be posted on the FABB Events calendar. We plan to post the cue sheets for our rides in the near future.

FABB Happy Hour

We had a very successful FABB Happy Hour on June 28 at Coyote Grill in Fairfax City. It was a great opportunity to mingle with fellow cyclists over good food and drinks. Over 30 cyclists attended.

Thanks to Ann and Douglas who organized the event and thanks also to the Bike Arlington forum crew who rode in for the occasion.