Eisenhower Avenue Connector closed from July 6 through September—We just learned that the Eisenhower Avenue Connector will be closed on July 6. As part of the deck replacement work on the Beltway, the bicycle connection from Clermont Dr to Eisenhower Avenue will also be closed to cyclists. See our blog entry about an earlier closing last September. We are trying to find out more information about the closing and any proposed detours for cyclists. Read the Eisenhower Avenue Connector closure press release.
FABB receives grant from Alliance for Biking and Walking—The Alliance for Biking and Walking announced today that FABB was awarded a grant of $9,600. FABB will develop an easy-to-follow handbook for non-engineer bicycle advocates to help them identify issues, make informed comments, and play a constructive role during the design of new bicycle facilities. See the Alliance press release.
Bikes for the World Summer Collections—Now is a good time to put that unused bike to good use by donating to Bikes for the World. There are many collections sites planned around the region.
FABB survey—Please take a few minutes (less than 5) to let us know something about you and how we can do a better job of advocating for better bike facilities in Fairfax. The FABB Survey.
Tysons Metro Access Group formed—Supervisor Hudgins, along with Supervisors Smyth and Foust, has asked Fairfax County staff to form a group to review multimodal access to the four planned Metro stations in Tysons:
- That a Tysons Metrorail Access Group (TMAG), similar in composition and purpose as the RMAG group, be established with the representatives from three bordering Supervisor districts, TYTRAN, and the Town of Vienna, to create a plan that identifies multimodal access challenges and possibilities to Tysons four new Metrorail Stations.
- Direction to staff to report with necessary funding and the proposed structure. With the Tysons Plan nearing completion, bus access, sidewalk and trail, and bicycle connectivity to and from surrounding communities will be vital to the success of the new urban "downtown".
Bicycle Rack Policy—With input from FABB, Fairfax County is developing “specific standards for the County to use as part of the land development process”. The new standards will either be a Board Policy, an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, or incorporated into the Public Facilities Manual. Recommendations are expected in the near future. See Supervisor Smyth's Board Matter from the November 19, 2007 meeting, page 20, no. 40.
Goals
- County Bicycle Master Plan
- Prioritized list of bicycle projects connecting major residential, employment, and commercial center
- Bicycle parking
- Cross county bike routes
- Bicycle Safety and Police Outreach
- Data Collection and Analysis
- VDOT Bicycle Advisory Committee
A brief history
The roots of FABB go to spring 2005 when about 10 bicycle enthusiasts got together to talk about ways to advance cycling in Fairfax County. The group met during 2005 and eventually decided to be affiliated with WABA. Since 2006 we've contacted cyclists at various bicycle events, handing out copies of the FABB brochure, and signing up cyclists for our bi-monthly newsletters. We continue to advocate for better bicycling conditions in Fairfax.
