Herndon council discusses confiscating bicycles; In order to harass day laborers in Herndon, Councilman Husch wants the town to confiscate bicycles parked in public rights-of-way. Maybe if the town provided adequate bike parking people wouldn't have to chain bikes to trees and signs. There is almost no bike parking in Herndon despite the fact that the W&OD Trail runs through the center of town. Our favorite bread store, Great Harvest Bread Co. has a rack, but they are the exception.
We plan to find out more about Councilman Husch's proposal and will also contact the county bike coordinator to make sure that Herndon police don't start harassing bicyclists. You can tell Councilman Husch what you think of his idea by sending him an email message. He's not the only one on the council to support the idea:
"At least three other council members - who along with Husch make up a majority of the seven-member council - agreed.In e-mails obtained by The Times, Vice Mayor Connie Haines Hutchinson and council members Bill Tirrell and David Kirby all voiced agreement that the issue should be addressed."
Rolling Road widening Public Hearing—VDOT held a public hearing on Thursday June 12, 2008 on the widening of Rolling Road between Old Keene Mill Rd and just north of the Fairfax County Parkway. Many local residents spoke out against bicycle facilities on Rolling Road. Cyclists are encouraged to speak out for on-road bike facilities and the parallel trail on the widened road. Email your to Meeting_Comments@VDOT.Virginia.gov. Include "Rolling Road Widening" in the subject line. Comments must be received no later than June 22, 2008. See FABB comments. Check the VDOT project web site for details about the project.
Cyclists speak out for bike facilities at Beltway HOT Lanes public hearings— Several cyclists attend the two public hearings on the Beltway HOT lanes on May 20 & 21. Dranesville Supervisor Foust noted that the project is a once in a generation opportunity to provide bicycle and pedestrian access across the Beltway, which has been a barrier to bicycle travel since the late 1960's.
See the FABB summary of HOT lanes issues for more info on the project. Comments will be accepted at Meeting_Comments@VDOT.Virginia.gov until June 5.
Fairfax County bike map released—Fairfax County released the first ever County bike map on Bike to Work Day. A major goal of FABB, the map shows on-road and paved off-road routes. The entire county is depicted on one map, with the North half on the front and South half on the back. Copies are free and are available at area bike shops and at the County government center. An online version is available at the Fairfax County bike pages.
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-wide bicycle map
- On-road bike routes connecting major residential, employment, and commercial center
- Bicycle access and facilities for all Metro stations, including future Metro stations in Tysons Corner
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. In 2006 we contacted cyclists at various bicycle events, handing out copies of the FABB brochure.
