N. VA Bike Plan

[Bruce Dwyer]

Bikeway, trail¶ link explored
By CLARISSA SPASYK
Journal staff writer
     A new study on how to connect Northern Virginia's bikeways and trails
is long overdue, biking enthusiasts said yesterday.
    Consultants hired by the Virginia Department of Transportation, which is
sponsoring the study, will hold an informational meeting for Northern
Virginia residents at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Fairfax County Government
Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway.
    The area being studied extends throughout the region, including
Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties; all incorporated
towns within each of those counties; and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax,
Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.
    ``It's about time," said Allen Muchnick, board member of the Washington
Area Bicyclist Association, a nonprofit advocacy group with 5,000 members.
``There's never been a study like this."
    VDOT officials said the purpose of the study, titled ``Northern Virginia
Regional Bikeway and Trail Network," is to identify existing and funded
bikeways and trails, find out where some are needed and recommend a way to
create a network.
    ``Counties are responsible for bike plans, however we want to ensure
connectivity," said Heather Wallenstrom, a VDOT engineer who is the
project's manager.
    Although there is no funding or construction plans associated with the
$150,000 study, she said, it can help show jurisdictions how to make a
connected system, one that will make area traveling smoother for bicyclists.
    Paul DeMaio, transit specialist for Alexandria, said it is a great idea.
    ``It's fantastic," he said. ``It needs to happen."
    Alexandria officials, who are in the process of creating a bike and
transit map, have already given the city's bikepath information to the
project's consultant, Sprinkle Consulting Inc. of Laurel, Md.
    Alexandria also recently widened Commonwealth Avenue's bike lane from 3
feet to 4 1/2 feet, DeMaio said, and has been looking to increase the number
of bike signs on roadways to inform travelers.
    ``We definitely want to increase biking in the region," DeMaio said.
    Tomorrow, the Arlington County Board will consider changing the county's
bike transportation plan to include up to 23 miles of new bike trails on
streets.
    More information on the Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway Network Study
can be found on the Internet at www.fhiplan.com/novabike.

> Northern Virginia Regional Bikeway and Trail Network Study
> Public Information Meeting
> July 31, 2000  7:30 p.m.
> Fairfax County Government Center
> 12000 Government Center Parkway
>
> Directions to the Government Center:
>
> From I-66
> Take Exit 55B, (formerly Exit 15, onto Fairfax County Parkway (route 7100)
> North; turn right onto Fair Lakes Parkway (east); turn right at light onto
> Monument Drive; turn right onto Government Center Parkway. The Government
> Center is on your left.
> Check http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/dta/66west.htm for directions from other
> roads or areas.