Bicycle Routes Implementation 

In July 2015, the City Council adopted the City's Bicycle Master Plan. That plan establishes a vision for developing a City-wide bicycle network, identifies future bicycle routes, and specifies a public engagement process to be used in selecting bicycle facilities for a particular route. The blue subheadings below provide information about different phases of implementation of bicycle routes in the City.

Process

The Bicycle Master Plan outlines a process for implementation (page 19). First, City staff brainstorms pavement marking options and wayfinding signage. Second, through a community workshop, the public reviews marking options and provides feedback. Third, the City Manager reviews options and feedback and selects final markings.

Per the Bicycle Master Plan, staff considered alternative configurations for each street segment along designated bicycle routes. Factors impacting potential street configurations include street width and percent on-street parking utilization.  
  

Summer 2016 Bicycle Routes

 

Public Workshop

 
Staff presented draft marking options to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) for review and feedback on July 7, 2016. After incorporating that feedback, options were presented at a public workshop on August 3, 2016. 

Staff Recommendation


After reviewing feedback provided during the workshop, City Staff made a recommendation to the City Manager.  

Implementation

Staff is proceeding with implementation and expects the routes will be ready by the end of September.

Summer 2016 Bike Routes Map

Spring 2016 Bicycle Routes


Public Workshop


Staff presented draft marking options and wayfinding signs to the Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT) for review and feedback on April 13, 2016. After incorporating that feedback, options were presented at a public workshop on May 7, 2016. 

Staff Recommendation

After reviewing feedback provided during the meeting and through email City Staff prepared the following recommendation which was subsequently accepted by the City Manager.

Implementation

Staff is proceeding with implementation and expects the routes will be ready by the end of September.
Spring 2016 Bike Routes Map

Summer 2014 Bicycle Routes


This project included the installation of bicycle wayfinding signs and sharrows along Little Falls Street and Cherry Street. The project included a refresh of existing sharrows along S. Maple Ave. and Park Ave. The wayfinding signs and sharrows  better facilitate travel between the Hillwood neighborhood and the East Falls Church Metro station. The project also better facilitates travel between the W&OD Trail and the commercial areas of the city. The project did not result in the loss of on-street parking.

Download the full plan

Summer 2014 Bicycle Routes Map

What are Sharrows?



"Shared-lane markings" or "sharrows," are intended to help motorists and cyclists safely share and navigate streets. The sharrows show cyclists where to be in the road (aligned with the middle of the chevron markings), and along with "Bikes may use full lane" signs, remind drivers that the presence of bicyclists is to be expected.

Sharrows are different from bike lanes, which are reserved exclusively for bicyclists and are marked by a solid white line and a bicycle symbol. Sharrows show where cyclists can ride on the street without being hit by a suddenly-opened car door. Although it is the responsibility of the motorist to check before opening their door, riding too close to parked cars (in the "door zone") is still a common mistake bicyclists make that can lead to serious injury.