What does this Bicycle Master Plan do?
This bicycle master plan identifies important routes for people who choose to travel by bicycle. It also provides information on different kinds of bicycle facilities. The plan establishes a schedule for developing bicycle routes in the City and for developing a bike-share system. As part of the implementation process, the plan specifies a public engagement process that will be used to design bicycle facilities that fit the needs and neighborhood context of specific bicycle routes.
Why Create a Bicycle Master Plan? More and more people are choosing their bicycle as an alternative or supplemental form of transportation. According to the U.S. Census American Community Survey, in the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) mode share for bicycle trips to work doubled from 0.3% in 2000 to 0.6% in 2012. Note that these numbers do not capture people who ride to work once or twice a week or who ride recreationally.
As a mode of transportation, bicycles have numerous benefits. Bicycling promotes good health, is has little environmental impact, it is economical, and it provides travel options for those unable or unwilling to drive.
While biking may not be for everyone, this plan establishes a vision of making biking available for people who choose to travel by bicycle. This vision is driven by policy guidance adopted in the City's Comprehensive Plan, which states that the City should, "Provide a network of bicycle routes that connects the City’s commercial areas and neighborhoods, transit facilities, schools, regional bicycle facilities, and designated bicycle routes in neighboring jurisdictions." Public Engagement Schedule This Plan was developed with substantial public input. The table below lists the public meetings at which this plan was discussed. In addition to these public meetings, an online survey was open in April and May of 2015. Notices about meeting dates and plan updates were available on the City's website, Facebook page, Twitter Account, and Instagram Account. The planning effort was also announced through the City's Parent Teacher Associations and in the schools' morning announcements. The planning effort was also covered by the Falls Church News Press and the Falls Church Times.
Date
Group
Type of Meeting
March 11, 2015
Citizens Advisory Committee on Transportation (CACT)