These notes are from the official minutes
Pavement Index for Trails: DES (Department of
Environmental Services) personnel are responsible for the pavement
condition index (PCI) for streets. Many details about pavement
condition are used in making the PCI. It was proposed that the PCI be extended to the 36 miles long county trail system if its not too expensive. The BAC feels that money should be in
the CIP to address trail paving as predicted by the PCI. This was included in testimony before the Transportation
Commission on July 14th.
The draft MTP mentions paving on a 15 year cycle and also discusses
paving of trails based on reviews (page 8 of the Bicycle element under
“B” ).
Trail Issues: Vegetation overgrowth is an issue on a number of trails. The County is trying to address the problem.
Much more work needs to be done in order to complete the project of filling in the crack on the Custis Trail in Rosslyn. The project is only 10-25% complete. Furthermore, the drain on the bike/ped. overpass is plugged and needs to be cleaned out. Roots are breaking up the Custis Trail in the Cherrydale area.
It was noted that Wakefield Drive is in need of repair at Fairfax Drive. This is a dangerous intersection for bicyclists as result of road construction on Fairfax Drive. Dave Goodman (Arlington Bike and Ped PM) said he would look into getting at least some temporary repairs to Wakefield until the whole project is completely done. There are plans to extend the bike lanes in this area.
Dave Goodman wanted comments on the most recent stripping on the Four Mile Run and Custis Trails. Members of the BAC had no comments at this time. New stripping is done right over the old in order to avoid confusion.
The Bicycle Element of the MTP: Since the BAC meeting this was approved by the Planning Commission, despite the expressed misgivings of the Environmental and Energy Conservation Commission and the Urban Forestry Commission about possible damage to trees and parks from widening and straightening trails. Last week it was approved by the county board and it was pointed out that the County would use common sense wrt trees - not cutting down a 40 year old tree, when it can be routed around. (if you want to watch the video is starts around 7:22pm)
Route 50: Virginia has started the Route 50 project which will reconfigure the Trail. Some people want to narrow the trail to slow bikes. The BAC believes that narrowing the trails is unsafe.
Community Bike Ride: There were 750 riders on June 7. There were some concerns by BAC members about the ride. The major concern was that WABA did not seek sufficient input from the BAC during route development. But, additionally there were not enough marshals and/or police at key turns and intersections; the first rest stop was too close to the start; the rest areas were not properly posted ahead of the rest stop; there were no queue sheets; and the rest areas themselves were not well marked. Despite these short comings, the ride went very well with no serious incidents.
Updates on County and Other Projects:
● Bike counts. Preliminary work was started at Lee and Lynn Streets (Custis Trail). The preliminary counts indicate that bicycle traffic has doubled over the last seven years. Counts are planned at the end of the W&OD Trail in Shirlington. The County would like to know how the new connector under I-395, presently under construction, will affect bike traffic. Also, NPS is doing counts on the Mount Vernon Trail.
● The connector trail for Four Mile Run under I-395 is on schedule and will be completed next Spring. There are some last minute changes to assure a safe tie in to the W&OD Trail. The County is working on these.
● Bike Share Program: The program will be delayed at least until Spring 2009 due to concerns about liability issues. The County will be putting out an RFP to get someone to run the program for the County. $200,000 in grant money will be used to start the program. The program will also need operating funds from the County.
● Meeting with Chris Hamilton in August. Enhancement Grant of $150,000 for bike shelters and racks at Metro Stations. The Ballston bike shelter has a $300,000 grant. Bike lockers are presently not in the plans. Alexandria and Arlington will work with Rails to Trails to get funds from $50 million of enhancement funds
● The 14th Street Environmental Assessment. FWHA wanted Arlington and VDOT to approach DOD about bike routes around the Pentagon. DOD has major problems with the new Pentagon sine the public will have access to it 24/7. The bike routes around the Pentagon need to be in the EIS for the 14th Street bridge.
● New Bike Map: The County is looking for feedback on the existing map over the next couple of months. The County will then print new maps incorporating any changes needed.
● Bike Lanes: Work is ongoing to update bike lane information including missing stripes.
● County Fair: WABA is going to run the valet bike parking over the weekend of the Fair (August 9 & 10).
● CIP Hearing: delayed a month.
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