Public input sought on ActiveFairfax plan
Fairfax County is updating the Bicycle Master Plan and Countywide Trails Plan and combining them into the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan.
The county’s Department of Transportation describes ActiveFairfax as “a framework for safe, comfortable, and convenient active transportation and recreational routes.”
Active transportation refers to “self-propelled, mostly human-powered travel, including walking, biking, rolling (scooter, wheelchair, stroller), hiking, running, and riding for transportation and recreational purposes.”
FCDOT has scheduled 12 in-person and four virtual community meetings to solicit public feedback on ActiveFairfax. Two meetings will be held in Mason District on Sept. 14 – at Weyanoke Elementary School in Lincolnia at 11 a.m. and at Bailey’s Elementary School in Culmore at 2 p.m.
Work on the ActiveFairfax plan started in 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The first phase included the development of a vision statement and goals, an assessment of existing conditions, and creation of the Safe Streets for All plan.
The vision statement calls for Fairfax County streets, sidewalks, bikeways, and trails to be welcoming places “where people of diverse races, cultures, incomes, ages, and abilities feel comfortable using active transportation to safely and conveniently access the widest range of destinations and to exercise, relax, or spend time outdoors.”
The proposed Active Transportation and Trail Network map will help planners, developers, and community members determine where future active transportation facilities, such as sidewalks, trails, bikeways, and neighborhood greenways should be constructed.
The plan calls for new connections to schools and park entrances, improved bicycle facilities separated from vehicles along busy roads, and infrastructure to improve pedestrian safety.
There is no funding for any improvements, however. Once a project is approved for funding, implementation would take three to five years.
Another stupid idea from our BoS….BoS – stop destroying Fairfax -go on vacation for the next three years – leave us alone. And you good readers of this Blog think Government isn’t about 80% useless?
People of diverse races, cultures, incomes, ages, and abilities need to feel comfortable using active transportation to safely navigate the county.
Improving bicycle facilities to separate them from vehicles along busy roads where Mark
drives his vehicle. Mark thinks this vision will destroy Fairfax.
Pedestrian safety may be useless to Mark but keep in mind he is behind the wheel and sees someone riding a bike as just another stupid idea.
If you have a better idea then go to the next 2 meetings and tell us what your vision is or go vacation
and stop publishing here
Mark loves to complain about everything and provide zero solutions. You would think Fairfax is Kabul or Tehran based on how he describes it. He’s probably a joy to be around!
Ok…did I miss the memo detailing what “races” can’t use the sidewalks in Fairfax? Bike Lanes? LMAO…two points…in Mason, never see anyone using them…zero…maybe because they are filled with parked cars. Second point…Fairfax is larger than most states…and hilly…you going to put bike lanes to where? My in like they did on sleepy hollow. Bike lanes are pretty much useless…unless your in Amsterdam…There…now you have it.
i see people w bikes everywhere. you should consider stepping out of your house instead of sitting on annandaletoday ranting about bike lanes somehow being bad
What world do you live in where Fairfax is bigger than most states?
Paint does not a bike lane make. Go to Arlington and DC where they have bike lanes and they are used quite a bit. I do wish the bike lanes were real bike lanes like they have in Amsterdam and not just have flex posts/concrete barriers since they are not as safe but they are better than simple paint.
Just like the capital bikeshare continues to expand ridership every year, actual bike lanes will expand in use…it will take a long time in a place like Annandale, but gotta start somewhere.
This is an opportunity to influence and shape the future of our area. This gives us 16 public meetings to discuss and engage in planning for the growth of our area. This allows our elected leaders to hear our input and guide decision-making. If we actively participate and provide intelligent thoughtful input we can achieve well rounded solutions. The prospect of involving ourselves in the process is our responsibility as citizens. The solutions won’t be perfect and it won’t be how any “one person” invasions it. As adults, we know this. The ability to express your ideas and navigate interacting with others you can guild some of the solutions. That’s the way our government is designed to work.