Update of the Master Transportation Plan s (MTP) Bicycle Element April 23, 2019
Background & Context Arlington has an established reputation for advanced bicycle infrastructure and planning Bicycling addresses many community goals: affordable transportation, environmental protection, improves health, enhances local economy, recreation Bicycle infrastructure supports other elements of the multimodal transportation system (walking, transit access, street safety, parking) Update needed; There has been much recent change in technology/facilities (bikeshare, scooters, protected bike lanes) and local culture since 2008 2
Public Engagement 3
Community Engagement 3 Stages Fall 2017- Broad public interest in more bicycling and the primary reason for not bicycling more often is a concern about safety on streets. More trails and on-street separation are desired. Summer 2018- Identified key destinations and bicycling routes and where new connections or enhancements for bicyclists safety and comfort are most needed. Fall/Winter 2018-19 Review of draft Bicycle Element and Map 4
The Draft Plan Part 1 Background, Goals & Policies o Vision (NEW) o Goals o Policies & Implementation Actions o Measures of Performance & Progress Targets Part 2 Infrastructure Facilities & Implementation o Primary Bicycle Corridors & Network o Implementation Procedures o Facility Types & Design Guidance (Appendices B & C) o List of Planned Projects (Appendix D) 5
Significant Policy Themes Vision - provide for safe and comfortable bicycle travel to serve all Arlington. Seek more equitable access. Provide the best possible infrastructure. Better facilities equals more users. Provide a county-wide network of low-stress routes (safe and comfortable for all skills) to cover all of Arlington. Enhance trails as transportation facilities for reliable, everyday use. Also address trail user conflicts Address changing technology including electric-assisted bikes and motorized scooters. Identify and prioritize the bike infrastructure projects to complete the network. 6
Primary Bicycling Corridors There are seven north-south and six east-west corridors that are most frequently used, or desired for bicycle travel in Arlington Variation in the corridors: some trails, others major arterial roads Also variation in the quality of the current bike facilities These corridors form the frame of the bikeway network 7
Proposed Bikeway Network Increase connectivity across network; provide for all communities & schools Connect across significant barriers (I-395, GWMP) Upgrade facilities on arterial streets with traffic separation or enhance parallel streets within primary corridors Connect destinations via enhanced secondary streets and improvements to difficult street crossings Following CIP funding, undertake project design with public engagement and environmental review 8
Facility Proposals & Trail Upgrades New connections Rosslyn to riverfront, Crystal City to DC, Crossing of I-395 Corridor enhancements Columbia Pike, Lee Highway, Glebe Road, George Mason Dr. Emphasis on Primary Trails (Arlington Blvd, Custis, Four Mile Run, W&OD, Bluemont Junction) Repave and repair, Address user conflicts: widening, markings, signage, awareness Consider lighting installation Improve crossings and wayfinding Support PSMP policies 9
Challenges for Implementation Implementing some on-street facilities, like protected bicycle lanes, can affect parking and traffic operations. Strive to find balance and meet design guidance. Finding funding for bicycle infrastructure Enhancing safety and access (widening, lighting) for major trails while minimizing impacts on natural resources Regional cooperation - VDOT, NPS, NOVA Parks, DC is critical Address where electric scooters and e- bikes should operate 10
Comments Since RTA Comment Proposed Arlington Hall Trail is opposed by Alcova Heights civic association Reduce disturbance to natural areas by proposed trail projects, including trail widening and lighting. Want project to implement W&OD Trail Connection in Arlington East Falls Church neighborhood. Bikeway project proposals are not sufficiently specific as to type Response Amended project description to exclude acquisition of private property Added language to emphasize protection of significant natural resources. Enhancements, such as lighting, will be in urban locations away from significant natural resource protection areas Will undertake a feasibility study and implement near-term on-street safety improvements Proposed project descriptions are conceptual to allow detailed study and public input to determine best design. 11
Recommendation Approve the attached resolution to adopt: 1) the proposed update to the Master Transportation Plan Bicycle Element, and 2) amendment of the MTP Map s Arlington County Bike and Trail Network. 12