Update of the Master Transportation Plan’s (MTP) Bic icycle Ele lement 1
MTP Bike Element – Time for an Update • One of eight elements of the Master Transportation Plan that identify policies and projects for development of the transportation system • Current plan now 10 years old (adopted July 2008) • Significant changes in local culture – demand for more bicycle facilities • Changes in available technologies – Bike share, protected bike lanes, electric vehicles including eBikes & scooters (separate parallel process for these vehicles) • Many planned bike facilities have since been implemented 2
Schedule for Updating the MTP Bicycle Element • Phase 1 – Develop Goals & Policies Framework (Fall-Winter 2017-18) • Phase 2 – Develop Bikeways Network Map & Priorities (Spring-Summer 2018) • Phase 3 – Present Draft Bicycle Element for public comment, incl. commissions/committees, adjacent jurisdictions, open houses; (Fall - Winter) • Phase 4 – Final Review & Approval of Bicycle Element (Winter 2018-19) 3
Phase 1- Findings fr from Fall 2017 Public Outreach • There is a broad public interest in more bicycling • The primary reason for not bicycling more often is a concern about safety on streets • The best ways to enhance bicycling are to add more protected bicycle lanes and trails and improve the connectivity of the system 4
Phase 2- Spring 2018 Outreach Activities • On-Line Comment Form (open May 18 – June 29) collected 630+ responses • Pop-Up events (Six events across Arlington) about 400 impressions • Two public workshops (early June) about 50 attendees 5
Sought Community In Input On: • What are the key destinations for bicycling? • Where are infrastructure improvements needed? • What bicycling connections are missing, or need to be made better? • What is most needed? How do we prioritize what/where to make improvements? 6
Frequently Mentioned Destinations • Metrorail stations & commercial areas • Schools – high schools and middle schools • National Airport, Arlington Hospital • Regional centers – Downtown DC, Seven Corners, Bailey’s Crossroads, Old Town Alexandria • Community centers & libraries 7
Corridors Most Desired for Bicycling Upgrades • Columbia Pike (entirety, emphasis is east of Walter Reed) • Lee Highway (greatest interest is Harrison to Spout Run) • Glebe Road (particularly Lee Hwy to Walter Reed) • Carlin Springs Road • Rosslyn to Ballston – upgrade existing bike lanes • George Mason Drive – (Lee Hwy to Custis Trail, Arlington Blvd to W&OD Trail) • Arlington Blvd Trail (west of Glebe Road) • Walter Reed Drive • Washington Blvd (Clarendon to Arlington Blvd, Westover to Virginia Square) 8
Most Frequently Desir ired Im Improved Connections • Pentagon City to Clarendon/Court House • Columbia Pike to Pentagon City & Crystal City • Columbia Pike to 14 th Street Bridge • Ballston to W&OD Trail/Shirlington • Crystal City/Long Bridge Park to Mt. Vernon Trail & Potomac River crossing 9
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) 10
Significant Policy Themes • Adds a Vision – Attention towards providing transportation option for persons of all ages and abilities. Enhance safety and comfort and provide for greater equity. • More low-stress routes across Arlington (safe and comfortable for all skills). Link sections of streets and trails with enhanced crossings. Seeking greater coverage, connectivity and equity. Improve School access • Provide for best possible infrastructure – not just what easily fits (value decisions about streets). Better facilities = more users • Embrace management of trails as transportation facilities for year-round, and 24 hour use. Also address conflicts between bikes and pedestrians. • Address changing technology – eBikes & motorized scooters • Identify new bike infrastructure projects and establish prioritization methods 11
Bikeway Network Planning • Existing bikeway facilities and projects in development • Incorporated planned projects from 2008 Bike Element plus amendments from other plans (Rosslyn, EFC, Crystal City, others) • Researched regional plans and adjacent jurisdictions’ bike plans • Mapped the existing and proposed facilities and evaluated planned network’s coverage, deficiencies and opportunities • Considered recommendations from community and working group to supplement and refine the planned facilities and network 12
Primary ry Bicycle Corridors (NEW) • There are seven north-south and six east-west corridors that are most frequently used, or desired for bicycle travel in Arlington • These corridors form the frame of the bikeway network • Large variation in the corridors: some trails, some major arterial roads, and some • Likewise there is variation in the current quality of the bike facilities 13
In Increasing Connectivity Across the County • In addition to the Primary Bicycle Corridors, many additional low- stress bikeways are needed to connect neighborhoods and to access key destinations • Some on-street facilities need upgrades to achieve greater user safety and comfort • Plan seeks increased connectivity within the network; bridging of gaps and providing useful linkages • Also aiming for greater equity; all communities should have good access & service 14
New Connections (A (Appendix D) ) • Rosslyn to riverfront and Roosevelt Bridge • Long Bridge Park to Mt. Vernon Trail and DC • National Airport connection from Crystal City • Crossing of I-395 at Hoffman Boston school • Columbia Pike east end to Pentagon, Crystal City, 14 th Street Bridge • W&OD Trail continuity though East Falls Church area 15
Trail Upgrades (A (Appendix D) • Emphasis on the Primary Trails (Arlington Blvd, Custis, Four Mile Run, W&OD, Bluemont Junction) • Repave and widen some trails; 8’ to 10’, or 10’ to 12’. Fix: pinch points, worn bridge decks, drainage issues and other problems • Improve street crossings and safety • Consider lighting installation in urban areas • Address conflicts between users: widening, markings, signage, other measures • Enhance wayfinding and amenities 16
Im Implementation • Policies and actions to support the plan’s goals • Address education, enforcement and encouragement • Design guidance (Appendix C) – national and local best practices • Funding of future projects – specification of corridors for improvement not specific treatments • Prioritization considerations • Subdivisions & site plans conditions – parking & showers, right-of-way dedication, connections 17
Phase 4 – Next xt Steps • Revise document to produce final draft – Mid-February release • Transportation & Planning commissions hold public hearings • Request to Advertise (RTA) at March County Board meeting • Adoption of Plan at April County Board meeting 18
For More In Information or to Submit Comments • Webpage: www.Arlingtonva.us Draft-MTP- Bike-Element-Update-Nov-21- 2018.pdf Project Manager: Ritch Viola; rviola@arlingtonva.us 703 228-3699 19
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