County Board to Consider Bicycle Element Update for Approval on April 23

[Henry]

It's at the end of a long agenda (Bicycle Element Update). The Regular Meeting will begin at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. All public comment goes in order of slips submitted and are called before the Board begins consideration each agenda item.

All working group documents and latest version of the update can be found here (https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/projects/master-transportation-plan-bicycle-element-working-group/).

Process for speaking at County Board meetings (https://countyboard.arlingtonva.us/speaking-regular-county-board-meeting/).

[dasgeh]

The draft is good, but could be a lot better...

1) we need to strengthen the plan
2) we need to speak up for these changes in light of competing priorities
3) we need to remind the Board of the need to fund it going forward

Please speak up:
- use WABA's comment form: https://www.waba.org/blog/2019/04/arlington-countys-bike-plans-need-teeth/
- email the Board directly: countyboard@arlingtonva.us)
- show up next week (there's a FB group to organize speakers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2323715097903241/

http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showthread.php?14430-Speak-up-for-biking-in-Arlington-s-plans-NOW

[chris_s]

All public comment goes first, for all agenda items, before the Board begins consideration of agenda items.

You sure? I am relatively certain that this is NOT the case here. In my experience this is only when covering consent agenda items that have been pulled for a hearing.

[dasgeh]

You sure? I am relatively certain that this is NOT the case here. In my experience this is only when covering consent agenda items that have been pulled for a hearing.

Though this would be great. There are some people who are concerned they can't stay late.

And don't get me started on the change of date for the parks plan so it's on the same night as the Phoenix Bikes fundraiser....

[Henry]

You sure? I am relatively certain that this is NOT the case here. In my experience this is only when covering consent agenda items that have been pulled for a hearing.

You are correct. I fixed it in the original post. I was thinking of the consent agenda process.

[sjclaeys]

The plan isn't worth the paper/electrons it is printed on until ACPD improves enforcement against illegal driving that threatens vulnerable road users.

[Starduster]

The plan isn't worth the paper/electrons it is printed on until ACPD improves enforcement against illegal driving that threatens vulnerable road users.

Today's fatality in DC gives this even more resonance. https://dcist.com/story/19/04/19/cyclist-killed-by-driver-of-stolen-van-on-florida-avenue-in-northeast/

[scoot]

The plan isn't worth the paper/electrons it is printed on until ACPD improves enforcement against illegal driving that threatens vulnerable road users.
Today's fatality in DC gives this even more resonance. https://dcist.com/story/19/04/19/cyclist-killed-by-driver-of-stolen-van-on-florida-avenue-in-northeast/

This.

Infrastructure changes might lead to a few improvements at the margins, but we will not significantly curtail fatality and injury rates until we create a cultural/legal environment where even the least conscientious people fear the consequences they would face for negligent driving.

[dasgeh]

This.

Infrastructure changes might lead to a few improvements at the margins, but we will not significantly curtail fatality and injury rates until we create a cultural/legal environment where even the least conscientious people fear the consequences they would face for negligent driving.

Agree. But how do we get there? I see this as a step (a fairly important one, but just one) in the process of getting the police and prosecutors to really care, which is how you get real enforcement.

BTW, on prosecutors: https://ggwash.org/view/71706/which-commonwealths-attorney-candidate-do-you-think-is-best

[sjclaeys]

Agree. But how do we get there? I see this as a step (a fairly important one, but just one) in the process of getting the police and prosecutors to really care, which is how you get real enforcement.

BTW, on prosecutors: https://ggwash.org/view/71706/which-commonwealths-attorney-candidate-do-you-think-is-best

How long are we going to stay at this "step"? The fixation with just building bicycle-specific infrastructure is like responding to burglaries by only buying people bigger locks and stronger doors.

[dasgeh]

How long are we going to stay at this "step"? The fixation with just building bicycle-specific infrastructure is like responding to burglaries by only buying people bigger locks and stronger doors.

Huh? This plan has a WHOLE LOT MORE than just infrastructure changes. In fact, it's all of those policies and action items that we think are good. We primarily want the projects strengthened.

I encourage you to read it. https://commissions.arlingtonva.us/projects/master-transportation-plan-bicycle-element-working-group/

[peterw_diy]

So, what was the outcome?

[ReneeYvonne]

Arlington County Board approved updates to the Master Transportation Plan’s Bicycle Element to make Arlington a place where all person can feel safe and comfortable while biking for transportation. Read full plan here:bit.ly/ArlingtonMTP

[Judd]

Also will add that the plan was adopted with the edits called for through the advocacy campaign, most notably the requirement to use NACTO standards for a low stress bicycle facility when doing projects. The previous language was very soft requirement to provide enhanced facilities which allowed too much discretion to slap sharrows down in an inappropriate area and call it an enhancement.


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[dasgeh]

Arlington County Board approved updates to the Master Transportation Plan’s Bicycle Element to make Arlington a place where all person can feel safe and comfortable while biking for transportation. Read full plan here:bit.ly/ArlingtonMTP

That link isn't updated. In fact, I haven't seen the version of the Bike Element that was adopted (i.e. with the changes made at the dias). Any idea when that will be up?

[Henry]

That link isn't updated. In fact, I haven't seen the version of the Bike Element that was adopted (i.e. with the changes made at the dias). Any idea when that will be up?

Ritch told me they were making sure they got the amendments correct and would be publishing soon. I poke him again.

Henry