Loudoun County is reviewing its policies on pedestrian and bicycle access on county roads. In the Potomac District, Supervisor Andrea McGimsey will be holding a meeting this evening to bring her neighbors up to date on the latest plans for the area. She is inviting citizens to come and provide their input.
A community meeting on pedestrian and bicycle access in the Potomac area will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.,Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at the Sterling offices of the Loudoun County Government, 21641, Ridgetop Circle, Suite 100. Potomac District Supervisor Andrea McGimsey and county staff will provide an update on county initiatives to bring safer and improved bicycle and pedestrian access to the Potomac District.
A map to the meeting and a copy of the invitation from Supervisor McGimsey can be seen below the fold.
This meeting is quite timely as the annual “Bike To Work” day is coming on Friday, May 21st. We should all be careful of our friends on bikes as we make our way along Loudoun’s roads.Did you know that the Washington DC region was second only to the New York Metro area in the amount of commuting done by people driving alone? All those solo drivers going long distances (like Leesburg to Bethesda, for example) create a significant hardship for both the persons driving and the people around them, in other cars, living near the roads and the kids breathing the air.
Biking and walking to work nearby is an important element of an improved transportation strategy for Loudoun. There are many ways to get cars off of our roads, which improves traffic, health and the environment. Making our roads more bike and pedestrian friendly is a good commitment to sustainable communities, and one small step towards fewer cars on the road. A fundamental prerequisite for this, however, is the safety of those not commuting by car.
Dear Neighbor,
Please join us for an important community meeting on Pedestrian / Bicycle Access and Safety on Tuesday evening. County staff and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will provide an update and answer your questions on county and state initiatives to bring safer and improved bicycle and pedestrian access to the Potomac District.
Many of you have spoken to me about this important public safety issue, and I hope you can make it to this meeting even if you have to come late.
Loudoun County needs your feedback about where and how you think the county can improve pedestrian and bicycle access and safety. The meeting will include an overview of present and past initiatives, including theAtlantic Corridor initiative for bicycle and pedestrian improvements, the extension of Atlantic Boulevard, and the proposed rezoning of Dulles Town Center.
* Date: Tuesday, May 11, 2010
* Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
* Location: 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 100, Sterling, VA 20166Directions to the Sterling office are available online. – Supervisor Andrea McGimsey
A map to the meeting:
View Larger Map
In my own life, my wife is interviewing for a job only a couple miles from our house, which would significantly improve her commute, which is to Bethesday for now. If she were to get the job, I expect she would bike to work herself from time to time. I’m grateful that our Democratic Supervisors are looking out for her safety if she does.
I have a policy of working from home at least once a week, and every code Red or Orange day, air-quality wise. I’m going to try to go to 2 days/week at home this year.
My commute is only 9 miles, but I figure taking my car off the road even that little bit is a Good Thing.
Tandem bike.
Heh heh.
If I didn’t have to haul the boy to school during the school year and to daycamp during vacations.
that I worked close enough to bike to work more often. It’s about a 13 mile one-way trip for me, door-to-door, and with a young one at home, I value what little time I get after work to be with him. Biking would cut into that severely.
But I do plan on biking to work on the 21st, assuming my wife isn’t out of town that day, which is quite possible.