Arlington promotes bicycling

Arlington is being recognized as a good place for bicycling. This past December, the League of American Bicyclist designated Arlington as a Silver-level Bicycle Friendly Community. In addition, the May, 2008 issue of Spokes magazine included a lengthy article about cycling in Arlington County. Spokes is distributed in bike shops across the mid-Atlantic states. The article noted that Arlington County Board Chair Walter Tejada and Board Member Chris Zimmerman are enthusiastic bicyclists. It also included comments from members of Arlington's leading cycling team, the Lanterne Rouge. Most importantly, the article outlined Arlington County's plans to make cycling in Arlington even better.

Arlington's Master Transportation Plan includes a significant bicycling element (here as a large pdf file). The plan sets out the goal of ensuring that Arlington is one of the best places to bicycle in the U.S. It also establishes as an objective to have "at least half of all residents ride bicycles for transportation purposes at least occasionally." The plan proposes both to improve Arlington's bicycle network and to enhance bicycle safety:

The primary focus of the Bicycle Element is the completion of a more fine-grained and comprehensive bicycle network of trails, bike lanes, and other on-street facilities. Bicycling would be a more viable travel option for many Arlingtonians with the completion of several key bikeway network connections. Enhancements in bicycle parking facilities at transit stations, shopping centers, offices, and in multifamily residential buildings will also improve the effectiveness of the network....
Policy proposals in the plan aimed at achieving greater safety and user comfort include enhanced traffic law enforcement, safety education efforts, and promotional events such as mass rides. Young bicyclists, in particular, would benefit from the proposed greater emphasis on “safe routes to school” educational and promotional efforts.

Plans include an extension of the Four Mile Run trail across Interstate 395 and a bicycle sharing program.

Bicycling is fun, healthful, ecologically sound, and practical. See what a bike can do for you!