CommuterPageBlog

Metro to Increase Rates

As many people in the region know, WMATA is looking at a deficit of over 40 million dollars. Reduced ridership was stated as the main culprit. Put yourself in their shoes. How do you make up for that deficit? Consider that you are already planning on making up some of the difference with an insurance settlement, reducing staff, reducing call center hours, using reserve funds, using ARRA stimulus funds, as well as reducing sales hours. But all of these options equal a little over half of the deficit you are facing. What next?

Yesterday Metro gave the public a chance to voice their opinion on four proposed actions and/or offer a different option not being acted on or proposed:

1. Capitalize parts/preventative maintenance
2. Increase all fares by 5 cents, and all passes the equivalent of 5 cents
3. Increase all fares by 10 cents, and all passes the equivalent of 10 cents
4. Reduce bus and rail service

I am a Metro user - mostly train. Occasionally I ride my bike to work. When I heard that service was going to be reduced and the same amount of people were going to be asked to load even shorter trains I had already decided that my bike would be getting a lot more use. With Spring around the corner, this isn't necessarily such a bad thing, however, after Spring is Summer. I'd rather take my chances of possibly sweating through my business attire on the train over 100% chance of it on my bike. Luckily for me (and my coworkers)  the Metro Board approved a 10 cent fare increase.

The rate increase will begin in March and run through the end of June. Because of this, there will be no service cuts. In these situations you have to ask yourself, Would I rather pay more and continue receiving the same service as before? or Would I rather pay the same for a reduction in service? I'll pay more, thank you - and it looks like enough people voiced that opinion at last night's meeting to make that happen.

Wendy Duren is a Business Development Manager at Arlington Transportation Partners, and gets to work with Metrorail when she isn't dabbling in bike commuting.

Bike Vs…

Have you ever wondered whether there’s a faster, more efficient way to make your daily commute? Most of us have several options for our commute-- car, train, bus, biking, walking... 

At BikeArlington, we believe that for a commute within the DC urban core, biking is often the fastest mode.  More importantly,  we are willing to put our theory to the test!

We are looking for some commuters to “challenge” BikeArlington by giving us the basic details of your daily commute. We will make the same trip by bike, compare times, and report back on our experiences and results.  That is the essence of Bike Vs…

To ensure a fair Bike Vs. comparison, we’ve set some ground rules: 

• Trip time is door to door.
  
• All trips will be made during morning rush hour, 7-9am.
  
• Cyclist will obey all traffic rules, wear office attire (plus helmet), and ride at a comfortable and reasonable pace.
  
• Trips must start or finish in Arlington County (we are BikeArlington after all), and the whole trip must be inside the D.C. Beltway.
  

The commute details we need from you, Bike Vs. challengers, are:

• Your first name.
  
• Start point of your commute (street block address or building address is fine if you don’t want to give your home address).
  
• Finish point of your commute (street block address or building address).
  
• Mode (or modes) of commuting you typically use.
  
• Total time for your daily commute, door to door, during morning rush hour (be honest!)
  

If you’re ready for the Bike Vs. Challenge, just provide your commute details in the comment section below, or send to info@bikearlington.com.  Once we get your details, we will ride your route, time it, and report back with the comparison!

BikeArlington is an initiative of Arlington County, Virginia to encourage and enable more people to go by bike more often. To stay up to date on biking in Arlington, follow BikeArlington on Twitter. 

Blocked Links Prevent Easy Travel for Pedestrians

As urban form is created, through development, redevelopment, zoning decisions, new buildings, and other changes made to the landscape, opportunities to allow for easier pedestrian travel are often missed. Sometimes they are deliberately blocked for seemingly irrational or no reasons. Often developments are built with fences on several sides without any thought of whether it might be good to encourage people to connect through the sides or backs of property.

This map:

View Pedestrian Links near Baileys Crossroads in a larger map shows a location near Bailey's Crossroads almost right on the border between Arlington and Fairfax Counties. The end of Forest Drive almost touches the parking lot of the apartment building on Jefferson Street (although it's at a somewhat higher elevation).

The building, instead of installing a staircase that would allow neighborhood people to easily walk from the neighborhood to the shops on Jefferson St., including the Giant Food and Starbucks, blocked it with a fence (see two photos). In the same way, the fence prevents residents of the apartment building from being able to walk around the neighborhood, say to walk their dog or just for enjoyment.

I wonder: who is afraid of whom? Is that apartment building afraid of the neighborhood people? Well, the complex is wide open to Jefferson St.; anyone can just walk in from that side. Are people on one side dangerous and the others not? Or are the neighborhood people afraid that having a link here would allow undesirables into their neighborhood? I can partially see that point of view, although without this pedestrian option, getting to Starbucks requires driving out onto Route 7, which is a royal pain in the neck. Maybe it never occurs to them that they could conceivably walk there if it weren't for this fence.

Just a couple of blocks away, there is a perfect example of just the opposite. It's noted on the above map. Here's a photo of a pedestrian pass-through built into the fence, allowing the apartment complex residents easy access to the nearby shops. This is a really good idea, which I think is probably strongly supported by both the shops and the residents.

I've noted this missed opportunity out in Tysons Corner. Here a large office building abuts a set of shops, but not near the front, but along the side of the building and the back of the shops. This map shows where office workers have worn a path between their building and the shops, which is actually down a steep hill. It also shows how making the same trip via sidewalk (or car) is more than 1/2 mile.

View 2070 Chain Bridge Road Path to Shops in a larger map

It's easy to see that both the office owners and the shop owners would benefit from having this link put in. The office workers would have easy access to more lunch options and services and the shops and restaurants would have a larger market. It's a no brainer, but I suspect no brains have given it any thought.

There are certainly thousands of these small linkages that could be unblocked or created. Each one might open up pedestrian opportunities to a few people or a few score of people. But all multiplied together one could imagine literally thousands of short car trips being eliminated and quality of life for those people improved.
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Steve Offutt of Arlington likes to look for shortcuts

Familiar List for Top 10 Bicycle-Friendly Cities

From the Planetizen web site we find that AskMen.com has come out with their list of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities. Says AskMen.com:

"With the cost of fuel skyrocketing and environmental conservation having become fashinonable, a well-known 120-year-old invention is making a comeback. The bike in its well-worn simplicity is quickly becoming a major part of urban community transportation plans. Bicycles have numerous benefits, but it takes a serious commitment to city planning to make those benfits practical."

It seems there are some things in common in these cities. Plenty of bike paths and bike-only lanes, loads of bike parking, bike-sharing programs and vibrant bike culture. As a result all of these cities have a high bike mode share. We here in the DC region can learn something from each of these cities and apply it here. I like Trondheim's bicycle lifts that act like ski tows and allow the rider to glide up a hill without having to pedal (check out the video here). Will our region someday make this list? For now here's AskMen's list:

AskMen.Com Top 10: Bicycle-Friendly Cities

1. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
3. Bogota, Colombia
4. Curitiba, Brazil
5. Montreal, Canada
6. Portland, Oregon
7. Basel, Switzerland
8. Barcelona, Spain
9. Beijing, China
10. Trondheim, Norway

Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Transportation Bureau Chief for Arlington County in the Department of Environmental Services, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a Metro/biking commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

The Wonder Years

About four years ago I kissed my car goodbye and started a new phase of my life, which I'll call "The Wonder Years", as in I wonder why I owned a car for all those years! (I didn't own the one pictured above, but it might as well have been.) It's been long enough now that I've nearly forgotten the harrowing experiences of taking my former car in for an oil change and the not-so-occasional breakdown - of the car, that is... not my sanity.

Since then I've evolved and use a great bike, Metro, buses, SmartBike, and Zipcar to get around when its too far to walk. I've truly saved hundreds of shekels a year since going car-free because I don't have insurance payments, gas, and maintenance to worry about. And I get a little exercise on my way too, to which I sense my heart and legs are thankful.

Going car-free (not car-less, mind you) worked great for me and I encourage everyone to try it for themselves to see just how easy it really is. If you've been thinking about it, you can try going car-free for 30 days with Arlington's Car-Free Diet Skeptics campaign. Arlington will provide you with everything you need to get around car-free for up to a whole year. This includes a new bike, helmet, and lock; a SmarTrip card loaded monthly with fare; walking sneakers, and a Zipcar membership. (That's more than I got when I went car-free!) The value of the Car-Free Diet Skeptics package will be "Priceless" as the TV ad states because you'll see just how easy it really is to be car-free.

So give it a shot. Your heart, legs, and wallet will be glad you did.

by Paul DeMaio, MetroBike, LLC, a consultant to Arlington County Commuter Services.

Change Your Life in 30 Days

Take the Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge

If you love your car, but also love saving money, improving your health and helping the environment, Arlington County is looking for you.

The Car-Free Diet Skeptics Challenge is designed for Arlington County residents that currently drive their cars frequently, but are willing to attempt car-free living for 30 days. You do not have to go 100% car-free for the entire 30 days, but you do have to try. If you are chosen as one of the final Skeptics, you will communicate online about all of your transportation experiences during the 30-day challenge. You’ll be given several items to use during the challenge that will make going car free easier. And if you successfully complete the challenge, you’ll receive more car free related items. If you are already on the Car-Free Diet, but know a friend, neighbor, or family member who needs to go on the diet, be sure to tell them about this challenge.

How to apply

You’ll need to create a 30 second to 2 minute video that shows why you would make the perfect Car-Free Diet Skeptic and fill out an online application. Video applications are being accepted through February 28, 2010.

 

How are the Skeptics chosen?

From March 1 – 31, 2010, all eligible entries will appear on carfreediet.com. During this time you can vote online for your favorite Skeptic candidate. At the end of the voting period, two Skeptics will be chosen to go on the Car-Free Diet for 30 days beginning April 22.

 

Skeptics Challenge

The chosen Skeptics will document their challenge online via videos, blogs, Tweets, and Facebook entries. If the Skeptics successfully complete the challenge, they’ll get everything needed to travel car free around Arlington and the Washington, DC region for a whole year.

Visit CarFreeDiet.com for complete details and more information on how you can become a Car-Free Diet Skeptic.

 

Bobbi Greenberg is the Communications Director for Arlington County Commuter Services, a bureau within the Department of Environmental Services.

 

 

38,000 Car Trips Eliminated Each Day

Reprinted from the January-February 2010 Citizen newsletter.

Arlington County's efforts to encourage residents, workers and visitors to consider means of travel other than one-driver-one-car are yielding big benefits, according to a recent study.

 "Making an Impact: ACCS Annual Report FY 2008" shows that Arlington County Commuter Services' efforts to help people find easier, cheaper, more efficient ways to travel cut 38,000 car trips from roads in Arlington on the average day. That equates roughly to the number of vehicles on all eight inbound lanes of I-395 and I-66 during the morning rush period.

The reduction in car trips pays many dividends. It eases traffic congestion, and means that each day in Arlington:

• Vehicle miles of travel are cut by more than 500,000
• Gasoline consumption is cut by 23,000 gallons
• Greenhouse gases emitted are cut by 255 tons or 64,000 tons per year.
• We make progress toward achieving the County's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

About ACCS
ACCS is a bureau within the Department of Environmental Services Transportation Division. The Bureau encourages use of transit, carpooling, biking, walking, telework and other alternatives to driving, especially  during rush hour.The report on the effectiveness of ACCS's efforts show that we all benefit from these services, whether or not we use them directly.

About the research
LDA Consulting of Washington and Southeastern Institute of Research of Richmond conducted extensive surveys over several years, culminating in the impact assessment. LDA Consulting carried out the research on behalf of ACCS using data from a variety of studies of ACCS customers, as well as results from regional studies conducted by other organizations, such as the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Survey methodologies included telephone surveys, web-based surveys and intercept surveys depending on the study.

According to the data, ACCS helps thousands of residents, workers and visitors shift their trips from driving alone to other modes, or avoiding trips altogether through telework. The surveys reveal many benefits to individuals and the community including improved mobility, higher ranking of quality of life and high rankings of Arlington as a business location. The full report and many other studies of interest can be found on the ACCS' Transportation Demand Management Resource Center website at www.commuterpage.com/research.

Another Reason Why Boulder Colorado Leads on Biking

Adam Voiland at the Bicycle Transportation Examiner in a recent post (An unusual rack in an unusual city, December 23, 2009) shares this great picture that says it all. How many city's across the country likely have an auto parking space reserved for their transportation director? Likely nearly every one. But not Boulder, Colorado. Their transportation director gets a designated bike rack. These guys just get it. Says Adam: "

"Its' a rare city that has a special bike parking for the director of transportation. Then again Boulder is no Scranton...With more than 300 miles of bicycle infrastructure, the city boasts an impressive 8.8 percent bicycle mode share, one of the highest in the nation."

I should note that Arlington's Transportation Director, as well as its Bureau Chief of Transportation Engineering and Operations (Traffic) both ride their bikes to work nearly every day. Yes, even in the winter. But I can't say that they have their own special designated bike racks. Now that's a neat idea that sends a great message too. Go Boulder!

Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Transportation Bureau Chief for Arlington County in the Department of Environmental Services, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a Metro/biking commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.

New Arlington Board Chair Jay Fisette Hopes to Expand Bicycling in 2010

 On his first day on the job, January 1, 2010 as the new Chairman of the Arlington County Board, Jay Fisette decreed in his opening day speech that one of his top priorities for 2010 is to expand bicycling in Arlington. His other priorities being fiscal sustainability of the County's 2011 budget and launching a Community Energy and Sustainability Task Force to create a Community Energy Plan. Says Mr. Fisette on his bicycling initiative: 

"Arlington has a longstanding commitment to become one of the best places in the nation to bicycle. I love cycling and at different times in my life have done all my commuting on a bicycle. I have also traveled extensively by bicycle, including many vacations, as well as a three-month ride from England to Greece. I have always found the bicycle to be a wonderful compromise between walking and driving – as you can truly experience your surroundings while covering good distances.  Bicycling is good for one’s health, great for the environment and a sustainable form of transportation.

Our 2010 Bicycle and Pedestrian Access and Safety Program will build upon existing efforts to educate residents and commuters about the benefits of bicycling and walking, as well as to implement planned infrastructure and facility improvements -- such as additional bike lanes, improved bike signage and bicycle parking facilities in major business districts.

 I was impressed with the large numbers of cyclists on trips to Portland, San Francisco, Boulder and Paris. Each year it becomes easier and safer to bicycle and walk in Arlington. Congressman Earl Blumenauer, dedicated cyclist, recently asked, "How many people, right now, are stuck in traffic on their way to ride a stationary bicycle in a health club?" It is time for Arlingtonians to rediscover their bicycles and I plan to lead the way. Look for me in the bike lane! I commit to riding by bicycle to work at least once a week throughout 2010."

In their opening speeches, all of the Board Members echoed Mr. Fisette's emphasis on sustainability and transportation options. 

Vice Chair Chris Zimmerman, regarding sustainability said "Transportation is a key example.  Much of the excess use of fossil fuels in the U.S., and as much as a third of greenhouse gas emissions, are attributable to the transportation sector.  Locally, our quality of life is bound up with the state of transportation...expanding the role of bicycles, and continuing our successful efforts to promote public transportation, are priorities to which I expect to devote much time.  I’ll also continue to work at the regional level for action to reduce the automobile-dependence that chokes the area on traffic, threatens its economic vitality, and devours non-renewable, carbon-emitting energy. 

And Board Member J. Walter Tejada said: "I am proud of our FitArlington programs.  In support of our Chairman’s stated priority of making Arlington a premier bicycle jurisdiction, I am happy to work with him in promoting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Safety Program.  While bicycling is indeed a great transportation alternative, it is also a fun way to build a healthy and fit community.  I will work to promote responsible bike use and, through outreach efforts, will strongly encourage the participation of our young people and all members of our diverse community."

 All this emphasis on bicycling as a transportation option is a good thing for the future. Cities like Portland, Boulder, New York City and more recently Washington, D.C. have been experimenting with new ways to make bicycling more accessible and safer for all. Expect to see Mr. Fisette expand upon his remarks with specific enhancements in the very near future. In the meatime visit the new and improved www.BikeArlington.com web site that we just relaunched to coincide with the renewed emphasis on bicycling as a transportation option. 

Chris Hamilton is the Commuter Services Transportation Bureau Chief for Arlington County in the Department of Environmental Services, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a Metro/biking commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.