Master Transportation Plan Bicycle Element Working Group
About the Project
Arlington County is in the process of updating the Bicycle Element of its Master Transportation Plan (MTP). The County Manager has appointed a working group of community members to assist County staff in outreach, draft plan review and other aspects of updating the plan.
The current Master Transportation Plan Bicycle Element was adopted in July 2008. While many of the goals and policies of the plan remain relevant, there have been significant changes in technologies, facilities and best practices that warrant a comprehensive update of the plan. The plan update will incorporate input from people with a wide range of abilities and backgrounds from civic and business organizations. The wealth of expertise held by County staff and community members will improve mobility, safety, comfort and convenience for bicyclists and expand its attractiveness of getting around for people of all ages and interests.
The Working Group
Having a working group made up of community members allows staff to involve, and work directly with, the public throughout the process to ensure public concerns and aspirations are consistently understood, considered and reflected in the recommended plan update.
Working Group Charge - The working group will be involved throughout development of the plan update. In it's work with staff, the working group will:
- Explore the current state of bicycling in Arlington County;
- Review analyses of best practices;
- Provide advice on new and updated policies and specific implementation strategies for the MTP Bicycle Element;
- Act as liaisons to the broader community;
- Provide strategic guidance on community process;
- Be a forum for community engagement; and
- Review and provide comments on draft and final documents and plans developed by staff.
End Product Goal - County Manager recommendation, County Board adopted.
The working group will generally meet on a monthly basis for approximately 10-15 months. Other meetings may be added to meet target deadlines or for community engagement activities.
Working Group Members
| Name | Affiliation | |
| Chair | Mr. Chris Slatt | Transportation Commission |
| Ms. Gillian Burgess | Bicycle Advisory Committee | |
| Mr. Steve Finn | Parks and Recreation Commission | |
| Ms. Erin Freas-Smith | County Council of PTAs | |
| Mr. Edgar Gil Rico | Resident-at-Large | |
| Mr. Eric Goodman | Pedestrian Advisory Committee | |
| Mr. Mike Hanna | Energy & Environmental Conservation Commission | |
| Mr. William (Chips) Johnson | Neighborhood Complete Streets Commission | |
| Ms. Lindsay Marfurt | Resident-at-Large | |
| Ms. Yvonne Norton | Resident-at-Large | |
| Mr. James Schroll | Planning Commission |
Community Engagement
Community Input
Input from the public will be sought throughout the plan development at various times. Time for public comment will be incorporated into all working group meetings.
Recent engagement opportunities
County staff and working group members have been out in the community (at the events below) to gather feedback and share information about the Bike Plan Update process.
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
| Arlington County Fair | August 18,19 and 20 | See County Fair hours here. | Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 Second Street South |
| Arlington Transportation Partners’ Our Shared Street Pop-Up Event | August 22 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Arlington Mill Community Center, 901 S. Dinwiddie Street |
| Arlington Police, Fire and Sheriff Block Party | August 26 | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Kenmore Middle School, 200 S. Carlin Springs Road |
| Project Pop-up - Clarendon Metro and Farmers Market | August 30 | 5 to 7 p.m. | 3000 Clarendon Boulevard (Clarendon Metro) |
| Project Pop-up - Lee Harrison Shopping Center | Sept. 13 | 5 to 7 p.m. | Lee Harrison Shopping Center, 2425-2511 N. Harrison Street |
| Parking Day (more details to come) | Sept. 15 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Courthouse area |
| Nauck Community Day | Sept. 16 | 12 to 6 p.m. | Drew Model School & Community Center, 3500 S. 23rd Street |
Survey results
Between August 19 and September 22, 2017 a survey was posted online and was also available at the community events listed above. More than 1,200 completed surveys were collected. Survey responses
In addition to the multi-question survey, participants at the community events were able to express preferences for various forms of bicycle facilities by voting with dot stickers. More than 500 people participated in this exercise. Style board
County staff and working group members will review results of the two survey exercises when developing the updated Bicycle Element plan.
Upcoming public engagement events
Additional public engagement opportunities are being scheduled. Check back for more details.