Bike Arlington Blog

April Bike Trail Counts - Hibernation is over!

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 -0400

Winter hibernation for Arlingtonian riders is over, and we've got the data to prove it. Check out the graph to see the sharp spike in bicycle ridership on Arlington trails from March to April!

Arlington Patch: Projects to Make Arlington Even More Bicycle-Friendly

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

We're loving this post on the local Arlington Patch blog by local bike advocate rock star Mark Blacknell about upcoming 2013 bike infrastructure projects happening in Arlington County:

You're Never Too Old to Learn How to Ride a Bike

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400

This past Sunday, in partnership with the Washing Area Bicyclists Association (WABA) and The Old Bike Shop (who generously donated their bikes to us for three hours), I helped lead a Learn to Ride (L2R) class which specifically teaches adults how to ride a bike. Being involved in the L2R classes is the best part of my job. Nothing is more fulfilling than seeing the smile on someone's face after they've learned how to ride a bike.

A Beautiful Weekend For A Bike Ride - Cherry Blossom Weekend Ride Visualization

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:00:00 -0400

Check out this video that we've put together showing the GPS routes of local area cyclists as they pedal their way across Arlington and the District this past weekend. This clip shows approximately 750 rides that were recorded by the general public in and around Arlington County and Washington DC between April 5th and April 7th using their smart phones or dedicated GPS bike units.

Bikes Mean Business

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:00:00 -0400

I recently attended the National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. It’s always an exciting and energizing event and I particularly enjoy meeting bike advocates and professionals from around the country and hearing about biking in their area. This year, what I kept hearing is the recognition that biking and walking are good for the local economy.

Capital Bikeshare goes to Columbia Pike

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 -0400

Today (March 28th) we celebrated the opening of the first Capital Bikeshare station in Central Arlington near Columbia Pike at the Walter Reed Community Center with a ribbon cutting ceremony! We opened the event with Arlington County Director of Transportation, Dennis Leach, endorsing the station location, and gave the honors of cutting the ribbon to Arlington County Board Chair, Walter Tejada, who also spoke about the importance of expanding Capital Bikeshare into the Columbia Pike and Shirlington areas.

From the National Bike Summit

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:00:00 -0400

Last week the BikeArlington team attended the National Bike Summit, including the second annual National Women's Bicycle Forum. As a female who also rides a bike, I was especially interested in attending the "Women Mean Business" themed forum. With such inspirational leaders in the bicycle world as Janette Sadik-Khan pegged to speak, I was all ears.

Arlington County Bicycle Wayfinding Signage For The Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:00:00 -0400

"Wayfinding” (or directional) signs, placed at frequent intervals and at appropriate locations, help cyclists and pedestrians more easily navigate Arlington's 100+ mile bicycle network and sidewalks. Wayfinding signs include information about where you are, what direction you’re headed and what destinations are nearby -- all with distances indicated in miles. By the end of March, the County will have installed the more than 100 wayfinding signs for the Custis Trail between Rosslyn and Ballston. By this summer, there will be an additional 200 signs covering the complete on-street bike network between Rosslyn and Ballston as well.

Spring (Bicycle) Cleaning

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0400

Getting ready for your first ride of the spring and haven't ridden since the spring? If your bike was in good working condition when you put it away then chances are there isn't that much that needs to be done to get it rolling again.

Arlington Goes to Washington: National Bike Summit

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:00:00 -0400

Next week, BikeArlington and friends head across the river to join with more than 800 bike advocates and enthusiasts from around the US who are all taking part in the National Bike Summit...

Bicycle Safety en Español (no subtitles needed)

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:30:00 -0400

This is our second time offering a bicycle education class in Spanish, and our third year partnering with the Shirlington Employment and Education Center (SEEC). Two years ago we offered basic bike tune ups and bike lights for free to all of the day laborers at SEEC whose primary mode of transportation are their bicycles. Last year, we worked together with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and League Certified Instructor, Edgar to put on our first Spanish bicycle commuting seminar.

Bikes in Mainstream Advertising: YouTube Commercial Roundup

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:00:00 -0400

More and more, I've been noticing bikes show up in mainstream advertising. But every once in awhile a bicycle plays a larger role in the story line of a commercial. See below for a compilation of bikes, front and center!

Streets for Everyone

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:15:00 -0400

If you’ve ever read the collection of poems by Shel Silverstein, “Where the Sidewalk Ends”, then the phrase Complete Streets might remind you of the image from the cover of his book. Complete Streets are streets "designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities".

A New Old Bike Shop in Arlington

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 15:00:00 -0400

2013 marks the birthday of a brand new bike shop in Arlington, The Old Bike Shop, that specializes in selling, get excited, USED bikes! We rang in the New Year with the owner Larry, his business partner Biz and employee Sway, at their celebratory grand opening on January 3, 2013 (Happy Birthday to them!).

BikeArlington's Top 10 from 2012 Recap

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:35:00 -0400

As we did last year and the year before that, this post is going to take you down memory lane with some of the fun and exciting stuff that BikeArlington and Arlington County have been up to this year. So without further ado, here are our top 10 favorite topics from 2012 (in no particular order):

Arlington Bike Lanes Get Counters

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Arlington County has recently expanded its network of automated bike counters again! Over the past couple weeks, the Department of Environmental Services has been hard at work installing more bicycle and pedestrian counters along off-street paths and at select bike lane locations, which are a first for the County.

How the Best Bikeshare in the Country Does Business

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:00:00 -0400

The first plan of its kind for bikesharing in the United States has just been published. It is a comprehensive 6-year plan for Capital Bikeshare in Arlington County, Virginia.

BikeArlington Attends the Street Smart Fall 2012 Campaign Kickoff

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:00:00 -0400

Last week, BikeArlington attended the trail side kickoff of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Street Smart Fall campaign. The event was held at the intersection of the W&OD Trail and Belmont Ridge Road in Loudoun County. Elected officials and staff from various local and regional organizations were on hand at the kickoff.

Lighting Up Arlington County

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:00:00 -0400

It's no secret that Fall is starting to surrender itself to Winter. Not only have temperatures dropped, but thanks to good ol' Daylight Savings Time, the sun is setting earlier and earlier which means if you ride your bike after 5pm, you're gonna have to do it in the dark. But don't worry, we've got your back!

Walk and Bike to School Day at Oakridge Elementary School

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 17:00:00 -0400

Every October, children across the nation celebrate people powered transportation by walking or biking to school. We know that for some children, this is how they get to and from school every day. But for many, it's a chance to experience something new that's safe, fun and healthy! This year, in collaboration with WalkArlington and the Arlington Public Schools (APS), we highlighted Oakridge Elementary School to recognize their commitment to encouraging students to walk or bike to school.

Capital Bikeshare's 2nd Year in Arlington

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:00:00 -0400

How did Arlington’s portion of Capital Bikeshare do in its second year of service? Are Arlingtonians and visitors using the service? How many trips are made and how much was spent? These questions and a lot more are discussed in Arlington County's "FY12 Summary Report on Capital Bikeshare."

In Good Company: BikeArlington is a National Winner

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 00:00:00 -0400

BikeArlington recently received the below email in our inbox. It's a standard followup to the recently finished National Bike Challenge, but as I was scrolling down the list of winners, who did I see but BikeArlington listed as one of the national winners. Who knew?? And we're in good company too, along with the likes of IBM, Kimberly-Clark, Trek Bicycle Corporation and Shimano.

Capital Bikeshare Expansion - Feedback Wanted

Fri, 14 Sep 2012 15:00:00 -0400

Help Arlington locate Capital Bikeshare stations through a public meeting or online crowdsourcing map.

Bike Friendly Neighbors

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 18:00:00 -0400

A month ago, we at BikeArlington were invited to the International Relief and Development (IRD) offices, a stone's throw from our office in Rosslyn, for an exclusive "Biker's Breakfast" to not only mingle with fellow bikers, but also to share how we can help them encourage more employees to bike to work. Delighted to join them, we packed our Bicycle Friendly Business kit and rode the half mile over to talk bikes.

All Interested in Cycling in Arlington Invited

Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

... to a get-together September 5, sponsored by Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee

Buffered Bike Lane Coming!

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Hot on the heels of Green Bike Lanes being installed, a new Buffered Bike Lane is being installed on Clarendon Blvd, from Garfield to Adams St (between Clarendon and Court House).

"Green" Bike Lanes in Arlington

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

County contractors have started marking the first of five new "green" bike lanes. Literally, green paint within the existing bike lanes. They're being installed only at specific critical locations where bike lanes and drive lanes cross each other in unusual configurations, such as at "Y" intersections or at the start of some dedicated right turn lanes. The purpose of the green markings is to reinforce the presence of the bike lane in places where the street markings might not get noticed by drivers.

Check Out This Handmade Bicycling Dress!

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A co-worker of ours recently rode her bike to work wearing a dress, complete with reflective piping, that she had made herself.

New Bike Shop Coming to Arlington! (UPDATE)

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 00:00:00 -0400

It's been six weeks since we checked in on Tri360, the new bike shop opening in western Arlington County. With construction finished, staff hired, and new product arriving every day to fill their shelves, Tri360 should be open any day now.

Clarendon Metro Station Getting a Facelift, New Bike Parking

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Arlington County and WMATA are working together to give the Clarendon Metro Station and Clarendon Central Park a much needed facelift.

New Arlington County Bike Map

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Arlington County Bike Map has been updated and now shows an improved bicycle network along with the most up to date location of new Capital Bikeshare locations.

Bike to the Movies!

Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

With our wonderful off-street paths, on-street bike lanes and Capital Bikeshare stations, it’s as easy as pie to ditch four wheels for two and roll on over to the outdoor movie screenings!

Wheels Wednesday

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Just over a month ago BikeArlington partnered with Long Branch Elementary School to launch a pilot program on bicycle safety and skills called "Wheels Wednesday."

Planning Your Bike Trip Around Nation's Capital is About to Get Even Easier

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Do you want to know which bike routes through the city are the most simple, have the best surface, have the fewest hills to climb, and are the safest?

New Survey Finds Capital Bikeshare Users Drive Less and Save Big

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Capital Bikeshare members save an average of $891 per year and collectively reduce their driving miles by 5 million per year.

Film Spotlights Arlington County, Virginia's Ability to Grow Without Traffic Congestion

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Anyone looking for an interesting glimpse into how Arlington County managed this complicated task should watch Arlington's Smart Growth Journey.

Arlington's Bike to Work Day 2012 - Photo Recap

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Links to photos from Bike to Work Day 2012.

12,700 Attend DC Region's Bike To Work Day

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Attendance figures for Bike to Work Day 2012.

Pit Stops Overflowing with Registered Riders as Tomorrow’s Bike to Work Day Takes Shape

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The final push is on for registration for Bike to Work Day.

National Bike to School Day Offers a Refreshing and Safe Morning Commute

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Since my 4-year-old son recently got a new bicycle and he usually rides back and forth to school on our trailer bike, my wife and I didn’t know if he would be all that excited about National Bike to School Day this morning.

New Bike/Ped Bridge Connecting W&OD to East Falls Church Put Into Service

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The new bicycle/pedestrian bridge linking the W&OD trail with the East Fall Church Metro station in the Madison Manor neighborhood has been put into service.

Six More Arlington Businesses Designated Bicycle Friendly!

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The League of American Bicyclists has recently named six more Arlington County business as Bicycle Friendly Businesses (BFBs), bringing Arlington's total number of BFBs up to 19.

2012 Q1 Arlington Bike Counts - Double the Numbers!

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The unseasonably warm weather that the DC region experienced this past winter is quite apparent in the numbers taken using Arlington County's automated counters.

It Takes a Village

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

In mid-March I spoke to the Lyon Park civic association about biking in Arlington.

Biking for Work

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Biking, walking and public transit are all feasible, even preferable, alternatives for getting to my work sites.

Capital Bikeshare Striving to Become Financially Self-Sufficient

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For a new mode of transit and a fledgling service, Arlington’s portion of Capital Bikeshare (CaBi) finished its first year with a cost recovery rate that other transit providers in the U.S. would find admirable.

Outfitting for a Winter Ride (or Run)

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On dressing for cold weather.

2012 Arlington Bike Culture Forum Recap

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400

On Wednesday, BikeArlington hosted the 2012 Arlington Bike Culture Forum, which brought together various entities in Arlington County and the region.

Capital Bikeshare Public Data Analysis

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Justin Antos has put together a fascinating analysis of the 1.36 million anonymous trips that has been released by Capital Bikeshare.

The Ultimate Arlington Grocery Store Bike Parking Guide

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Interactive map and reviews of bike parking at Arlington grocery stores.