Tysons is undergoing a massive transformation from an auto-dependent place to a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented, mixed-use community. The transformation won't be easy and it will take time, but in the end Tysons will be a much better place to live and work.
The main theme of the second Fairfax Bike Summit on Saturday Nov. 2 is the transformation of Tysons into a bicycle-friendly place. Bicycling is an excellent first and last mile solution for getting residents and employees to and from the new Silver Line Metrorail stations. Three of the four Tysons stations will have no auto parking but they will all have bike parking.
Bike sharing should be seen as a supplement to the transit system, allowing people to take short trips by bike without the need to own and store their own bike. By paying a small annual fee, all trips under 30 minutes are free. Tysons is not flat, but bike share bikes have low gears. Electric bikes are becoming popular and will likely be another option for taking short trips in the near future.
Similar transformations either are or will occur in Reston, Merrifield, Springfield, Huntington, Burke, Annandale, and elsewhere. Lessons learned in Tysons will be applied in all of those places.
Many other topics will be discussed at the summit, such as the importance of allowing children the opportunity to take trips by bike. There will be a presentation on the statewide Safe Routes to School program, on ways to encourage kids to bike, bike safety, women and cycling, and many more.
The summit is a great opportunity to meet community leaders, fellow cyclists, and representatives from bike organizations and bike shops. Several local shops will have bike gear to check out. The Fairfax County bike coordinator will be discussing the recently completed Tysons and Fairfax County bicycle master plans. There is a small fee to register but lunch and snacks are provided. Why not register today?
