Status
In Design
Location
The Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards offer a dedicated cycling route parallel to Columbia Pike, situated along 8th Road S. and 9th Street S., to the north of Columbia Pike, and 12th Street S., to the south. Spanning approximately 4.3 miles, these bike boulevards serve as vital connectors for community members, linking nine Civic Associations, schools, businesses, parks, local and regional trails, and various key destinations throughout Arlington.
About the Project: Creating Safe and Comfortable Bike Boulevards
Recognizing the constraints of Columbia Pike itself, which cannot readily accommodate dedicated biking facilities due to space limitations, traffic volume, and transit operations, Arlington County has prioritized parallel secondary streets as a safer and more effective alternative for cyclists. These routes are officially designated as bicycle boulevards within the County’s Master Transportation Plan. Bike boulevards are specifically engineered to prioritize bicycle through-travel, seamlessly connecting with trails and other streets designed for a safe and enjoyable riding experience. This initiative aims to create a network where “Boulevard Bikes” – ideal for leisurely rides and commuting – can flourish.
Project Goals
This project is guided by several key objectives aimed at enhancing the bike boulevard experience:
- Comprehensive Analysis: Conduct a thorough existing conditions analysis to understand the current state of the bike boulevards and identify areas for improvement.
- Enhanced User Experience: Improve the comfort, connectivity, and safety for all users navigating the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards. This will be achieved through the strategic deployment of tactical treatments, pavement markings, and clear signage along the existing on-street routes.
- Future Investment Strategy: Develop well-informed recommendations for future capital investments. These recommendations will be designed to further elevate the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards, ensuring they remain a valuable community asset for years to come.
Project Background: Rooted in Arlington’s Transportation Vision
The Bicycle element of the Master Transportation Plan is the cornerstone of this project. It provides the objective, scope, and essential safety and design guidelines for bicycle boulevards throughout the County. The overarching aim is to establish a crucial East-West bicycle priority connection within the Columbia Pike Corridor. This connection is designed to seamlessly link residents to schools, local businesses, community centers, and the broader regional bike network, making “boulevard bike” travel a practical and appealing option for daily journeys.
Furthermore, the Columbia Pike Multimodal Street Improvements Study has previously highlighted the critical importance of developing bicycle routes and bicycle boulevards parallel to Columbia Pike. These were identified as an indispensable component of broader multimodal corridor improvements, supporting the use of “boulevard bikes” as a key mode of transport.
Drawing on the Vision Zero initiative, the Multimodal Safety Engineering Toolbox offers a wealth of treatment suggestions. These suggestions are geared towards reducing traffic speeds and enhancing the comfort and safety of all users along the bike boulevard route, ensuring a safer environment for “boulevard bikes” and all forms of active transportation.
Past Improvements: Building on a History of Progress
Arlington County has a strong track record of enhancing its bike infrastructure. Significant improvements have already been completed along the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards:
- Walter Reed Drive and 12th Street South Intersection (February 2019): Enhancements made to improve safety and traffic flow for cyclists and pedestrians.
- 9th Street South Intersections (January 2018): Upgrades at four key intersections along 9th Street South – South Highland, South Cleveland, South Adams, and South Wayne Streets – significantly improved cyclist safety and ease of navigation.
- HAWK Beacon at South George Mason Drive and 13th Street South (November 2015): Installation of a High-Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) beacon to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety at a busy intersection.
- South Quincy Street at 12th Street South Intersection (October 2014): Improvements focused on making the intersection safer and more accessible for all users.
- South George Mason Drive at 13th Street Intersection (September 2014): Similar to the Quincy Street project, this aimed to improve safety and accessibility.
- Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RFB) at South Glebe Road and 9th Street South (May 2014): Installation of an RFB and crosswalk to increase visibility and safety for cyclists and pedestrians crossing Glebe Road.
- Signage and Pavement Markings (September 2013): Comprehensive signage and pavement markings were installed along 12th Street South and 9th Street South to clearly define the bike boulevard routes and enhance wayfinding for “boulevard bike” users.
These past improvements reflect a continuous commitment to developing and refining the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards, creating a better environment for “boulevard bikes” and active transportation.
Past Public Process: Engaging the Community
Community involvement has been a cornerstone of the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards project from its inception.
- Initial Community Meetings (Summer 2012): Early discussions were held with adjacent civic associations to gather initial input and understand community needs.
- Additional Community Meetings (Spring 2014): Further engagement with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Columbia Heights Executive Committee, and the Penrose, Alcova Heights, Arlington Heights, and Douglas Park civic associations ensured broad community representation and feedback.
- Pre-Construction Coordination (February 2018): Staff coordinated with the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Columbia Heights Civic Association, and Douglas Park Civic Association prior to the South Walter Reed Drive/12th Street South project, ensuring community awareness and input.
- 9th Street South Bike Boulevard Update (August 2018): An update was provided to the Arlington Heights Civic Association specifically regarding the 9th Street South bike boulevard project, maintaining ongoing communication and transparency.
Related Projects: Expanding the Bike Network
Related Projects – 9th Street Bike Boulevard
Related Projects – 12th Street Bike Boulevard
Image of a Bike Boulevard Sign, emphasizing the designated bike route
Public Process: Shaping the Future of Bike Boulevards
The Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards project is moving forward with a phased public engagement approach to ensure the final design reflects community needs and preferences.
Fall 2024 – Existing Conditions: Understanding Current Use
Engagement Level: Involve
- Interactive Story Map: Explore the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards in detail using our interactive Story Map. This tool provides a rich visual and informational overview of the project.
- Feedback and Interactive Map: Share your personal experiences and insights about using the Bike Boulevards through our online feedback form and interactive map. Your input is crucial in shaping the future design.
The project team will meticulously analyze community feedback, existing plan guidelines, and other relevant information to develop concept plans for specific street segments and intersections along the bike boulevard routes. This ensures that the community’s voice directly influences the design process, making the boulevards more user-friendly for “boulevard bikes” and all cyclists.
Spring 2025 – Concept Design Engagement: Reviewing Proposed Designs
Engagement Level: Involve
- Concept Design Review: Learn how community feedback has directly informed the development of the concept designs.
- Feedback on Concepts: Share your valuable feedback on the proposed concept designs. Your input at this stage is vital to refine the plans and ensure they meet community needs.
The project team will again utilize community feedback on the concept designs, alongside existing plan guidance, and other data, to develop a final design that is both community-supported and effectively enhances the bike boulevards for “boulevard bikes” and cyclists in general.
Summer 2025 – Final Designs: Sharing the Vision
Engagement Level: Communicate
- Public Sharing of Final Designs: Community-informed final designs will be made publicly available. This stage ensures transparency and allows the community to see the culmination of their input and the project’s direction.
Fall 2025/Spring 2026 – Implementation: Bringing the Plans to Life
Engagement Level: Communicate
- Implementation and Construction Communication: Final plans will be implemented, and any anticipated construction impacts will be proactively communicated to the community. This ensures residents are informed about the practical steps being taken to realize the improved bike boulevards.
Completed Projects, Plans, and Studies: A Comprehensive Resource
For a deeper dive into the history of the Columbia Pike Boulevards, including completed projects and relevant plans and studies, explore the interactive story map:
Funding: Investing in Community Infrastructure
Improvements to the Columbia Pike Bike Boulevards are funded through local funds as part of the Columbia Pike Complete Streets Program. This demonstrates Arlington County’s commitment to investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for its residents through projects that support “boulevard bike” use and active transportation.
Photo Gallery
Bike Boulevard Sign
Bike Boulevard Sign
