Here are my notes from the February 2026 BAC meeting
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Cynthia Palmer
Mar 14, 2026, 11:08:03 AM (2 days ago) Mar 14
to Arlington BAC, egonz...@arlingtonva.us, Pamela Van Hine
Hi all -- it's been a chaotic past few weeks with a mind-numbing number of deadlines and some family emergencies thrown in. So I'm a bit behind and still playing catch-up! Here are my notes from the February BAC meeting. c.
Arlington County Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting
Virtual / Online Meeting, TEAMS platform
Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Participants:
I don’t have an attendance list but I know that many of us were there. 😊
Andrew Martin, David Ansell, Eliot FB, Elwyn, Eric Goodman, Mike Hanna, Randy, Aaron, Steve O, Sean Martin, Cynthia…maybe others!
NOTES
7:00 – 7:20 pm - Welcome from the Chair and Introductions
Cynthia Palmer, BAC Chair
Attendees introduced themselves and answered the following:
Please share any reflections you may have relating to the snow and ice conditions in Arlington, the County's response, and how you've been getting around this past week.
Most BAC members have been getting around by foot rather than by bike given the snow and ice conditions, though some have ventured out on bikes, taking the lane. Randy, Mike and others have been making efforts to shovel curb cuts, but it is very challenging given the ice and snow-crete. Steve O raised questions about Arlington’s phase 2 snow clearing plans and whether Arlington has the needed equipment. There were mixed reviews about the overpasses over highways.
7:20 – 7:35 pm Introduction of New Capital Bikeshare & Shared Mobility Program Manager
Sean Martin, Principal Planner, DES
Summary: Sean has recently joined DES in the Transportation Resources for Arlington County (TRAC) Bureau to oversee the operation of Capital Bikeshare, shared micromobility devices, and the placement of micromobility corrals. He shared his first updates to the BAC.
Arlington has 111 CaBi stations, 15 of which were replaced in 2025. Some are pillar docks (modular) with solar panels.
Arlington has 1260 bikes – 744 pedal bikes and 516 e-bikes (out of >8000 bikes in the entire DMV system)
Ridership fell during the pandemic but it is now very high, with ebikes fueling the rise since 2023.
The most popular bike-share locations are in Rosslyn, Clarendon, and Gravelly Point.
Almost 2/3 of the trips are on e-bikes, and just over 1/3 on pedal bikes.
In addition, Bird has 450 scooters, GCOO has 500 scooters, Lime has 600 scooters and 200 ebikes.
Ridership has climbed since 2010.
Attendees discussed various topics and learned that
--Rebalancing by type (pedal vs ebike) is not done, rebalancing is type-agnostic
--Ability to ride across bridges depends on which company’s bikes/scooters you’re using… it’s possible if the operator has a permit in both locations
--Each jurisdiction has its own processes, and there is no coordination
--Most people use the apps, and few trips originate from kiosks
--If you rent a bike and immediately dock it, that gets reported as a potential mechanical issue.
--Many of the older stations need replacement
--CaBi is a net cost… the county invests in it… but the scooter and ebike operators are revenue positive given permits and application fees… These are largely used by VISITORS to our area who may be familiar with these companies (and have an account) from other cities
--The abandoned bikes don’t seem to be the CaBi’s
--There are challenges with the cross-compatibility of different operating systems
7:35 – 7:55 pm Custis Trail Status Updates
Elwyn Gonzalez, Transportation Planner, DES
Summary: Elwyn briefed the Committee on recent progress made as a part of the Custis Trail Needs Assessment and Priority Improvements Study, upcoming County and VDOT capital projects, and the status of trail repaving efforts.
Virtual / Online Meeting, TEAMS platform
Monday, February 2, 2026, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Participants:
I don’t have an attendance list but I know that many of us were there. 😊
Andrew Martin, David Ansell, Eliot FB, Elwyn, Eric Goodman, Mike Hanna, Randy, Aaron, Steve O, Sean Martin, Cynthia…maybe others!
NOTES
7:00 – 7:20 pm - Welcome from the Chair and Introductions
Cynthia Palmer, BAC Chair
Attendees introduced themselves and answered the following:
Please share any reflections you may have relating to the snow and ice conditions in Arlington, the County's response, and how you've been getting around this past week.
Most BAC members have been getting around by foot rather than by bike given the snow and ice conditions, though some have ventured out on bikes, taking the lane. Randy, Mike and others have been making efforts to shovel curb cuts, but it is very challenging given the ice and snow-crete. Steve O raised questions about Arlington’s phase 2 snow clearing plans and whether Arlington has the needed equipment. There were mixed reviews about the overpasses over highways.
7:20 – 7:35 pm Introduction of New Capital Bikeshare & Shared Mobility Program Manager
Sean Martin, Principal Planner, DES
Summary: Sean has recently joined DES in the Transportation Resources for Arlington County (TRAC) Bureau to oversee the operation of Capital Bikeshare, shared micromobility devices, and the placement of micromobility corrals. He shared his first updates to the BAC.
Arlington has 111 CaBi stations, 15 of which were replaced in 2025. Some are pillar docks (modular) with solar panels.
Arlington has 1260 bikes – 744 pedal bikes and 516 e-bikes (out of >8000 bikes in the entire DMV system)
Ridership fell during the pandemic but it is now very high, with ebikes fueling the rise since 2023.
The most popular bike-share locations are in Rosslyn, Clarendon, and Gravelly Point.
Almost 2/3 of the trips are on e-bikes, and just over 1/3 on pedal bikes.
In addition, Bird has 450 scooters, GCOO has 500 scooters, Lime has 600 scooters and 200 ebikes.
Ridership has climbed since 2010.
Attendees discussed various topics and learned that
--Rebalancing by type (pedal vs ebike) is not done, rebalancing is type-agnostic
--Ability to ride across bridges depends on which company’s bikes/scooters you’re using… it’s possible if the operator has a permit in both locations
--Each jurisdiction has its own processes, and there is no coordination
--Most people use the apps, and few trips originate from kiosks
--If you rent a bike and immediately dock it, that gets reported as a potential mechanical issue.
--Many of the older stations need replacement
--CaBi is a net cost… the county invests in it… but the scooter and ebike operators are revenue positive given permits and application fees… These are largely used by VISITORS to our area who may be familiar with these companies (and have an account) from other cities
--The abandoned bikes don’t seem to be the CaBi’s
--There are challenges with the cross-compatibility of different operating systems
7:35 – 7:55 pm Custis Trail Status Updates
Elwyn Gonzalez, Transportation Planner, DES
Summary: Elwyn briefed the Committee on recent progress made as a part of the Custis Trail Needs Assessment and Priority Improvements Study, upcoming County and VDOT capital projects, and the status of trail repaving efforts.
The design work takes place for the entirety of the trail, and the construction happens in phases, some of it regionally funded.
Parts of the Custis will be repaved soon, including the S-curve to N Oak St.
The moguls remain an ongoing challenge and it is not clear what sort of warranty was involved in the prior effort to fix them. Elwyn will try and find out more for the BAC.
ArlCo is working with VDOT to finalize the Star Study from N Veitch to N Lynn.
Committee members raised questions about the VDOT plans e.g. in making the bike trail zig zag away from the intersection. Elwyn will try and get us more information.
Other issues include the plans for the old Air Force building at 1501 Langston, the left turn onto Nash, the plans for the old Marriott, the I-66 underpass safety issues, the IOD safety issues, etc.
UPDATE: Chris Slatt and Steve Offutt will represent the BAC in the site plan review for the old Marriott site in Rosslyn.
7:55 – 8:00 pm BAC Budget Priorities
Elwyn Gonzalez, Transportation Planner, DES
Summary: Committee members discussed potential priorities and opportunities to provide feedback as part of the County’s annual budget cycle.
BAC can weigh in on possible ways to save money and to spend money.
We support Metro, Vision Zero, MTP bike and ped priorities…
One question is whether there could be a toll added on I-66 in the direction of Tyson’s (AM) and DC (PM) and whether the County could benefit from that funding stream. Is there an opportunity to pursue this with VDOT at the state level?
8:00 – 8:10 pm Vision Zero Action Plan
Cynthia Palmer, BAC Chair
Summary: Committee members shared highlights from the Vision Zero Action Plan update meeting held on January 28th.
The VZ meeting covered four buckets of issues: engineering, engagement, behavior change, and policies.
A key area for BAC is staff’s acknowledgment that there are “fewer tools in the toolbox for arterial roads.” These roads (Langston, Shirlington, Arlington Blvd, Glebe, etc.) are some of the most dangerous… and many people don’t ride bikes in Arlington specifically because of these scary crossings. BAC ought to find ways to increase the number of “tools” available on these roads. We should meet with VDOT, for starters.
There is also a need to integrate road safety and vehicle safety with APS, which remains behind-the-curve in adopting the newer safety technologies.
Half of work-zone deaths are bikes/peds, so MOTs and enforcement are another critical topic for us.
Also it would be useful if crash data were to break down the “bikes” category to include pedal-, e-, other motorized bikes and scooters.
Update: Dana submitted questions/comments to County staff on draft action items, with input from CP.
8:10 – 8:20 pm Lane Delineation
Dana Bres, BAC Vice-Chair
Summary: Dana updated the committee on preliminary BAC efforts to compile observations and photographs on lane delineation in Arlington. Additional input would be appreciated. We'll try to put a ribbon on this project at the April 2026 meeting. What broad topics are missing from the table?
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n77OKx6V92D-WDJrhZ1cc4W1zNjueMZSO8cpUZ1E-88/edit?usp=sharing
Themes include the spacing of bollards and concrete “pillows” and issues of whether cars can sneak in or bikes have access…. questions about bulb-outs, grates, and curbs… consistency (or not)… challenging merges with car traffic…
The bulb-out near Courthouse outside CVS was noted for its poor visibility and concrete barricade in the middle of the road.
In some places the bike lane becomes a parking area for cars.
Wilson and Veitch has a major bus stop with floating bus islands which work well, but the other side is dangerous.
There are various designs for the bus islands in this area. Which designs are best?
8:20 – 8:45 pm Arlington’s Transportation Future/ Master Transportation Plan updates
Mike Hanna, MTP Liaison
Summary: Mike discussed the MTP Draft Policies that were released on Friday afternoon January 30. Mike discussed the policies with BAC.
The bulb-out near Courthouse outside CVS was noted for its poor visibility and concrete barricade in the middle of the road.
In some places the bike lane becomes a parking area for cars.
Wilson and Veitch has a major bus stop with floating bus islands which work well, but the other side is dangerous.
There are various designs for the bus islands in this area. Which designs are best?
8:20 – 8:45 pm Arlington’s Transportation Future/ Master Transportation Plan updates
Mike Hanna, MTP Liaison
Summary: Mike discussed the MTP Draft Policies that were released on Friday afternoon January 30. Mike discussed the policies with BAC.
MTP staff have barely changed the documents and did not take our prior recommendations. The policies read like goals, not as policies that can be violated.
They seem aspirational. BAC and MTP members expressed disappointment with the policies and the process.
Apparently the county is trying to achieve higher engagement numbers via emails, pop-up events, sticky notes, surveys. So the county staff are “checking all the boxes” and feeling good but they are sidelining the committees in the process.
The MTP may include many goals that we agree with but it risks turning into a weak and unfocused document that does not provide actual guidance.
8:45 – 9:00 pm BAC Business and Announcements
• Transportation project tracking – no new news – progressing behind-the-scenes
• BikeArlington updates – May 2026 Bike to Work Day T-shirts will be purple heather colored. Winter BTWD was scheduled for Feb. 13.
• MetroRail Closures – The Crystal City Metro station will close for 10 weekends starting on February 14 through June as part of the Crystal City East Entrance construction project. Service resumes throughout the week. Rail work will also close service at the National Airport Metro station for three weekends
• The Arlington Civic Federation has a new car-centric resolution on transportation with 23 elements, some problematic. Thank you to Randy for working on this and bringing it to our attention.
• We will review the ongoing calendar of topics at an upcoming meeting.
They seem aspirational. BAC and MTP members expressed disappointment with the policies and the process.
Apparently the county is trying to achieve higher engagement numbers via emails, pop-up events, sticky notes, surveys. So the county staff are “checking all the boxes” and feeling good but they are sidelining the committees in the process.
The MTP may include many goals that we agree with but it risks turning into a weak and unfocused document that does not provide actual guidance.
8:45 – 9:00 pm BAC Business and Announcements
• Transportation project tracking – no new news – progressing behind-the-scenes
• BikeArlington updates – May 2026 Bike to Work Day T-shirts will be purple heather colored. Winter BTWD was scheduled for Feb. 13.
• MetroRail Closures – The Crystal City Metro station will close for 10 weekends starting on February 14 through June as part of the Crystal City East Entrance construction project. Service resumes throughout the week. Rail work will also close service at the National Airport Metro station for three weekends
• The Arlington Civic Federation has a new car-centric resolution on transportation with 23 elements, some problematic. Thank you to Randy for working on this and bringing it to our attention.
• We will review the ongoing calendar of topics at an upcoming meeting.
9:00 pm: Adjourn
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