Studies: Regional Bike and Trail Network Study Update

In 2004, a study and map were completed to identify a regional bicycle and trail network that provided connectivity through on-road facilities (like shoulders, bike lanes and neighborhood roads) as well as off-road facilities (shared-use path and sidepaths). Starting with all the existing bike/ped plans from each jurisdiction, major routes were compared using the "Latent Demand Method." This method used the population density, the employment centers and other factors such as parks, Metro stations and community centers to predict which routes would have the largest volumes even before the trail or bike lane was built. 

In 2014, an update was initiated to determine how much of the original network had been built and where additional segments should be added.  In addition each segment was rated with the Bicycle Level of Service (Comfort Level) rating to determine the quality level of the overall network.  These ratings will provide a benchmark for future work on the network.  The study has been assisted through the efforts of a task force composed of representatives from Northern Virginia jurisdictions. Public feedback was obtained through an online public survey which was open for 4 weeks and received over 3200 hits with 40% of those who viewed it completing the survey. A Public Information Meeting with a presentation was held on November 18, 2015. 

The study update and updated regional network map were completed in December 2015. This report should be used in conjunction with the original study rather than to replace it.
 

Benefits 

The network plan was designed to primarily serve the transportation needs of bicyclists and pedestrians but may also provide recreational and health benefits.