Arlington County Develops Region's First 'Bicycle Comfort Level Map'

Arlington County has developed the region’s first Bicycle Comfort Level Map, highlighting the most stress-free cycling routes to get around the community.

“We know many new riders would like to ride to more places, but have commented they don’t feel comfortable on many streets, even those with designated bike lanes or sharrows,” said Henry Dunbar, program director for BikeArlington, in a news release from the county. “There are many low-stress ways to get around Arlington’s busy corridors and this new map makes it easy for riders to find them.” Here’s more about this new effort, from the county:

Routes are ranked according to volume and speed of vehicles, topography considerations (such as hills) and whether bicycle infrastructure in in place. Unlike existing maps that use a facility-based ranking system, the new map employs bright color-coding, allowing new riders to easily identify which routes are the best choices for them based on how comfortable the ride will be.

The map was developed over several months with the assistance of County engineers and scores of suggestions from the local community. Suggestions for new routes to highlight or to alter the rankings may be sent to info@bikearlington.com.

After an initial distribution to all Arlington residents via The Citizen newsletter, the maps will be available in Commuter Stores, County transit information kiosks and in area bike shops. An electronic version is posted on the BikeArlington website.

Encouraging biking

The new Comfort Map is part of a broader strategy to encourage “Everyday Biking” in the County. Other efforts include a series of short lifestyle films called “Arlington Passages,” which features inspiring stories about local Arlington residents who get around by bike.

Produced by the award-winning Modacity team, the premiere of these films is on Sept. 10 at the Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse. Tickets are available online and all proceeds will benefit Phoenix Bikes, a local nonprofit bike shop and youth development program.

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