Fredericksburg Community Walking, Biking More Due To Coronavirus

FREDERICKSBURG, VA – A new survey shows a significant increase in walking, running and biking in Fredericksburg as a result of public health guidelines put in place due to the new coronavirus outbreaks.

The survey results were described in a new report from the Fredericksburg Area Metropolitan Planning Organization as part of their efforts to understand how transportation has changed due to the pandemic and brainstorm ideas on how to improve transportation access and safety.

The survey results also show that Fredericksburg residents are concerned about the ability to follow social distancing guidelines on trails and sidewalks. Additionally, it shows that there is support in the community for temporarily repurposing streets for pedestrian and bike use.

The survey was open from April 28-May 12 and was distributed on social media and emailed to 400 regional transportation stakeholders, including elected officials, local media and community representatives. Participants were asked questions on transportation behavior, access and safety for riders, bikers, walkers, runners and drivers. A total of 179 responses were collected, with 137 fully complete responses.

Results showed that participants will be apprehensive about using the bus or train, even after social distancing measures are eased. Comments in the survey suggested having FRED bus services restored for those who use it as their main source of transportation.

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