i have previously described the differences between those communities that are receptive to alternative transportation and those that are not. for those with a short memory, prior posts can be found here and with considerably more detail here. the latter post had voluminous links to alternative transportation coordinators, planning maps, bicycle asset maps, etc. the former post has a very simple graphic which i feel perfectly captures the gestalt of this issue:
there was also a small shout-out to a local group that is doing a tremendous job at advocacy: fairfax advocates for better bicycling or FABB. their staff has been working very hard to bring about change, and it appears that they are having some success. peep this:
Dear Racing Union:
Thank you for your email letting the me know of your support for funding bicycle items as part of the County's budget. I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on the Board's actions regarding these funding items (collectively known as Fairfax County's "Comprehensive Bicycle Initiative" or CBI) in the County's FY07 Budget.
Following my initial request in December 2005, staff from the County's Department of Transportation provided cost estimates for these various elements of the CBI in time for them to be considered during this year's budget cycle.
On February 27, 2006, when County Executive Anthony Griffin presented his proposed FY2007 Budget to the Board of Supervisors, I moved that funding for the CBI become the first Consideration Item put before the Board as it deliberated the County's budget for the upcoming year.
I am pleased that, when the Board marked-up the County Executive's Proposed FY07 Budget on April 24, funding was included for a Bicycle Coordinator position along with $375,000 allocated to provide an inventory of County bicycle facilities and to develop a Fairfax County Bicycle Facilities Map. I have also met with staff from the County's Department of Transportation and have asked that funding for bicycle projects be included in the Transportation Bond scheduled to go before voters in November 2007. The bicycle projects selected for the bond will be identified as part of the inventory of facilities that the Board is funding in the FY07 Budget.
I am committed to the viability of bicycling as a means of transportation in Fairfax County and appreciate your giving me the opportunity to share with you the Board's actions on this subject.
Sincerely-
Gerry Connolly, Chairman
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
now i could go on and on regarding whether this is a significant event or not. but you don't want to hear it and i don't want to write it. i do take the time to contact my elected representatives about a host of issues. and i expect, yes expect, to get something back, even if it's a form letter. this letter is a sign of good intentions. i will be happier when those intentions are actualized.
but there's something here that i think a lot of people overlook. i see a ton of bitching on email forums and web sites about how bad the situation is between bikes and [insert any non-bicycle mode of conveyance here]. people grouse, but they rarely do anything. this generally ticks me off, but in this case, i am considerably more sympathetic. i can see how people would be overwhelmed. how can one person or a small group or even a large group change whole traffic infrastructure systems? how can they change what seems to be a totally ingrained attitude about transportation? the task is so massive, where would one even begin?
the answer in this case is that one begins by using the tools of the system**. this is not widely uinderstood. start going to planning board meetings. start going to zoning board meetings. you know that new 100 unit townhouse complex that they just started building over at [insert any location in loudoun county here]? you can't stop it. no how, no way. that process probably began at least 10 years ago with decisions made by zoning boards and planning boards. the builder would have had to make public appearances and describe and defend their plan for construction. they would have received the go ahead for land clearing, grading, and building. you can be mad as hell, but unless you were there when the process began, you're out of the loop at this point. and crying about it is a waste of saline. cities and counties and states need long range plans, and they act like battleships: once they get momentum they tend to continue in that direction and turning them can take a while.
but here's the wrinkle that's worth your attention. FABB understands this process and is building a base from which they can possibly make substantive changes. they turn out people for planning board meetings, they encourage correspondence with elected officials and they are working within the system to add voices who will be advocates for things that are important to us.
they don't necessarily need your money, but they could really use your time.
if you would like to see some changes to the way things work, you might consider visiting their
web site and checking out their objectives which are pretty reasonable. consider writing your elected officials and asking them to strongly consider the proposed actions. and follow up with them to monitor progress.***
- - - posted by scott
** for those who fear this borders on collusion, try to visualize what i am describing as bringing down the man, from the inside, using his own tools. is that better?
*** this will be interpretted by the haters as a concession: the revolution has not accomplished it's desired goal so we have to limp around and enact civil provisions with incremental change using the filthy tools of "
the man" whom all responsible citizens justly revile. i would draw your attention to the grand canyon. it wasn't made in a day no matter what these
losers think. all big changes begin somewhere. be a part of the solution.