Category: Cycling

A large network of trails, bike lanes and bikeable streets allowing accessible cycling in and about the neighborhoods in Arlington can be found to be quick, safe and very convenient Biking Benefits:

• Inexpensive – Anyone can afford and maintain this means of transportation.
• Convenient – Less troublesome when it comes to getting to certain places.
• Fitness  –  Firming, calorie burning all that can be achieved without membership fees
• Environment Friendly – No noise or air pollution (no carbon dioxide emissions).
• Traffic Congestion – Takes away the bumper to bumper situation of traffic on the road.
• Business – Cost Saving for transportation re-imbursements.
• Happy Community - Bikers are more relaxed and can enjoy the beauty of the community.

The bike friendly structures in Arlington complements the walkways and public transits system allowing everyone get about in Arlington and in other counties without needing a car. In January 1 2009, the Bicycle Commuter Act was added as one of the qualified transportation benefits covered in section 132(f) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The Bicycle Commuter Act is simple as the cycling itself. Cyclists get the same qualified transportation benefits for taking transit, driving or parking their cars to and from work. A reimbursement of up to $20/month for expenses incurred by the employee who bikes to work. The trails in Arlington are actually multi use trails that are shared equally and enjoyed by bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters, cross country skiers, dog walkers, baby strollers, people using wheelchairs and the like. Courtesy and assertiveness is required to avoid any collisions. For Trail sharing and Security on the Trails visit Arlington County Commuter Services website. There are about 400 bike racks available throughout the County as Arlington promotes cycling to be a preferable and easy mode of traveling. Arlington does require new residential, office and retail establishments to provide generous if not ample bike parking with shower and locker facilities. For the security of bikes, registering bicycles with the Arlington County Police Department is highly recommended. A license is issued with records of license number, serial number of the bicycle and the name of the owner. It is also recommended to use a U-lock instead of chains and cables. For more detailed information about biking, you can refer to ACCS or the Arlington County Commuter Services which is a bureau of the Arlington, Virginia Department of Environmental Services. ACCS programs work to encourage and promote the use of mass transit, carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking, teleworking and other alternative aside from driving alone. photo credit: Amsterdamize