County Board Discusses Bike Safety

The Arlington County Board discussed opportunities available to the public to learn about bike safety after resident Jim Hurysz broached the topic during the board's public comment period.

The board met for its regular meeting on Saturday morning.

Board member Jay Fisette said the county partners with the Washington Area Bicylist Association to teach classes on bike safety. The schedule for those classes, which are $5 for WABA members and $10 for non-members, is available at BikeArlington.com.

"One of the best ways to increase safety is to increase numbers (of bicyclists on the road)," Fisette said.

Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman agreed that bike safety is a particularly pertinent topic following the death of an Arlington resident last Sunday. Fitzgerald Pollard, 44, was riding his bike near the intersection of Walter Reed Drive and Four Mile Run Drive and .

"There was, of course, a tragic accident last Sunday - not far from my house - that has heightened people's concern," Zimmerman said.

In other business, the board discussed Arlington's taxicab ordinance. There are 765 cabs in Arlington and about 1,400 cab drivers. About 20 cab drivers attended the public comment portion of the board meeting to express their wish to amend the local laws.

The board also approved minor language changes to the Master Transportation Plan.

The board will meet again at 3 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the possibility of approving a commuter kiosk at the Ballston Metro station, among other issues. That item was on the Saturday agenda, but was moved to Tuesday to accommodate a full hearing.

More information on Tuesday's agenda is available .