Bicycle Advisory Bodies in the DC Region

This article surveys bicycle advisory bodies in metropolitan Washington.  Most governmental activity related to bicycling occurs at the locality level, and most county and city governments in our region have designated a bicycle advisory body that offers citizen advice and feedback on government policy, programs, projects related to bicycling.  The advisory body members may or may not be formally appointed by local elected or agency officials, but the meetings are open to everyone, and newcomers are often warmly welcomed and encouraged to participate as fully as appropriate.

Arlington BAC Film Screening, March 2011 (Photo Credit: Steve Offutt)

If you seek to participate in bicycling advocacy, attending the meetings of your local bicycle advisory body is generally the best place to start.  Here you will meet the local agency staff and leading citizen advocates who work on bicycling policies, programs, and projects and learn about specific projects and issues currently under consideration as well as adopted bicycle facility plans and upcoming project-funding opportunities.

Every locality is different, but most bicycle advisory bodies meet monthly on a set weekday evening.  Use the web links below to learn more about the bicycle advisory body in your locality. 

If something is missing or incorrect, please let me know at allenmuchnick AT yahoo DOT com . 
 

District of Columbia:  The DC Bicycle Advisory Council meets on the first Wednesday of odd-numbered months, typically in Room 1117 of One Judiciary Square (441 4th Street, NW) from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Northern Virginia Localities

Alexandria VA:  The Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee generally meets on the third Monday of each month, from 7 pm to 9 pm, at the Durant Center, 1605 Cameron St, Alexandria.

Arlington VA:  The Arlington Bicycle Advisory Committee usually meets on the first Monday of each month (except September), from 7 pm to 9 pm, at 2100 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, in the Azalea conference room off the ground floor lobby.  Documents and meeting minutes are archived here. 

Fairfax County VA:  The Fairfax County Trails and Sidewalks Committee normally meets on the second Wednesday of each month at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, starting at 7 pm.  The meeting room varies.

Herndon VA:  The Town of Herndon was had a Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee.  If interested, contact Councilmember Charlie Waddell, 703-435-6805 or charlie.waddell AT herndon-va DOT gov .

Loudoun County VA:  Loudoun currently lacks a bicycle advisory committee, but Bike Loudoun, the local advocacy organization, has long sought one.

Reston VA:  The Reston Association has a Pedestrian and Bicycling Advisory Committee which generally meets on the second Wednesday of the month.

Prince William County VA:  Currently, Prince William has neither a bicycle advisory committee nor a dedicated bicycling advocacy group, but the nonprofit Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition includes bicycling activities.

Vienna VA:  The Town of Vienna Bicycle Advisory Committee meets monthly on the third Thursday, at 8 pm, at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Cherry St SE.

Suburban Maryland Localities

                                                                                          

Frederick City and County MD:  The County lacks a bicycle advisory committee, but the City of Frederick Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets at 6:30 pm on the first Tuesday of most months at 140 West Patrick St.  For more information, email FBPAC AT cityoffrederick DOT com .

Howard County MD:  Howard County does not yet have a bicycle advisory committee, but Bike HoCo has helped the County draft its first Bicycle Transportation Master Plan.

Montgomery County MD:  The Montgomery County Bicycle Action Group (MCBAG) usually meets on the third Thursday of each month from 7 pm to 9 pm, alternating between a Rockville and a Gaithersburg location.  Meeting participation via telephone is also an option.

Prince Georges County MD:  The Bicycle and Trails Advisory Group (BTAG), staffed by the County’s planning agency, meets quarterly during the work week.  For more information, contact Fred Shaffer at 301-952-3661 or fred.shaffer AT ppd.mncppc DOT org.

Rockville MD:  The City of Rockville Bicycle Advisory Committee meets at 7 pm on the first Wednesday of each month in the Diamondback Terrapin Conference Room of Rockville’s City Hall.

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