Bikes on Boulevards ("BOB")

Category: 6. On-road bike facility needed

Since Metrorail construction has begun, bicyclists have lost the Rt. 7 service road, forcing them on to one of the three travel lanes in each direction. The bike paths have been dropped from the plans, so the fourth lane must be compatible with bicycle traffic. Solution: as is the case on Northbound Rt. 123 between the beltway and the 267-I-66 spur, on the rightmost lane, through traffic is reserved for buses and bikes; it is right turn only for other vehicles. Planners must acknowledge and accommodate the existence of bicycle traffic on Rt. 7 and 123 today. The grid of streets/Boone Blvd. extension is a nice far-term idea. It may serve our grandchildren well, but we need solutions for us for today.