Fairfax County has launched the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study, and this is your opportunity to speak up for bikeable, walkable, and transit-oriented development in one of the region’s busiest hubs.
The study focuses on the Franconia-Springfield Transit Station Area (TSA) and the Springfield Community Business Center (CBC)—key areas near the Metro, VRE, and Springfield Interchange. It will update the county’s Comprehensive Plan, which hasn’t had a full review in more than 17 years.
The online survey is open now through December 5, 2025, and we strongly encourage local bicyclists to take part. You can provide feedback via comment boxes and even place suggestions directly on area maps.
Here are suggested talking points from the Coalition for Smarter Growth to guide your comments:
- Prioritize Transit-Oriented Development: Support more housing and services near the Franconia-Springfield Metro and VRE stations. Encourage walkable, vibrant communities built around transit—not traffic.
- Increase Housing Choices: Advocate for a diversity of housing types, including affordable homes, with the highest density closest to transit. More housing means more neighbors who can walk and bike to where they need to go.
- Create Walkable and Bikeable Neighborhoods: Ask for safe, connected sidewalks, trails, and protected bike lanes that link homes to schools, parks, shops, and transit. Infrastructure for people—not just cars—makes healthier, safer communities.
- Protect and Enhance Green Space: Encourage expansion of parks, trails, tree canopy, and green infrastructure. These features help manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and boost community well-being.
This is our chance to shape a Springfield that’s safer and more accessible for all—especially those who ride bikes.
Let’s make sure the voices of riders are heard loud and clear. Take the survey here.
If you don’t want to take the survey, you can still send comments here.
Want to get more engaged in bicycle advocacy? Contact us at [email protected].
