FABB want’s Springfield-area riders to know that VDOT’s STARS study for Franconia Road and Commerce Street is underway now. This is your chance to weigh in on two key bicycle improvement options that could dramatically improve safety and comfort for cyclists in the area. The online survey is open through April 17, and your voice is needed to ensure that biking remains part of the solution for these high-traffic corridors.
Take the survey here: VDOT STARS Study Survey – Franconia Road & Commerce Street
The study focuses on a half-mile stretch of Franconia Road (Route 644) and a half-mile of Commerce Street, near the I-95 interchange. With average daily vehicle traffic exceeding 60,000 on Franconia Road and 20,000 on Commerce Street, these corridors are currently high-stress environments for bicyclists, with disconnected or inconsistent facilities.
The goal of the survey and study is to identify cost-effective roadway solutions that improve safety, traffic flow, and access for all users—including people who bike and walk.
Two Key Bicycle Options Under Consideration
FABB strongly encourages riders to take the survey and voice support for safe, connected bike infrastructure—especially along Commerce Street, which currently scores a “high” Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (BLTS 4).
Option 1: Add Marked Bicycle Lanes
- Replaces inconsistent sharrows with continuous, striped bike lanes.
- Reduces stress from BLTS 4 to BLTS 3 (moderate).
- Requires narrowing travel lanes and removing a concrete median over the bridge.
- Lower cost, fewer design impacts.
- A big improvement over current conditions!
Option 2: Add Raised Cycle Track (Protected Lane)
- Fully separates bikes from traffic with a raised, curb-protected track.
- Reduces stress from BLTS 4 to BLTS 2.5 (moderate-low).
- Requires more construction and higher cost, but offers superior safety and comfort.
- The gold standard for high-volume roads like Commerce Street.
FABB supports Option 2 for delivering the highest level of protection and comfort, especially for less experienced riders and those biking with children. But either option would be a major upgrade—and your input is critical to making them a reality.
The deadline is April 17! Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of biking in a key part of Fairfax County. Whether you ride Commerce Street now or hope to in the future, please take five minutes to fill out the survey and show support for safer bike facilities.
Take the survey now: https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/northern-virginia-district/franconia-road-and-commerce-street-stars-study-in-fairfax-county/
Tell VDOT that Fairfax riders need safe, continuous, low-stress bike infrastructure—not just sharrows on busy roads!
Need help navigating the survey or want to get involved in local bike advocacy? Contact us at [email protected].
Let’s keep the pressure on for better, safer biking in Fairfax County!
