Exciting changes are coming to Oakton, and now is the time for local bicyclists to make their voices heard! A proposal to redevelop AT&T’s under-utilized office campus into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood is moving forward, and we need your support to ensure that bicycling infrastructure remains a key part of the plan.
The proposed redevelopment includes mixed-income townhomes and multifamily residences, retail spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets. Importantly, it also features plans to enhance bike and pedestrian connections, making it easier and safer to bike in and around Oakton. But for these improvements to become a reality, we need to show strong community support!
A recent Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (BLTS) analysis examined biking conditions within a half-mile of the site. While Oakton already has some bike-friendly infrastructure—like sharrows, on-street bike lanes, and the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail—there are still significant gaps. Key recommendations from the study include:
- A new shared-use path through the development that connects to the recently completed I-66 Trail.
- Improved bicycle facilities along major roads like Chain Bridge Road and Jermantown Road.
- Safe and direct bike paths with buffers from vehicle traffic.
- Eliminating gaps in the biking network to ensure smooth and continuous connections.
With these enhancements, cycling in Oakton will be safer, more accessible, and better connected to surrounding neighborhoods and trails.
How You Can Help
The Fairfax County Planning Commission is holding a public hearing on this project on Monday, February 26, at 7:30 PM, and they need to hear from local bicyclists who support these improvements!
You can find instructions here on how to testify by pre-recorded video testimony, telephone, and in-person testimony at the Fairfax County Government Center. Speakers may complete an online form or call (703) 324-2865 to be placed on the pre-registered speakers list.
Requests to speak before the Planning Commission must be submitted prior to 1:00 P.M. on the day of the public hearing to insure your place on the pre-registered speaker’s list.
Your voice can make a difference in ensuring that Oakton becomes a model for bike-friendly redevelopment. Let’s push for a community where biking is safe, convenient, and enjoyable for everyone.
Sign up to testify and help shape the future of Oakton’s bike infrastructure!
