Return to Graphic Version

Search Site:

Index

Online Services

Our Government

News and Events

Maps, Facts & Stats

State & Federal

Trails and Sidewalks Committee - Bylaws

A. Membership The Committee shall be composed of members appointed by the Board of Supervisors for a term of two years. Membership shall include one member from each magisterial district, one at-large member, and one member from each of the following groups: Northern Virginia Builders Association, Federation of Citizens Associations, Fairfax County Park Authority, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, Washington Area Bicyclist Association, the Clifton Horse Society and the Fairfax County Disability Services Board. B. Officers The Committee shall be under the direction of a chairperson elected for a one-year period by majority vote of the committee members at the first meeting of the calendar year. Other officers shall be a vice-chairperson and a secretary to be appointed by the chairperson. C. Meetings Meetings shall be held monthly or as called by the chairperson. D. Report The Committee shall submit a report of its activities annually to the Board of Supervisors at the end of the calendar year. E. Operations Procedures covering operations of the Committee and its relationships with other County agencies shall be developed by the Committee in collaboration with the agencies involved. Examples of such procedures are: (1) development and revision of the Countywide Trails Plan. (2) development of an annual trail, sidewalk, and bike route construction program. (3) review of requests for trail construction waivers. (4) work with county staff to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, and (5) promotion of the use of bicycling and walking as alternative forms of transportation. These procedures shall be published in appropriate county manuals The Committee shall use Robert's Rules of Order for conducting all meetings.

Charter

A. Purpose The Countywide Trails and Sidewalks Committee is appointed by and reports to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors for the purpose of providing citizen input and oversight to planning and developing a non-motorized transportation system. B. Background The Countywide Trails Committee was established by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on April 3, 1978. The name of the committee was later changed to the Non-motorized Transportation Committee. In establishing this committee, the Board recognized the desirability of coordinating the development of a trail and sidewalk network to serve pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians throughout the county. To further such development the Board also adopted a Countywide Trails Plan, which as a component of the Comprehensive Plan, guides and controls the location of priority trails, sidewalks, and bike routes. Legislation such as the Clean Air Act of 1991, increasingly serious traffic congestion, and concerns for the quality of life in Fairfax County have caused the citizens of the county to express a continuing desire for adequate and safe facilities providing non-motorized transportation alternatives as well as recreational opportunities. The Policy Plan element of the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan adopted on August 6, 1990 includes Transportation Objective 4, which establishes policies that endorse the provision of non-motorized facility improvements and supports the promotion of a comprehensive trail, sidewalk, and bike route system throughout the county. It should be noted that the term "trails" as used herein refers to all non-motorized travel facilities including but not limited to sidewalks, paths, foot trails, bridle paths, bicycle trails, and on-road bicycle routes. C. Responsibilities The Countywide Trails and Sidewalks Committee shall be responsible for: Serving as an advisory group to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on all trail, sidewalk, and bike route matters, including planning, policies, standards, priorities, issues, and system development. Fostering and promoting the development of a Countywide trail, sidewalk, and bike route system to serve transportation and recreation needs. Promoting the coordinated development of an integrated countywide public non motorized transportation system to meet the diverse needs of County residents for facilities for transportation and recreation purposes. The system will include trails, sidewalks and bike routes constructed and/or maintained by or under the auspices of the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Department of Transportation, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and other agencies. Providing oversight and input to the preparation, promulgation, and amendment of a Countywide Trails Plan, which contains all authorized public trails, sidewalks, and bike routes serving county transportation and recreation needs. Coordinating with the Department of Planning and Zoning in the review of trail waiver requests submitted to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services by the development community. Recommending the development of all county trails, sidewalks and bike routes whose primary purpose is to provide an alternative transportation route for pedestrians and bicyclists. This responsibility shall include: Recommending trails, sidewalks and bike routes to be identified on the Countywide Trails Plan. Recommending priorities for the construction of trails, sidewalks and bike routes. Recommending to the Board of Supervisors an annual program for the funding and construction of such trails, sidewalks and bike routes (through the Capital Improvement Program). Reviewing and providing suggestions to the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and the Virginia Department of Transportation on trail, sidewalk, and bike route construction standards and design guidelines. Coordinating with the Department of Transportation and the Virginia Department of Transportation on issues related to trail, sidewalk, and bike route locations and types associated with new road construction projects. Assisting with the development and promulgation of standards related to trail, sidewalk, and bike route identification (including signage) and maintenance. Developing and maintaining By-Laws which govern the membership and operation of the Committee. D. Relationships In its operation the Committee works and coordinates with the Department of Planning and Zoning, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, the Fairfax County Park Authority, and the Virginia Department of Transportation. Staff support to the Committee is provided by the Department of Planning and Zoning.