Falls Church Council adopts Bicycle Master Plan to guide bike network, adds clause barring condemnation

Falls Church City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 27 to adopt resolution TR24-30, amending Chapter 7 of the city comprehensive plan to add the city’s Bicycle Master Plan.

The council acted after a staff presentation and a public hearing. Lead planner Carrie O'Nino summarized changes made since the fall, including extensions to the future routes map, the addition of a trail connecting South Lee Street to Howard Herman Park and Oak Street Elementary School, removal of a pedestrian-only route through Crossman Park, and added language committing staff to provide a progress report on plan implementation at the start of the annual budget process. The council additionally approved editorial language to clarify that right-of-way acquisition cost estimates may be included in early project budgets and that the “use of eminent domain is not contemplated in this plan.”

Why this matters: The plan creates an out-year vision for a connected bicycle network that staff says is intended to improve safety, connect schools and transit, and strengthen the city’s eligibility for grant funding. Council and staff said the plan prioritizes “safe…