NATURE, HISTORY AND HORTICULTURE IN FAIRFAX COUNTY
VOLUME 9, NO. 3 FALL 2009
WHEELS IN THE PARKS By Carol Ochs, Park Authority Volunteer
Next time someone tells you to take a hike, think about getting on a bike instead.
W
hen it comes to transpor tation, there’s no better way to go green than bicycling, and what’s good for the environment is good for you, too. A 150-pound adult can burn nearly 300 calories on a leisurely half-hour ride. While it’s fun to take a spin around your neighborhood, if you’re ready for something new there are plenty of trails to discover in Fairfax County parks this summer and fall.
Burke Lake, Lake Accotink, Wakefield Park, Holmes Run, Sugarland Run and Cub Run are among the county parks with major bike trails. If you want a longer challenge, you can tour the county end-to-end along more than 40 miles of the Cross County Trail. It runs through some of the county’s most scenic areas.
There’s a catch, however, to riding bikes in the parks. You have to be nice. The Park Authority is responsible for stewardship of the parks and Ride to the parks, You’ll feel like a trailblazer on park bike paths. so are you. There are guidelines not just in them. in place to protect our natural and cultural resources. Fairfax County is bike friendly thanks to a comprehensive bicycle In the parks, stick to the established bike trails, bike only when initiative passed by the Board of Supervisors in 2006. Because of unpaved trails are dry, obey any signs, share the road and keep natural that initiative, maps are being drawn up, biking is part of planning, places natural. And wear a helmet. You’re a county resource, too. Fire and roads are being studied for bike lanes. The county offers more and rescue personnel urge bikers than 500 miles of trails that range in width from six feet to the to remember to carry ID — just newer ten-feet standard. in case! There’s a countywide bicycle route map. Bike lockers have popped Keep in mind the trails are for up at a couple of park-and-ride lots. There’s even a program to more than biking. Walkers and distribute helmets to children whose families cannot afford them. runners have the right-of-way. If The parks are full of bike trails that give riders a chance to dodge you should happen to spot a wildlife instead of traffic and hear the sounds of woodpeckers and horse along the trail, dismount bullfrogs instead of the blare of car horns. continued on page 11
INSIDE . . . Get Rid of Junk Mail
p Fairfax County Park Authority • Fairfax, VA 22035 • 703-324-8695 • FAX 703-324-3996 • TTY 703-803-3354 • www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources Fall 2009 1