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  Community Clips Smart Growth News for the Washington, DC Region May 18, 2006 In this issue:
Bike to Work Day Friday, May 19 Put those streamers on your handlebars and cards in your spokes -- it's time for the annual Bike to Work Day. Join legions of your fellow commuters across the region and bask in this spectacular spring air. You'll show up to work with a smile on your face and a pep in your step! Get the details, including cool pit stops along your way, at the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Help Guide DC's Future. Really! Once in a generation Washingtonians get to set the course for how the city grows. Now is the time, as the DC Office of Planning makes revisions to the city's Comprehensive Plan, the blueprint for the city's growth over the next 20-30 years. Don't just sit back and watch how growth unfolds, speak up now and help steer it in the right direction! Learn how. Nats Shortstop Catches Benefits of Walkable Community Washington Nationals shortstop Royce Clayton loves the walkable lifestyle his DC neighborhood affords, according to the Washington Post's Express (May 11, 2006, page 17). "Just being able to walk that area has been great for me," says Clayton. "My wife can walk down to the market and get a fresh loaf of bread, go to the various shops, restaurants, go to the zoo. It's just been great for us as a family to be here." With four kids under two in tow -- including triplets -- the Claytons no doubt appreciate being able to forego car seats when running errands. Come to our silent auction May 24 and bid on Nationals tickets to see our local Smart Growth Shortstop! ICC Disconnected from Montgomery Congestion Problem Montgomery County’s 2006 Highway Mobility Report, released Monday, named its 10 Most Congested Intersections, every one of which is a north-south commuter route, with seven located in down-county areas. That's why many have questioned the expenditure of $3 billion on the east-west Intercounty Connector. The study for the ICC showed that it would not relieve traffic on I-95, I-270 and the Beltway, while adding congestion to the same north-south commuter roads cited in the Montgomery Report. With developers itching to shift development to the ICC corridor, even more traffic would be added to these north-south roads. We need to focus instead on fixing intersections, changing land use, and providing transportation choices, including transit. See our press release and learn more at Save our Communities. Car Sharing Success in Arlington Leads to Zipcar Expansion With a new survey showing that car sharing in Arlington is reducing car ownership and increasing transit use, Arlington County and Zipcar announced an expansion of their joint on-street program. Chris Hamilton of Arlington Commuter Services sums up the success: "Quite simply, our carshare members use alternative transportation more, save money, and own less cars which reduces traffic and parking impacts making Arlington a better place to live, work and grow." See the Zipcar press release and our own car sharing page to learn more. New Housing Affordability Index Factors in Transportation Costs The premise that people who spend less on transportation should be able to afford more for their housing may seem like common sense, but until recently there hasn't been a tool to quantify the relationship between housing and transportation. Now the Affordability Index, developed by Urban Markets Initiative, meets that need. By taking into account the cost savings of living in transit-oriented communities near shopping, schools, and work, the tool provides for the first time a clear picture of what's truly affordable. Learn more at the Brookings Institute. Potomac Heritage National Trail Day on Saturday, June 3 Have you been looking for a chance to celebrate the beginning of summer and the natural beauty of Loudoun County? Then come to the Potomac Heritage National Trail Day on Saturday, June 3 from 11 am to 3 pm. A brand new, four-mile section of the trail, which eventually will run from Pittsburgh to the Chesapeake Bay, will be unveiled at the Elizabeth Mills Riverfront Park near Leesburg, Virginia. Events include outdoor activities such as canoeing and hiking, food and live music, and presentations by wildlife and history experts. Don’t miss this unique chance to experience Virginia outdoor history! Learn more. Upcoming Events
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