A Ride Along the New Rt 7 Side Paths

We had an opportunity to ride on part of the new side paths along the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Route 7 Corridor Project between Reston and Tysons last week and wanted to share our experience to give other riders a sense of what to expect.

First, the paths, which are ten-feet wide in most sections, will enhance mobility for cyclists and pedestrians as intended by Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan. They also provide a great new connection between the Tysons area and Reston and, by linking to the Reston Parkway, allows cyclists to get from there to the Fairfax County Parkway and W&OD Trails for some epic rides through Fairfax County

At this point, however, the paths are basically utilitarian. Running next to the widened Route 7, we found the paths very loud (even on a pre-rush hour Wednesday afternoon). It seems unlikely that many people will want to stroll with family or friends on the paths except during those times when traffic volumes are minimal.

This is a shame because there are sound walls along large sections of the Route 7 project, many of which had ample room behind them for the side paths. The sound walls also would have provided some extra protection because another drawback to the paths is that they are separated from the road by only a shoulder/gutter and a strip of grass. Again, these are fine paths for commuting but will not be pleasant for casual recreational users. For user’s safety, we recommend riding/walking facing traffic to allow you to see oncoming dangers.

One exception to protection along the paths is the bridge over Difficult Run near Colvin Mill. There the paths narrow and are above grade with guard rails at both ends of the bridge. There is another is trail under the bridge to allow riders and walkers to connect to the Gerry Connelly Cross Country Trail or simply move to the other side path. As of now, however, there is no signage to direct users.

Wayfinding signage for path users is absent throughout the project. It is especially noticeable on the south side entrance in Tysons, which involves a subpar path in front of the Westwood Center that connects to an apparently unused access road before linking to the bridge over the Toll Road and the new Route 7 side path. The north side entrance in Tysons also is unmarked but follows from the sidewalk across the bridge over the Toll Road.  As mentioned in our earlier post, the path on the north side is still incomplete as its approaches Tysons because of ongoing gas company work expected to last into June.

While we saw an occasional no entry sign to prevent motorists from mistakenly driving onto the side paths, there were no warning signs to alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians, especially near intersections with turn lanes.

FABB strongly believes that, to better serve both commuters and recreational users, VDOT and Fairfax County Department of Transportation planners and engineers should take lessons from the Route 7 project and ensure that future projects do more to provide:

• Enhanced Noise Mitigation. Positioning side paths further away from the roadway or behind sound walls where possible could substantially reduce noise pollution and create a more pleasant environment for users. This would encourage greater usage for leisure activities, not just commuting.
• Improved Safety Measures. Adding physical barriers between the paths and the roadway—such as bollards or a continuous protective barrier—would increase safety for users.
• Clear Signage and Wayfinding. A path or trail should not be considered complement until comprehensive wayfinding and informational signage along the paths is available, especially at entrances, exits, and junctions with other trails or paths. This will enhance user experience, promote ease of navigation, and ensure connectivity with other regional pathways.
• Intersection Safety Enhancements. Installing clear signage and signals at intersections could alert motorists to the presence of bicyclists and pedestrians, especially where paths cross roads or driveways. Consideration should be given to the design of crossings to ensure they are visible and safe for all users.

By acting now to correct these issues for the Route 7 side paths, VDOT and FCDOT can significantly improve their functionality and appeal, ensuring the paths meet the objectives of Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan and provide a valuable resource for the community.