Hat tip to WABA for reminding us that the final comment period for the National Park Service’s proposed plan to improve the Mount Vernon Trail and George Washington Memorial Parkway south of Alexandria remains open through next Tuesday, October 24th.
The 17-mile Mount Vernon Trail is one of the region’s most visited recreation destinations as well as a vital and scenic transportation corridor for thousands of area residents. It is also in very poor condition, especially the southern segment in Fairfax County, with significant deterioration, cracking, ruts, and dangerously uneven surfaces. Its rehabilitation is a BIG deal and long overdue and this chance to Speak Up! In support of improvements is an opportunity local riders cannot afford to miss.
The proposed design includes many safety improvements like numerous bike/pedestrian intersection safety improvements, a fully rebuilt and resurfaced trail, the alleviation of the pinch point under Memorial Bridge, new Capital Bikeshare stations, and a host of new trail amenities including signage and water bottle refill stations. Local advocacy groups also are urging NPS to fine-tune its concept to maximize safety and comfort, including gravel buffers, space in the parkway for a future bike lane, and fixes to the most congested stretch of trail at Gravelly Point.
Check out WABA’s action page for sample comment language and links or submit your own thoughts on and support for improvements to the Mount Vernon Trail here.
We also encourage riders to complete the separate Mount Vernon Trail visitor use survey, if you have not already done so.
Thanks for speaking up for better bicycling and the Mount Vernon Trail!
