- Please join this public action to demand priority for vulnerable road user safety over speeding traffic.
- Let the Supervisors know you support the suggested planning criteria below.
FABB is part of a coalition of organizations concerned about the proposed widening of Route 1 that is joining a protest by the Gum Springs community, tomorrow, September 9, at 4:00 pm.
Fairfax County is considering a proposal to double the width of Richmond Highway at Sherwood Hall Lane to 13-lanes. Protestors fear that an already dangerous road for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists will become even more deadly with a road widening designed to increase speeds on one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares.
The assembly and staging area will be the parking lot at Greater Morning Star Apostolic Church, 7929 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. The demonstration will occur at the nearby intersection of Richmond Highway & Sherwood Hall Lane.
FABB is proud to support the residents of Gum Springs, the oldest African American community in Fairfax County, and their call for greater consideration for vulnerable road user safety in developing the road plans to accompany the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
FABB joins the coalition in seeking the following:
- Lower speed limit: 35 mph or below.
- Narrower lanes: Prefer 10-10.5 ft.
- Fewer lanes: No more than 10 lanes including BRT. Consider using right-hand lane as a turn lane and BRT apron for left turns.
- Adherence to Safe Streets plan.
- More at-grade crossings for pedestrians at reasonable intervals (including between intersections).
- Traffic Demand Management study: Determine how BRT and active transportation modes will reduce auto traffic to influence VDOT decisions.
Other pedestrian safety recommendations that should be incorporated into plans:
- Improved pedestrian signal timing.
- For additional pedestrian crossings, use on-demand walk lights and flashing lights at BRT lanes when bus approaches
- Safe lighting throughout.
- No right turn on red.
- Leading pedestrian intervals.
- “Rest in walk” mode for signals.
FABB supports the overall intention to create a much-needed Bus Rapid Transit system. The creation of more multimodal transportation options will encourage people to rely less on cars, and, in turn, reduce congestion and greenhouse gases, improve air quality, and provide other health and economic benefits. But, to make the system work, Fairfax County and Virginia have to create safe conditions to enable people to get out of their cars for short trips and local commutes.
Again, if you can’t join the protest tomorrow at 4:00 pm, please contact your district supervisor and let them know that you support the above criteria for the Richmond Highway project.
