The proposed George Snyder Trail is facing renewed opposition from anti-trail activists. - Speak Up! and let the Fairfax City Council know you support building this important link in a growing trails network.
For several years, FABB has been following and advocating for Fairfax City’s development of plans to construct the George Snyder Trail, a 2-mile off-road trail along the Accotink Creek from Chain Bridge Road to Fairfax Boulevard. The Snyder Trail will connect the new 66 Parallel Trail with the Gerry Connolly Cross-County Trail on the east side of the City. As such, it fills a critical missing link in the regional bicycle network.
There are currently no adequate east-west bicycle routes in Fairfax City. Riding from one end of the City to the other requires using Fairfax Boulevard, which is not a bicycle-friendly road. The 2-mile trail will provide a paved, ADA-compliant shared-use path of 8-10 feet wide, accessible to people of all ages and abilities.
The Snyder Trail will also connect to nearby stores and restaurants at Northfax and Fairfax Boulevard. Such amenities are relatively scarce on the Cross-County Trail and not as readily accessible for bicyclists riding the 66 Trail. As such, it has potential to bring many new bicyclists into the City and engender more patronage for local businesses.
Unfortunately, the plans for the Snyder Trail have run into opposition from anti-trail activists. The City Council plans to review trail plans at a work session in January. One of the topics under consideration will likely be rerouting the trail to local roads, none of which have bicycle accommodations.
Now is the time to contact the Fairfax City Council to voice your support of the Snyder Trail. It is critical to stick with the plans for a 2-mile off-road trail and prevent needless compromises on safety. The City has already spent enough time developing these plans. It is time to move forward with a trail that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy now and for many generations to come.
Let the Mayor and Council know of your support for the project, by emailing them here.
Learn more about the Snyder Trail project here. Want to help ensure that Fairfax County and its towns and cities develop a world-class bicycle trails network? Contact us at [email protected].
