There are lots of good things about the Route 1 widening and other transportation plans for the corridor, but the bike lanes that were just installed south of Jeff Todd Way and Mount Vernon Memorial Parkway intersection are uncomfortable and very dangerous for cyclists.
Doubtless, many qualified professionals, well-meaning elected officials, and interested members of the public contributed to the design, but it is not consistent with common sense. Cyclists are being asked to pedal on the same road as six lanes of high-speed, high-volume traffic, including tractor trailers, with only a traffic stripe for protection.
I believe that few people will be willing to use the path, and even fewer would encourage their children to use the path, because it is both stressful and dangerous. Without even a buffer, there is no margin for error, and at typical speeds it is likely that any accidents involving cyclists would be fatal. As an avid cyclist, I would love to see more quality bike facilities in our area, but I think we are better off without facilities like this one, which are unlikely to attract users and endanger anyone who does use them.
David Krohmal
Alexandria