The Sept. 27, 2018 article [“Conflict over Bike Trails,” The Gazette, Sept. 27] neglects to mention three key points.
First, the areas that would be penetrated by these conceptual paved bike trails are environmentally highly sensitive. While they serve as utility easements, they harbor seasonal wetlands, rare animal and plant species, and unique cultural resources.
Second, these conceptual bike trails would not improve access for people wishing to spend time at and enjoy Huntley Meadows Park. These would be transportation corridors for bicycle commuting and, if built, would significantly harm the park’s natural and historic resources.
Third, Jeff Todd Way, opened in 2014, was built with a dedicated bicycle and pedestrian trail to provide a transportation link between Telegraph Road, Richmond Highway, and the Mount Vernon Trail. This is already included in the Bicycle Master Plan and I use it for this purpose at least once a week.
Chris Dyer
Alexandria