Opponents say the people who want
safer streets don’t exist.

“A car just almost ran over my two year old while we were already entering a lighted crosswalk, it just refused to stop. Anyone who thinks drivers have any respect for pedestrians or cyclists is fooling themselves and the only way to keep us safe is by separation from cars and slowing cars down.”

— Lynhaven, Caroline

“Braddock is a key connection between those of us in northern Old Town and friends/activities in Del Ray and Rosemont. Making it safer for children to independently make these trips promotes their sense of freedom, reduces traffic and pollution, and returns time to parents.”

— Allen in northern Old Town

“I'm a casual, recreational, weekend biker. I ride from my house in Del Ray to Old Town a couple time a month, and each time, I ride on Braddock Road. That road is scary as a biker -- cars drive fast and often swerve around me to continue at their pace. I would love the city to install permanent bike lanes, making clear to drivers that bikers have just as much right as anyone else to be on that road.”

— Jacob in Del Ray

“I regularly transit through Braddock via bike bus or car and this area would benefit by being more bike friendly given it's access to the Metro and shops in Del Ray. I believe strongly that the streets of Alexandria, including the one in front of my own house as well as Braddock, are a collective common good owned by all residents of Alexandria and NOT by proximate home owners I have mitigated the need for parking for my own vehicle by having a parking space on my own personally owned property.”

— David in Del Ray

“Prioritizing parking and convenience over safety, environment, recreation and an affordable transit option seems irresponsible. The entire city owns the roads, not just the neighbors. Let’s do the right thing and prioritize safe access for all our residents, not just the adjacent ones.”

— Parker Gray

“I bike all over Alexandria with my kids. I want to feel safe and I want to feel safe letting my kids bike on their own when they are old enough.”

— Lauren in Del Ray

“I live two blocks off Braddock Rd and use it multiple times a day as a driver, pedestrian, and cyclist, as does my family. I am strongly in favor of any improvements that would make Braddock safer for all users, particularly the many children crossing the intersections on foot and bike during periods of heavy traffic.”

— Mac in Rosemont

“Being able to ride into del ray from old town etc without fear of being hit by a car!”

— Rashmi on eisenhower

“I’m a Rosemont resident and bike to work three days a week. The gap in the bike lane on Braddock Road creates unsafe, awkward passing between bikes and cars. Filling this gap would make a real difference for safety, not just for me but for drivers too. More importantly, it would allow my wife and 5-year-old daughter to safely ride with me. This is a key connection to the Potomac Yard Trail and Del Ray, and without a continuous lane, it’s not a safe option for families.”

— Chris in Rosemont

“I live just off of Braddock and as a pedestrian walking to the metro I always avoid it. Narrow sidewalks (especially with a stroller), aggressive drivers, and not enough crosswalks between Commonwealth and Mt. Vernon. The bike lanes would unlock the ability to safely get my kids by bike to the Potomac Yard trail, get me to Crystal City for work and even beyond to DC!”

— Lauren in Rosemont

“My wife bikes this stretch with our 5-year-old in a trailer, and the section without a bike lane worries me every time. There’s little room for error, and cars often pass too close. I understand residents don’t want to lose parking—I wouldn’t either—but this is a safety issue. Right now cyclists are forced into traffic, which is especially risky for families. A dedicated bike lane would create a safer, more predictable space for everyone who uses this road.”

— Blake

“I hate when we have to take the car. It’s boring I can’t see as much and I feel sick. I like riding my bike to 711 and to soccer. I want to bike by myself but it’s not safe right now so my mom and dad won't let me. I want me and more kids to be able to bike and go places not just right on their sidewalk. Biking I can see more around me and I like the sun and the fresh air.”

— Ellis, age 8

“A friend of mine died after being struck by a vehicle at the intersection of mount vernon Ave and west glebe road. Safety measures were implemented at that intersection soon after. We shouldn't wait for someone to die before making roads safer. Also, I've been biking in Del Ray for 10+ years and have been wanting a bike lane on braddock road for a long time.”

— WR in Del Ray

“As a resident of Rosemont and frequent (primarily) pedestrian in the area, I support the improvements to Braddock Road including repurposing parking into bike Lanes. When I do drive, I find myself feeling much safer as a driver when bikes have their own dedicated lane. Bike Lanes also help reduce cyclists on the sidewalk which as a person who is primarily a pedestrian makes me safer on the sidewalk as well. Our streets are for everyone, not just empty cars. Make Braddock safe for all!”

— Mariah in Rosemont

“We already use too much of our valuable land to support car traffic. Our neighborhoods are safer, less stressful and friendlier for our neighbors when they are walkable and bikeable.”

— Rosemont

“I'm a regular driver on this section of Braddock Rd and I don't love everything about this plan but I still support it. I can live with a slightly longer drive if it means that the road is safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Safe roads for all feels infinitely more important that on-street parking for a few or shaving a few minutes off of the average cross-town drive time.”

— Katherine in North Ridge

“I travel through the area on bike, foot and car frequently. This change will make it easier and safer for all modes. I look forward to using the bike lanes to travel from old town to Del Ray and points west.”

— JD on West St

“I was biking in the sharrow portion of Commonwealth, right by Braddock last week. A young man trying to get to work on a scooter was in front of me in the street. Something fell out of his bag, so he had to stop mid-street to get it. I was so scared he was going to get run over by a car. If there were a bike lane, there would have been no issue. This kind of thing makes biking or scooting in shared lanes on Braddock SO dangerous. Please make Braddock safer.”

— K - Central Alexandria

“I commute to work via bike on Commonwealth four days per week. The best parts of Commonwealth for people walking, biking, AND driving are the sections that have separate bike lanes. The same can be true for Braddock Road.”

— Sarah in Del Ray

“Heavy traffic, lack of parking, emissions, speeding— they're all byproducts of a self-fulfilling prophecy. When we prioritize one mode of transit, we doom ourselves to rely on it. Vehicle infrastructure eventually overloads. We improve it. We rely on it more. It overloads again. And the cycle continues. Changing our priorities and investing in multiple transportation options is the only way to break that cycle, and redesigning Alexandria's major arterials is a necessary step towards that goal.”

— Jonathan Petrini (Rosemont/Del Ray)

“I'm a 36-year resident of Del Ray and now Rosemont and have commuted by bike year round on Braddock Road to the Metro Station. I feel that it is particularly dangerous to merge with traffic at Mount Vernon Ave when I go west on Braddock as cars are trying to turn in the right lane to go north on Mount Vernon.”

— Rosemont

“I support the Braddock Road bike lanes because I want safer streets for myself and my kids. One of my kids currently attend GWMS and the roads in this area are very busy and feel unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists; protected bike lanes will both help separate bike and vehicle traffic and reduce vehicle speeds/encourage more careful driving, which is very much needed on this stretch of road.”

— Billy in Del Ray

“I love that I can live in Del Ray without a car, and I walk and ride the bus to get around. I rarely travel on Braddock, but I want my neighbors who do to feel safe traveling without a car.”

— B in Del Ray

“I walk, bike, or drive on Braddock rd daily. I look forward to safe, controlled flow of traffic and separated bike lanes that mean cars aren’t constantly dodging around you at fast speeds!”

— Emily in Del Ray

“Live, work, and been biking in Alexandria for 24 years, 10 of them as a year-round daily commuter. Increased safety means increased bikes. Increased bikes mean yet MORE safety and all of the all of the human, environmental, and economic benefits that result. Please take every opportunity to support the virtuous cycle.”

— Mike Braddock Heights/Beverly Hills

“As a School Board member, I want to make sure all students have safe routes to school. Braddock is a major thoroughfare for GWMS students. It’s imperative that every student feels protected on their way to and from school, regardless of their mode of transportation.”

— Ryan in Del Ray

“I live on Braddock and would bike everywhere (removing my car from traffic) if I could get East of the train tracks without risking my life riding in traffic.”

— Trip on Braddock

“I use Braddock Road for part of my commute and would like to see it safer for all users - peds, cyclists and drivers. I feel more comfortable whether riding or driving when there are clear designated bike lanes. Walking by where there are bike lanes makes me safer because I can clearly see that everyone has their lane and space. I’m grateful for the visual and mental buffer.”

— Anh in Del Ray

“I support protected bike lanes on Braddock so drivers and riders have more predictable road-sharing behaviors. I haven't ridden a bike in many years, but once used it as my primary transportation, I want riders to be safe.”

— Lisa in Carlyle

“I feel nervous when I’m driving and bikers are on the road. If I drive behind them, I’m slow and maybe creepy, but if I pass them it’s a little dangerous. Protected lanes make everyone safer and more comfortable.”

— Clare in North Old Town

“As a pedestrian, I feel unsafe walking up and down Braddock given the speed and proximity of the traffic lanes. I can only imagine how it feels on a bicycle. Do let's give everyone their own lane and space, and improve the experience for us all.”

— Old Town North Pedestrian

“As someone who used to live just off Braddock and now lives close enough to drive Braddock multiple times a week, a fully support the plan. I know that as someone in a vehicle, I pose a huge risk to cyclists and pedestrians, and that's exacerbated by streets that don't give vulnerable road users adequate, protected space. We all benefit from safer, more usable streets. I'm excited that this should make walking in the neighborhood safer and more accessible, too.”

— Emily in North Ridge

“I live on Braddock and regularly bike on it alone but avoid it with my daughter. I have often been passed aggressively and yelled at while biking between Russell and the metro. I'm also often responsible for slowing down traffic as I bike in the shared lanes. This project will improve Braddock Road for bikers, drivers, pedestrians, and other users of this corridor. Losing street parking in front of my house is a small price to pay for these broad benefits to the community.”

— Joe

“I love riding my bike but I avoid Braddock as much as I can due to a few near misses I had early on. Even in my car traffic laws are so often ignored that anything that can be done to improve it would feel like a sigh of relief.”

“I’m a driver, not a cyclist. That said, I want the cyclists to be safe and separated from cars. Protected bike lanes are the best way to do that.”

“I have young kids and I know, statistically speaking, one of the riskiest things they can do when they become teenagers is to drive and be in a car driven by friends. Better bike infrastructure now is one of the best things I can advocate for as a parent who wants my future teenagers to be safe *and* independent. As well, recent events have shown me that having non-car ways to get around the city is a boon when the price of gasoline is volatile. Let's imagine this future together.”

— Kayla, West End

“Alexandria deserves safe streets for all people, including cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Drivers will also be safer with the new redesign. I drive Seminary Road every day and the new redesign helps keep everyone safe.”

— Mike in the West End

“I live off of Braddock Road and would experience some inconvenience with the City’s proposal, but it is far more important to have a safer Braddock Road corridor. As a pedestrian with a now-adult child who traveled Braddock Road with real trepidation for many years, the current road, designed to maximize for cars, is not safe. This is not just about bike lanes; it’s about making Braddock safer for everyone.”

— Laurie in Del Ray

“I don't drive! I avoid Braddock on bike and sidewalk, as it is simply too dangerous to use. We deserve better streets, especially this close to Metro. The most valuable public land should not be used for private car storage.”

— William in Del Ray

“I live just off Braddock and drive, walk, or bike on it daily. Giving each mode of transport a safe, designated space in which to travel is safer for everyone. I trust those involved with developing this plan and look forward to a safer road for me and my neighbors.”

— Jennifer, Rosemont

“im afraid of car crashes so safer roads make me happier”

— sylvie in alexandria

“I want to feel safe biking with my kids to old town and the metro.”

— Brian in Rosemont

“I bike almost every day as a pastime, but it has gotten very scary when having lots of close calls with cars. A bike lane dedicated to bikers would be absolutely perfect for everyone.”

— Shannon P. in Del Ray

“Lots of kids who go to GW walk there in the morning and after school. Personally I walk to the Braddock Road metro center every day for my after school sport. Improving the area near there would be amazing.”

— Cam in Alexandra

“I live on Braddock Road within the project area. Braddock is how I bike to the metro and how my daughter will get to GW Middle School in a couple years. It feels very unsafe now with cars and bikes sharing the same narrow space, and I've had many scary moments with drivers who pass too close. A dedicated bike lane would improve safety for everyone and give my daughter the freedom to travel independently as she grows. It's well worth the loss of the street parking in front of our home.”

— Becky

“We need bike lanes and better crosswalks”

“We live in GW Park and use Braddock Road to get to the GW Parkway bike trail. But that last block by Lena’s just isn’t safe. Tried cutting thru the Yates/Lena’s parking complex but got lotsa stink-eye from what looked like management. Does not encourage me to patronize them.”

— GW Park

“I have an adult child who is disabled and cannot drive, but can use a bike and a scooter. This has allowed her to be much more independent and not rely on us or others driving her everywhere. The current state of Braddock Road eliminates whole parts of the city from her to be able to independently access because it is too unsafe to walk, bike, or scoot. I strongly support the design because it improves accesibility.”

— B, Seminary Hill

“I moved from DC to Alexandria a few years ago. In DC, I bike commuted regularly and had bike lanes most of the way. However, biking in Alexandria is much more challenging because of fewer bike lanes and aggressive drivers at higher speeds. With rising fuel prices, I would like to bike more and drive less, but not at the expense of my safety.”

— Wendy in Belle Haven

“I've almost gotten hit as a runner on Braddock road multiple times and would appreciate better organization here!”

— Rosemont

“I live right near Braddock and walk around the neighborhood and to the Metro with great regularly. I also drive in the area, running my kids to activities and such. Between the narrow sidewalks and fast moving cars, there are so many opportunities to improve Braddock for everyone. I strongly support the proposed changes!”

— Mike near Braddock and Mt Vernon

“My kids are learning how to bike. But going down Braddock to the bike path near the metro is certainly not safe - even having them bike down the narrow sidewalks is nerve racking given how aggressive and close to the curb drivers get. The city’s improvement plan would not only bring better utility to the existing bike path, it would also help foster community activity and utilize PUBLIC roads in a way that reflects the multi-modal transportation needs of Alexandria’s citizens.”

— R in Rosemont

“It would always be great to add more diverse means for transportation. We cannot and must not rely only on cars here in Northern Virginia. We must create more accessible means of transportation and sometimes that means sacrificing a little bit of parking in order for those who cannot drive or prefer not to drive to be able to have the ability to move as well. Drivers must also be more safe!”

— Eber

“I was a student going to the ACHS Sattelite campus until about a year ago, and I had to cross Braddock Road to the Braddock Metro almost every day. The two lanes on each side of the road made it a regular occurrence that cars would zip around the first lane, where cars had stopped to let me cross, and rush through as if they didn’t realize people crossed streets at crosswalks. I think making the crossing there one lane in each direction as proposed would make it significantly safer.”

— Brianna

“We talk a lot about getting our kids off screens, fighting the loneliness epidemic, youth engagement. Having a safe way for my kids to walk or bike themselves to their friends house, to the fields to play sports, to go meet up in old town with friends and to get to work would make that more possible. Right now Braddock isn’t safe enough for that. Let’s make it safer and make this a child friendly city.”

— J in Rosemont

“When I first moved to Alexandria, I lived in the nearby Asher apartments and took the Metro up from the Braddock Road station. I've seen people speeding through that intersection & nearly hitting crossing pedestrians more times than I can remember. I strongly support improvements to this area to slow down traffic & keep pedestrians safer. (Left the neighborhood for Carlyle years back and love my new no-major-street-crossings commute!)”

— Charlie from Carlyle

“We live right next to Braddock Road and often use if to bike to go to the grocery store, restaurants, trails, etc. We want the street to be safer so we can all feel good about using forms of transportation other than cars and spend more time outside! Also, when I drive, I feel much safer when there are well designed bike lanes and crosswalks.”

— Emilie in Del Ray

“I regularly bike west to Minnie Howard Campus of ACPS, including on Braddock Road. The intersection of Braddock Road and King Street is a death trap. It lacks several crosswalks and even sidewalks, and is hostile and inefficient. I support public safety and streetscape improvements.”

— Walter Tersch

“My family and I live in Rosemont and we use our bikes as much as possible, but we don't bike on Braddock Rd because the parked cars make it incredibly unsafe with the amount of traffic that speeds by. I would love to commute to the metro on my bike but I don't like my chances on an unprotected major artery like Braddock. Almost every single house on the stretch of Braddock between Russell and Commonwealth has a driveway so I am at a loss as to why the improvement plans are so controversial!”

— D in Rosemont

“I bike to work and to most locations in the city. I feel much, much safer on protected lanes. And it's not just bikes. Just yesterday I saw a family pushing a stroller and an older couple walking with their dog along the protected lane on Seminary Road. It will be great to have more safe routes to get around the city without a car. If you build them people use them.”

— Rosemont

“I biked to work for several years and the most dangerous part of my commute was Braddock Road. Cars travel too fast here. Studies show that the best way to slow cars is through road design. Adding protected bike lanes has been shown to make roads safer for ALL users: pedestrians, cyclists and cars. I strongly support the city's proposed improvements.”

— Old Town

“I rode my bike on Braddock every day for three years to get to the metro, and the ONLY way I survived was assuming every car on the road was actively trying to hit me. After too many close calls I had to change my commute, as it was only a matter of time before some distracted driver took me out.”

— Jared in Del Ray

“My husband and I, as well as our adult son and daughter-in-law, bike, walk, and drive through all sections of Braddock Rd covered by the city plan. We prefer biking but we've all seen many near misses involving cars vs. both pedestrians and bikers. We believe that safe walking and biking routes will get more people out of their cars and make Alexandria more appealing to the young families that are our future.”

— Libby in Rosemont

“Bike lines are an amazing neighborhood amenity that make the neighborhood more accessible to people of all abilities and ages. This corridor is a critical public corridor and should be utilized to implant the maximum public good. Bikes lanes serve the public.”

— Old Town North

“I spoke at the recent Board hearing to convey my views regarding the importance of safety. We need to protect our most vulnerable road users including pedestrians, bicyclists, scooter users, etc. This project will result in greater travel by these users in a safe manner. I wholeheartedly support this project!”

— Rosemont

“I live so close to old town but I don’t feel safe biking there, I use the car and that’s slow and not as nice for a trip to the park”

— West Alex

“It would help link together Old Town to the Metro using bicycles, scooters, and other non-bus means that are important during periods when the bus runs less frequently”

— Old Town

“Walking, cycling and public transit should be prioritized in a city like Alexandria. Car free people like myself need to feel safe from cars on the roads”

“I rarely drive and do not bike in places that are unsafe, such as unprotected bike lanes. Protected bike lanes are necessary to keep both residents and cars safe, and would significantly improve the accessibility of the Braddock Road area. This reduces traffic congestion and improves the quality of living for the community as a whole by increasing mobility options for a wider range of people.”

— Bradley in Bel Air

“I bike commute every day and connected and complete bike networks are needed.”

“I live in Rosemont and regularly bike to Old Town and the trail at Braddock Metro, but Braddock feels dangerously unsafe. I even helped a cyclist hit by an F-150 near the Metro crossing signal that drivers routinely ignore. This is especially dangerous for GW Middle School students, many of whom are Black and brown. Opposing safer streets here puts driver convenience over kids’ safety and deepens class and racial inequity.”

“The city should prioritize connecting the disjointed trails and bike lanes on this corridor so that we have increased safety and more viable alternatives to driving.”

— Ian in Rosemont

“I love walking around Del Ray, but never feel safe crossing Braddock when I have to go from the path near GW Middle School over to the 7/11. Cars try to be thoughtful, but it's a bad accident waiting to happen and I always tense up when crossing. I would use my bike more often if Braddock were safer. And it's the state of mind -- people chose to live in areas for their walkability and bikeability. Time to stop thinking that cars come first. People come first.”

— Cath in Del Ray

“I walk and drive on Braddock regularly and know first-hand that it needs safety improvements, especially for pedestrians and cyclists. As a driver, I would gladly give up a few extra moments to ensure the safety of my neighbors and create more transit options. As a pedestrian, I have had several scary incidents of being almost hit in crosswalks. A more walkable, bike-friendly, transit-accessible neighborhood benefits us all immeasurably.”

— Rebecca in Del Ray

“I live on the west end, not far from Braddock Road as it passes Fort Ward Park. Getting to Metro is a pain, and we couldn’t afford to live closer to a station. I would love to be able to safely ride my bike to the Braddock Road Station instead of having to drive, but the entire stretch feels like riding my bike along a highway. The proposed improvements to this section would be a huge step in the right direction, increasing safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.”

— Carolyn in Seminary Hill

“I want to see a road that feels safe for all - bicycles, pedestrians and cars. I drive along Braddock regularly and see the perils of appearing and disappearing bike lanes. The sharrows are no substitute for a protected bike lane along this major thoroughfare.”

— Dina in Rosemont

“Each week, I, along with up to 6 other people ride a tandem bicycle with individuals who are blind or have low vision. We start on Braddock road. Together, we travel through Alexandria, Arlington, and DC, often during peak traffic hours. As the sighted rider in front, I carry the responsibility for both of our lives every time we ride. That trust is profound—and it depends on infrastructure that helps keep us safe. I’m writing to plead that you keep the bike lane on Braddock Road”

— Suzanne biking in Alexandria

“As a mainly pedestrian commuter, I think this is a great opportunity to improve the neighborhood for everyone!”

— Sophia Jurgens

“I’m primarily a driver. I road cycle for exercise, enjoy the weather and explore the city. The high speed nature of Braddock road makes it too risky for me to explore that portion of the city on my bicycle which is a real shame. It is safer to take the Mount Vernon train to DC than it is to stay in Alexandria.”

— Jong (Cameron Station)

“I occasionally drive on Braddock road and it’s pretty stressful to navigate the interchanges near the metro stop given the traffic light timing and crosswalk design. I am excited about this plan to make the road safer and more integrated for the use of all (pedestrians and bikes included!).”

— Anja in Carlyle

“I walk and run down Braddock Road nearly every day and it is so dangerous. I have been nearly hit by cars while crossing at the 7/11 so many times, and the lack of safe pedestrian and bike access to Braddock limits the ability of people to safely move around the area. I would love to be able to bike to work but since Braddock is unsafe, I can't even try. We should prioritize the vulnerable in our street planning, not cars.”

— Laura in Rosemont

“I commute via bike from Del Ray to around the eisenhower metro stop, and often use the same route to visit old town. The crossing is unsafe. I am an experienced cyclist and wouldn’t recommend my friends and family, who are less confident, to take the same route. Making the corridor safer for people would open up all kinds of new activities with my family. It would also make my own commute safer.”

— Del Ray

“I walk to the metro and bike to the store. Everyone is safer and traffic flow better when every speed has its own space.”

— Katherine in Del Ray

“I’m a mom with limited time and our family can’t afford more than 1 car esp with these gas prices. I often ride my bike over to Potomac Yard to go to the store. Using an ebike allows me to run errands and get in a little exercise at the same time. Riding on Braddock is terrifying but other options are way out of the way & I don’t always have the extra time. Please make this road safer for us.”

“I enjoy biking around Alexandria, but I mostly avoid Braddock because it lacks bike lanes and feels unsafe. It would be wonderful if it had bike lanes to make it safer and more accessible for everyone, regardless of how they choose to get around.”

— Katie in Del Ray

“Coming from Europe, England, specifically I understand the true value of walkable communities obviously including riding bicycles. I personally ride my bike more than I drive a car and would love to see that become a norm for people in Alexandria. The reason we chose to live in old town was because of its walkability and how English it felt in that it’s a small town, where you literally can walk or ride your bike pretty much anywhere you need to go!”

— Old Town

“Need to create more bike lanes in Del Ray”

“I ride this route often, usually with my young daughters, and end up riding on the sidewalk because it feels safer than competing with high speed vehicles. This leads to tense, awkward interactions with pedestrians, who are rightly annoyed at misuse of the infrastructure. A bike lane keeps cyclists safe while preserving the sidewalk for pedestrians.”

— Rosemont

“I biked this route daily with my daughter for 4 years at the Satellite Campus of Alexandria City high school, and can’t begin to tell you how many times we were almost hit. It’s criminal that we don’t provide safe routes to school for our kids.”

“I walk all around Del Ray, but I avoid Braddock Road as much as possible. I don't even like walking under the bridges to take Metro because that sidewalk is so narrow and the traffic so unrelenting. I've watched helplessly as an SUV nearly killed a woman (who was in the crosswalk and had the right to cross) as was trying to cross Braddock Road. Braddock NEEDS these safety improvements. All of them! The safety of *all* Alexandria's citizens is more important that traffic flow or parking spaces.”

— Tom in Del Ray

“As a taxpayer in Alexandria, I believe our streets should give Alexandrians freedom to choose how they want to travel around our city.”

— Phoebe in Landmark

“I’ve lived in Rosemont my entire life, but haven’t biked since I was a kid mostly because of safety. Even though I don’t personally bike, as a driver and frequent pedestrian, I understand the importance of multi modal transportation and safety, especially on one of our major corridors. I can’t wait to see Braddock become safe for the many ways that people choose to travel through our city.”

— Mallory in Rosemont

“Took a scooter home from Metro today. In the 4 block stretch of Braddock between the Metro and my house: 4 vehicles crossed the double-yellow to pass me 2 came within 3 feet of me 1 (an asphalt truck) honked and yelled at me through an open window. Shared lanes don’t work.”

“I bike commute every day from Rosemont to Arlington via the Potomac Yard trail. I never ride on Braddock however, even though it would be faster and more direct, because cutting through the 7-11 parking lot (not great!) feels like a safer way to get to the trail. We owe it to our kids to ensure our public spaces (like streets!) serve the whole community, not just a vocal minority of car owners. Let's make Braddock safe for everyone, rather than subsidizing car storage for a few!”

— Matthew in Rosemont

“So many people my age ride bikes as a primary mode of transportation and anything that can be done to keep young people safe as they transition into independence and potentially even save lives is incredibly important.”

— Oliver in Rosemont

“My husband and I moved back here recently from San Diego and we're able to enjoy the new bike lanes there. It's a fantastic alternative to sitting in traffic and fighting to find a parking space. I would love to be able to just continue biking everywhere I need to go. It's the best way to get around. All it takes is one time getting on a bike or an e-bike and using that to get around to realize it's so much better than the drudgery of cars.”

— Joan in OTA

“No one should need to feel unsafe on our streets, regardless of how they travel. Alexandria is not a remote exurb where people are confined to their cars and roads are only for the benefit of drivers. Braddock is a major road that should cater to all in a safe design. The proposed changes are exactly the type of forward thinking that we expect from our city and contribute to the community that we are so proud to call home.”

— Del Ray resident

“As someone who recently moved to Del Ray and also as someone semi new to cycling as a way of commuting and getting around the neighborhood, I generally will choose not to bike somewhere if I do not feel there is a safe way to do so. If we build more bike lanes, people will bike more. We should be encouraging that! It makes our city more livable and environmentally friendly. There is still room for parking elsewhere and for cars on the road.”

“I do as much as I can to avoid this section of Braddock Rd, often opting to drive rather than risk my safety. Crossing Braddock at non-signal crosswalks is unsafe. When drivers do yield at crosswalks, other vehicles pass them in the 2nd lane, often accelerating around without regard to walkers or cyclists. Along the entire corridor, cyclists are forced onto the sidewalk for safety & parked cars obstruct visibility. We should all be embarrassed we've tolerated this dangerous situation for so long”

— Del Ray resident

“Among other factors, the Braddock Rd. project improves accessibility. My daughter is in a wheelchair and loves to get outside in the city, esp. our runs and urban hikes. Braddock Rd. is a main thoroughfare and our primary route to Old Town. Currently this stretch is INACCESSIBLE, esp. Commonwealth to Mt. Vernon. We need safe lanes to travel; the sidewalks don't work for us. The City is responding to specific accessibility issues case-by-case, as it should. Don't block safety for all.”

— Tim in Del Ray

“Braddock Road is a critical route to school for students of George Washington Middle School, which is the school my third grader will soon attend in a few short years. Currently, we get to school by bike, and I expect that we’ll continue to get to school this way when she becomes a middle schooler. Braddock road is unfit for this use because its design puts non-car users like me and her in danger. The updated redesign, on the other hand, looks great and will do its job of keeping everyone safe.”

— William in Carlyle

“I don't want to play chicken with cars.”

— CW in Rosemont

“Our family is full of avid bikers, including our children, Sophia (6) and Tori (4). We live in Rosemont and I bike to work every day, crossing Braddock Road with the middle schoolers walking to and from school. Sometimes the cars stop to let us cross, sometimes they don't. A better Braddock to me means that I can be on this road without worrying constantly about whether a car is going to kill me. I want this road to be useable by everyone, regardless of how they get around.”

— Jordan E in Rosemont

“I want this road to be safer and more comfortable for all. Ive been on it by bike and by car.”

— Ken in West Alexandria

“I bike, walk, and drive around Braddock Road daily, and for me, these changes are a great step forward in supporting a walkable, bikeable neighborhood, not only for me, but also for the many kids I see biking and walking into school every day.”

— Dylan in Del Ray

“I bike and walk with my children throughout Alexandria every day. The largest barrier preventing more people from biking is the lack of protected bike infrastructure. The city should not prioritize fossil fuel-based transportation at the expense of biking and walking.”

— Adam in ALX

“My kids cross Braddock Road on their way to school and have seen numerous near misses at busy intersections. My bike commute would be so much shorter and easier if it were safe to cycle on Braddock Road. I enthusiastically support efforts to make Braddock Road safer for everyone —pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.”

— Alice in Rosemont

“This is a great opportunity to make our neighborhood safer and more accessible for everyone!”

— J - Rosemont

“I ride on Braddock Road nearly every day to get to work, Metro, Old Town, Del Ray, and the PY trail. I've been tailgated, honked at, yelled at, bumped, or nearly flattened more times than I can count. Alexandria deserves a safe network of routes for people to get around without a car, and Braddock Road is a crucial link in that network.”

— James in Rosemont

“I would bike or walk all the time if I could, but I wish I didn't have to worry so much about my safety. I've been almost hit at the intersection of Braddock and West, and dealt with navigating around delivery trucks blocking the bike lane almost every time I ride on Braddock. We need more safety.”

— Kelsey in Del Ray

“For me, a safer Braddock Road that better accommodated ALL kinds of travelers (pedestrians, driver, and bikers) would mean peace of mind. I would feel more at ease both as a pedestrian walking around Braddock, AND as a driver who routinely has to go through that area and does not want to hurt or antagonize pedestrians and bikers. If some of us are safter, then we're ALL safer.”

— Dan in Del Ray

“My family doesn’t bike, and we do drive on Braddock Rd multiple times a week. Safer for bikers and pedestrians is better for drivers, too. Part of what we love about Alexandria is the freedom it allows young people to get around on their own; when our son is old enough to ride a bike, we want him to be able to get around safely, even on major roads.”

— Paul and Natalie in Del Ray

“My family uses this street all the time, mostly on foot, bike and car. It’s not comfortable crossing on foot. Cars speed because there’s room to speed. The staff design is a good one to make the street better for all users, and when we drive we don’t mind if we are slowed down by safety design improvements.”

— Melissa M, Madison St

“I get around Alexandria mostly by bus and bike, but usually drive to visit friends in Rosemont and Del Ray because there’s no safe, direct route there. Making arterials like Braddock safer is critical, especially for parents like me biking with our kids”

— Alex in the West End

“I live farther west up the hill off Braddock. I would LOVE to be able to easily bike to the Braddock Metro but riding east of Russell Braddock has been very unsafe for me. Ironically, most of the parking spaces under the microscope are empty when I pass through!”

— W. from near George Mason ES

“Braddock Road is like the wild west of Alexandria between Russel and West. So many cars swerving and speeding, and no safe place for bikes. I want to be able to bike with my kids down Braddock to the metro and through that roadway!”

— Marta Schantz, Rosemont

“One of my children commuted by bike from the West End to Satellite Campus at Braddock metro for 3 years. The most dangerous part of their commute was getting through Braddock Road. My other child is now a strong and smart enough bike rider to get themselves to soccer practice and activities in Del Ray but Braddock Road’s dangerous conditions mean they can’t be as independent as they’re otherwise able to be. Instead, we add to car traffic to drive them.”

“I ride my bike to get errands done around Del Ray and Rosemont - which is often faster than driving because you don’t have to look for parking, and it’s also just more enjoyable and makes me feel better connected with people I see when I’m out. The Braddock corridor is the hardest stretch of the neighborhood to navigate, I’d love to see it be safer for me and drivers alike.”

— Jesse, Del Ray

“I bike frequently on Braddock round with my family. Increased safety on that road means more options and less chance of tragedy.”

— Brad in Old Town North

“I regularly ride my bike the Potomac Yard Trail to get to friends and errands across Alexandria, but I dread the crossing at Braddock Road because I’ve had near misses with cars a couple times. A safer Braddock Road would keep my car off the road and would allow me peace of mind to let my son ride once he’s old enough. Some of my happiest memories are riding my bike around as a kid, but I was always hampered by unsafe roads and terrible infrastructure. I want to do better for my kid.”

— Brad in Del Ray

“The bike lane plan is a positive for all users of the corridor. It gets cyclists off the sidewalks, helping keep pedestrians safe. It keeps cars away from cyclists, keeping the cyclists safe. It introduces road narrowing that’ll naturally make motorists slow down, which makes it safer for them. I don’t ride a bike around town because it feels too unsafe thanks to having to share the road with cars. Bike lane infrastructure like this will help people like me choose bikes more frequently.”

— Eric on Braddock Road

“I want to take my bike 20 minutes to get to shops, doctors appointments, and friends, family members houses instead of over an hour on two buses to do the same. A dedicated bike lane would let me feel conformable trying. I also walk this stretch and the sidewalks are too narrow and close to the road to feel safe in parts. These changes will also make walking safer; adding visibility at intersections by removing parking spaces. I don't own a car, let me use the road I pay for.”

— Dianne of Del Ray

“I am a huge supporter of the proposed safety updates to Braddock Road. As a major thoroughfare in such a walkable neighborhood, it deserves the safety features that will make it more pleasant to walk and bike along so that those of us who can be multimodal will choose to be. But the safety issues are real—I used to have to cross at the metro crosswalk, and it’s dangerous as a pedestrian and hard to see at night as a driver. Slightly slowing cars down makes it safer for everyone (even drivers).”

— Liz in Parker Gray

“My daughter and I biked this stretch every day for the past 4 years to get to school. I can’t tell you how many times we were almost hit by drivers ignoring the laws. I don’t want other families to have to suffer like we did!”

“I often bike on Braddock to get to and from metro. It makes my commute shorter, but biking on Braddock feels unsafe. When I bike in the morning, I have to watch out to make sure cars can see me. Once I get closer to the station, I have to go across lanes of traffic which is risky. I would love to feel safer during my commute.”

— SM in Del Ray

“Every single day, I ride a capital bike share from Commonwealth and Monroe to Braddock Metro, twice a day. I am a confident cyclist; I raced bikes for over a decade, and feel comfortable riding on any road. Braddock has an elevated risk of bike riders being rear ended by cars not paying attention or racing between the lights; this is the most dangerous kind of collision for any cyclist. A bike lane with buffer provides a margin of safety. Vision zero can't wait.”

— JM in Del Ray

“I ride my bike regularly in the area but you'll never find me on Braddock road - I avoid "Sharrow" streets because studies show they make cyclists less safe - this often means I have to go far out of my way to stay on trails and in protected lanes instead. Completing these lanes would add an important connection to our safe bike network and help encourage more people like me to try biking more often”

— Elena in Del Ray