Dangerous trail join to Custis Trail desperately needs a stop sign

[NickBull]

Twice now I’ve almost been creamed by cyclists making a left turn onto the Custis Trail from a connector trail. Specifically, this connector trail joins just east of N George Mason Dr. The connector runs along N. Fairfax Dr and passes by a pond. There is no signage at the connection to the Custis Trail. For eastbound cyclists on the Custis Trail, they cannot see riders on the connector trail because of a sound barrier. For that reason, it’s also a blind corner for cyclists coming off the connector, but that doesn’t stop idiots from just making a left turn without slowing. I’m not sure how much a stop sign would help but at least it would establish who has the right of way and possibly at least cause merging riders to slow a bit and yield.

For a map of this location, see: http://tinyurl.com/87mkjzx

Topic

[rcannon100]

At blind points on the trail, I have a habit of gratuitously ringing my bell – particularly the tunnels under Carlin Springs and N Fairfax. That entire section of the Custis is filled with blind and dangerous spots.

[bikesnick]

@rcannon100 23923 wrote:

At blind points on the trail, I have a habit of gratuitously ringing my bell – particularly the tunnels under Carlin Springs and N Fairfax.

thanks. i am glad not to be the only one.

[mstone]

It still wouldn’t help much, because coming from the bridge you just can’t see left. If anything, you’d probably be worse off if you came to a complete stop and then tried to start blind into the traffic. Maybe one of those big mirrors?

[Mikey]

How about laying down a little more asphalt, kind of like a merge lane, and then put some stripes there and a sign saying keep right if joinint the trail?

[5555624]

I thought there was a (vague) sign on the Custis Trail heading eastbound. (I’ll have to look tomorrow morning.) I don’t think people will stop, though — if they don’t stop for red lights on Fairfax Drive, why stop for a Stop sign on the trail? I’ve wondered about one of those mirrors, but can’t see a good spot to put it.

[mstone]

The killer is turning left from the bridge, more than turning right & merging

[Author]

Replies