Do you want our streets to be safer for walking and biking in Fairfax? Frustrated by the unsafe conditions you and your family face trying to get around your community, especially when not driving? If so, then please speak up and support the County creating this much needed Safe Streets for All program.  

Twelve people have been killed walking, biking, and riding a skateboard so far this year in Fairfax County. Even more, there are hundreds of other non-fatal but still serious crashes and near misses on roads too dangerous to cross or walk or bike along. 

The County is seeking to address this by creating a Safe Streets for All program and wants to hear from you to make sure they’re getting it right. They are currently seeking feedback on their draft program recommendations as well as specific safety concerns you, your family and neighbors face.    

The recommendations lay out key principles and an impressive set of actions that will help make needed improvements happen faster and our streets safer.

Let’s make sure the County knows there is support for: 

• Prioritizing safety and stating that safety should not be a tradeoff for faster mobility
• Addressing equity and prioritizing communities disproportionately impacted by crashes and fatalities
• Identifying funding and prioritizing needed safety improvements and ongoing maintenance
• Ensuring safe routes to schools, Metro and bus stops, parks, and community services
• Designing for slower speeds and ‘complete streets’ for all types of users and ages
• Providing more robust traffic safety education
• Developing an annual report card and other tools to monitor progress 

A strong Safe Streets program is needed to make our streets safer so walking and biking can be a safe and viable option to get around our communities.  

In addition to sending an email, there are two virtual community meetings coming up –  Nov. 8 and Nov. 18, both at 6:30pm – where you can learn more about the recommendations and express your concerns directly to staff. Check out the Safe Streets for All Program website for information on the plan and how to join the meeting. Public comments will be accepted through December 10.

There is also an interactive map where you can add specific locations of concern.