Crime & Safety
Readers React to Jogger-Cyclist Crash on W&OD Trail
Patch readers weigh in on serious crash that sent jogger, cyclist to the hospital.
After Patch ran a story last week on a serious collision that took place on the Washington & Old Dominion trail that sent a cyclist and a jogger to the hospital, hundreds of Patch readers clicked on the story and some weighed in.
Police are stepping up their presence on the popular trail after the serious crash between a cyclist and jogger Sunday before last, according to a news release from the City.
Police Chief Mary Gavin announced last week the additional deployment of bicycle and motorcycle officers along the popular (W&OD) trail, to educate and enforce park and traffic laws.
Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Police have seen an increase in shared usage of the trail, from casual walking to commuting via bicycle. The increase in use within the City has created more opportunities for hazards and accidents to occur.
Here's what some readers had to say.
Samantha said:
"It was only a matter of time. I live next to the trail and have to drive over it and walk on it almost everyday and it is frightening due to the number of bikers who think they own the path and travel at such high speeds. Horrible accident."
Carmel said:
"And most cyclists don't realize you cannot hear them approaching from behind and fail to give any warning before passing walkers. It is so inconsiderate."
John said:
"How about posting the rules to the stop signs. I live near this trail and have to cross it many times during the day. Many Bike riders (cyclists) runs the stop signs on a regular passion. It seems that they think that if they get in an accident with an auto, it is automatically the auto driver's fault. Which isn't the case at all. I remember one such accident in the 1980's where a cyclist ran a stop sign and barreled into the side of a car. It was the cyclist's fault."
The Friends of the W&OD Trail page lists safety tips when using the trail, including these:
Here's what some readers had to say.
Samantha said:
"It was only a matter of time. I live next to the trail and have to drive over it and walk on it almost everyday and it is frightening due to the number of bikers who think they own the path and travel at such high speeds. Horrible accident."
Carmel said:
"And most cyclists don't realize you cannot hear them approaching from behind and fail to give any warning before passing walkers. It is so inconsiderate."
John said:
"How about posting the rules to the stop signs. I live near this trail and have to cross it many times during the day. Many Bike riders (cyclists) runs the stop signs on a regular passion. It seems that they think that if they get in an accident with an auto, it is automatically the auto driver's fault. Which isn't the case at all. I remember one such accident in the 1980's where a cyclist ran a stop sign and barreled into the side of a car. It was the cyclist's fault."
The Friends of the W&OD Trail page lists safety tips when using the trail, including these:
- When the trail is heavily trafficked, users are advised to proceed in single file.
- Cyclists and horseback riders should dismount and proceed cautiously across intersections. Be alert to obstacles that may impede vision.
- When on the trail, please travel in the right lane only, and pass on the left.
- Give an audible warning when passing.
- Unless otherwise posted, pedestrians have the right of way.
- Travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to trail conditions and usage.
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