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Opposition to the proposed Cinder Bed Bikeway remains active as Fairfax County considers a trail linking the Franconia-Springfield Metro station with routes toward Fort Belvoir.
Several opponents attended last week’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Franconia District Headquarters, highlighting a dispute that has continued for years.
County officials envision a connection running from the Metro station to other trails near Newington Road and eventually to Fort Belvoir, a major employment center located several miles away. Critics are concerned about routing the bikeway through a heavily wooded stream valley along Long Branch, an area containing native plants and old-growth trees.
Philip Lakusa of Friends of Accotink Creek said the project could require tree removal and the installation of pathway lighting. He argues that nearby neighborhoods offer alternative routes using existing paved and lighted infrastructure, potentially reducing both environmental effects and costs.
Plans presented at a May 10, 2021, public information meeting described a federally funded pedestrian and bicycle connection being developed through the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. The proposed trail would travel south from the Metro station, descend through forest near Beulah Street and connect with Cinder Bed Road. The design included lighting and bridges across Long Branch Stream.
That presentation listed a May 2024 completion date and a price of $14,750, but the deadline passed without the project being completed. The current cost estimate remains unclear.
Friends of Accotink Creek has also produced a video outlining alternative routes. The organization maintains that Cinder Bed Road could become a “Complete Street” without disturbing the stream’s riparian buffer.
County information defines Complete Streets as roads designed and operated to improve safety, comfort and access for people traveling to different destinations. Such projects are intended to move people and goods while limiting environmental damage and neighborhood disruption.
Lakusa said the bikeway’s completion is now expected around 2028, leaving opponents additional time to press for a route that avoids the wooded stream valley.