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I bike to and around 7 corners semi-frequently (and certainly more frequently than driving). Tge road situation is beyond solving without massive cash which is not happening anytime soon, so its best to look at other options.

First off, its not that bad biking or even walking because everything is so concentrated and close by (particularly the short distance among target, safewat, and home depot). There are alsi two good places to cross 50, at the intersection with Pat Henry and the ped bridge. There are also service lanes that are safe and not terribly unpleasant to walk/bike along.

That said, more needs to be done to make walking/biking safe for residents even if it makes it worse for drivers going through 7 corners on their way to somewhere else. I don't know specifically what that is but traffic calming devices and service lanes would seem to be a good idea. Also, a way to get from 50 to 7 easily by bike/ped is needed. It would also be nice if some of the parking lots were turned into tax revenue generating businesses or residences. That way folks wouldn't have to traverse vast lots to get where they were going. It would also be a way to raise money for the improvements and of course fewer parking spots means fewer cars coming in and causing congestion or making walking difficult.

7 Corner's diverse population and intetesting small businesses give it a lot of potential for further development. The question is how we do this in a way that's cost effective and some quick and dirty ped/bike improvements, paid for by permitting greater density, and encouraged through less red tape and regulation (particularly fewer burdensome parking min regs) seems like the most practical way to move forward and create jobs.

by Falls Church on May 24, 2012 6:51 pm • link • report