To Whom It May Concern:

I write eagerly in support of the National Park Service’s plan to improve the Mount Vernon Trail. With user safety and comfort in mind, I strongly encourage NPS to consider the following as it develops its improvement plan and design concepts:

• Space for all users. NPS’ current recommendation to widen the trail to 10-11’ feet is insufficient for the current volume of users, let alone future projected use as new connections like the Long Bridge open in the future. NPS should develop designs that incorporate a 14’ minimum trail width; where this is untenable due to significant tree loss, NPS should consider separated or braided trails with a total combined width of 14’. In addition to being easier to thread through sensitive environmental areas, separated trails can also be used to segment different trail users, thus reducing conflict. NPS currently has designs for separate bicycle and pedestrian trails at Gravelly Point and should implement such designs there and elsewhere.
• Bridges and underpasses. The trail beneath Memorial Bridge is a major pinch point and the trail must be widened, either by reclaiming space in the roadbed or by exploring a passage through the abutment. In addition to replacing any bicycle/pedestrian bridges at the end of their service life as part of the improvement project, NPS needs to ensure that all bridges are, at a minimum, redecked/treated to address dangerous slipperiness of the current wooden surfaces when wet. 
• Trail conditions. As with the bridges and boardwalks, NPS must improve trail conditions when wet. Poor drainage, pooling, and icing are common throughout the trail and all methods of reducing water impacts - including rerouting or raising the trail - should be considered. 
• Intersections and crossings. NPS should prioritize trail users at every intersection. Suggested improvements include raised crossings and installing speed bumps for approaching cars, rerouting the trail to improve sightlines and crossing angles, minimizing crossing distances through roadway narrowing, and adding stop signs for cars at the trail crossing. This is particularly needed where the trail crosses the airport ramps and the Dangerfield Island Marina Access Road. Additionally, where the trail runs close to the parkway, protective barriers and other safety measures should be considered.
• Signage, amenities, and connections. NPS must dramatically improve signage and wayfinding along the entire trail. This should include emergency contact information, mile markers, maps, and interpretation placards. Dark sky-friendly outdoor lighting should also be considered. As a major destination and transportation corridor, the trail should be easy to navigate and appreciate for all users. Improvements at major intersections like Four Mile Run would make the Mount Vernon Trail much more accessible.
• Trail management. The care and upkeep of the trail should not fall so heavily on the work of volunteers. The trail is as vital a resource as the Parkway and its maintenance should be prioritized in the same way, including in the budget process. This should include treating the trail in the winter to ensure the park is accessible year-round for people walking and biking.

Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to hearing more as this project progresses.