Letter to the Editor: City Cleans Up Holmes Run

To the Editor,

Thank you for the excellent coverage of the Holmes Run Trail's use as a valued pedestrian byway on March 8th. As witnessed last week, the trail is used as a dedicated commuter transportation route, not only for recreational use. This Saturday the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) chose the Holmes Run Trail as the location for the monthly bike ride. Billed as a family friendly ride, two blind cyclists have requested "lead captains" for their respective tandem bikes.

Last week I cycled the trail looking for trail hazards in view of potential child and blind cyclists.  As usual, after a heavy rain, excess gravel and sand had washed onto the trail in the Van Dorn and I-395 tunnels. I sent a request via the city's "Call, Click, Connect" website on Tuesday afternoon. The city staff responded and cleaned the trail tunnels by 1:30 pm Thursday. If this isn't an incredible response by the city's Transportation and Environmental Services department, what is?  The task was addressed and completed in less than 24 hours. Kudos to city staff!

Cycling and walking are becoming more acceptable and supported avenues of transportation in our "Eco City." Both the Holmes Run Park Committee and BPAC salute the West End Patch for covering these infrastructure issues. We are also encouraged by the city's prompt action to maintain the trails.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Wright
Chairwoman, Holmes Run Park Committee