South Arlington residents, particularly along the Columbia Pike corridor, continue to face serious and ongoing challenges that impact safety, mobility, and equitable access to opportunity. As one of the most diverse and densely populated areas of Arlington County, South Arlington deserves a level of investment and responsiveness that reflects its vital role in the county’s future.
Public transportation remains unreliable and inefficient, with no fixed-rail option and overcrowded, delayed bus service. Residents who rely on transit—many of whom are low-income or frontline workers—face long commutes and limited connectivity. Promised improvements must be accelerated and sustained.
Traffic congestion and dangerous road conditions undermine safety for all users. Columbia Pike lacks consistent infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter riders. Crosswalks are widely spaced and poorly lit. Protected bike lanes are virtually nonexistent. Sidewalks are narrow, damaged, or missing entirely in key sections. After snowstorms, walkability is severely compromised for days.
Micromobility options like scooters are poorly managed, often cluttering sidewalks or endangering pedestrians due to lack of clear rules or infrastructure. Enforcement and public education are minimal.
We call on Arlington County leadership to:
- Deliver on long-standing promises of transit-oriented improvements along Columbia Pike.
- Prioritize equity-driven investment in pedestrian, bike, and bus infrastructure.
- Establish clear, safe systems for scooters and other micromobility options.
- Ensure faster and more equitable snow and ice removal on major walking and transit corridors.
- Meaningfully include South Arlington voices in planning processes, not just during comment periods but throughout policy development.
1. Public Transportation
Issues:
- Lack of Fixed-Rail Transit: After the cancellation of the streetcar project in 2014, residents have expressed frustration about the lack of a high-capacity, fixed-rail transit option, especially given population growth.
- Bus Congestion and Reliability: Columbia Pike is served by several Metrobus and ART routes, but buses are often delayed due to traffic congestion and a lack of dedicated lanes.
- Insufficient Bus Infrastructure: Some stops lack shelters, real-time information, or ADA-compliant features, which affects usability, especially for seniors and people with disabilities.
- Connectivity Gaps: There are limited direct transit connections to other key areas of Arlington or to Metrorail stations without transfers.
2. Traffic and Road Congestion
Issues:
- High Vehicle Volume: Columbia Pike carries a significant amount of east-west car traffic, often leading to backups at intersections, especially during peak hours.
- Limited Turn Lanes and Signal Timing Issues: Poor signal coordination and insufficient turn lanes slow traffic and create safety hazards.
- Cut-Through Traffic: Side streets see increased use as drivers avoid congestion on the Pike, raising concerns in residential neighborhoods.
3. Pedestrian Infrastructure
Issues:
- Inconsistent Sidewalk Coverage and Width: Some areas have narrow or missing sidewalks, especially near construction zones or older developments.
- Crossing Safety: Long distances between crosswalks, inadequate lighting, and a lack of pedestrian signals at some intersections endanger walkers.
- Snow and Ice Clearance: After storms, sidewalks on the Pike often go uncleared for days, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
- Construction Disruptions: Ongoing redevelopment can block sidewalks or force unsafe pedestrian detours.
4. Biking
Issues:
- Lack of Protected Bike Lanes: Most of Columbia Pike lacks protected or even painted bike lanes, making it unsafe for cyclists to use the corridor directly.
- Poor Connectivity to Trails: While there are nearby bike trails (e.g., W&OD Trail), connections to and from Columbia Pike are not well-marked or safe.
- Driver Behavior: Fast-moving traffic and limited cyclist visibility create hostile conditions for biking.
5. Electric Scooters and Micromobility
Issues:
- Sidewalk Clutter and Accessibility: Dockless scooters are often parked haphazardly, blocking sidewalks and ramps, especially near bus stops.
- Safety and Regulation: Riders often use sidewalks due to fear of sharing lanes with fast-moving vehicles, endangering pedestrians.
- Lack of Clear Lanes or Rules: There is confusion among users and drivers about where scooters are allowed, and enforcement is minimal.
Summary of Needs and Opportunities
- Dedicated Transit Lanes and improved bus infrastructure
- Protected bike lanes and safe trail connections
- Wider, well-maintained sidewalks with safe crossings
- Traffic calming and pedestrian-first signal timing
- Designated scooter parking zones and clearer regulations
- Year-round maintenance, including snow clearance for pedestrians and cyclists
