Public Engagement Reveals Key Themes
The City of Fairfax conducted outreach in 2025 to gather community input for Move Fairfax City, a plan to improve transportation safety and walkability throughout the city. The three components of the plan - Safety Action Plan, Pedestrian Master Plan, and an Old Town Circulation Study - will work together toward a safe, walkable, and thriving city.
The first round of public engagement included an open house (55+ attended), a survey (186 responses), and an interactive map (398 comments). Community members shared their experiences or perceptions of existing transportation safety, multimodal infrastructure, and travel in Old Town Fairfax.
Citywide - Key Findings
- Residents want easier street crossings, slower vehicle speeds, and improved sidewalks.
- Additional requests include better lighting, shade, and more sidewalks.
- Concerns center on speeding and inattentive drivers, poor sidewalk conditions, and the need for dedicated bike facilities and separation from traffic.
- Transit access and personal safety were also noted.
Old Town Fairfax - Key Findings
- Walking safety and comfort ranked as the number one priority for most survey respondents, followed by driving.
- Parking was a low priority for survey respondents.
- Key concerns include fast-moving traffic on North and Main Streets, requests for wider sidewalks, improved traffic flow to reduce gridlock, and stronger regulations for scooters and bicycles.
- Respondents reported challenges walking due to unsafe driver behavior.
The project team is now developing recommendations. A second round of public engagement will occur this spring. For more information, visit Engage Fairfax.
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