Dear Supervisor Koran Saines, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, and Loudoun County Planning Commissioners:

We the undersigned have serious concerns regarding the proposed plans to install flashing beacon lights at the Sterling Boulevard/Washington & Old Dominion Trail intersection in Sterling, Virginia. While we agree that this intersection currently poses a safety hazard, we do not feel the proposed beacon lights are an appropriate solution and in fact believe it will intensify the existing hazard.

As traffic on Sterling Boulevard has grown, the number of traffic incidents at this intersection has increased, ranging from fender benders to more serious accidents to struck cyclists. We believe one of the primary reasons for these incidents is a lack of understanding among drivers and cyclists on how to proceed at that intersection.

Cyclists have a STOP sign and are required to stop, give cars the right of way, and proceed once the street is clear. However, many of them do not seem to understand that and proceed through the intersection even when cars are approaching. Likewise, many drivers do not understand that, and they will stop when they see cyclists approaching the road on the path. Because this is a four-lane road and not all drivers will react the same way, either of these scenarios is extremely dangerous.

The flashing beacon lights will make drivers more aware of the intersection; however, as noted above, the problem is not lack of awareness but lack of understanding regarding how to proceed at the intersection. We believe that the lights, if anything, will exacerbate this problem and further confuse drivers and cyclists on how to proceed.

We understand that this proposed solution costs approximately $275,000. This is not only a wasteful expenditure of taxpayer funds but a dangerous one and we urge you to seek a more appropriate solution.

Thank you.