Leaving the Landau Law Shop on a dark winter evening, cyclist attorney Doug Landau would frequently see bikers of all shapes and sizes commuting, training and riding on the W&OD Trail in Herndon after dark. This environmentally friendly activity and healthy exercise was technically against the law, as the park trail closed at dark.  But users can now walk, jog or ride from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Furthermore, to help spread the word about safe cycling and commuting, the Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (“FABB”) will be giving out free lights this week on the trail. Walkers, runners and cyclists will no longer be  restricted by law to sunrise and sunset when using the Washington & Old Dominion Trail in Herndon, Fairfax and Loudoun Counties.

This is the first time the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority (NVRPA”) has extended the hours of the W&OD Trail. The NVRPA said the decision was driven largely by the needs of commuters,  who — especially during winter months — have no other choice but to use the trail after dark. “As we all look for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, and improve both our health and environment, cycling to work is one great option. We want to be part of the solution, and help make this kind of healthy choice an option,” NVPRA Executive Director Paul Gilbert said in a statement. “Making the W&OD available during commuting hours is a significant step in the movement to encourage more non-motorized transportation.”

The new hours also come with a set of additional rules, which will be listed in tomorrow’s post…