Luckily, I'm far enough out (Reston) that I can hop on the W&OD to Leesburg and then bail onto slightly more rural roads. Reston itself is ok, despite the silliness with inconsistent bike lanes and sidewalks. Just have to avoid the major roads.

Just watch out for armed robbers: https://www.insidenova.com/news/crime_police/bicycle-rider-r...

I'm not convinced there's not more to that story. There was a massive organized bike ride that day, so hundreds of people passing along that stretch of trail when the mugging occurred.

Crime happens on the trail, no question. But it also happens in parking lots and at the local 7-11 and many other places.

>Crime happens on the trail, no question.

Really? This was the first I had heard of it since moving to the area last year, and it has me a little worried. I thought NoVA was supposed to be one of the wealthiest places in the US.

Of course, I think it's pertinent to note that people in other countries don't have to worry much about armed robbery while cycling, since people in those countries don't have so many guns like Americans do.

Fairfax County (and DC metro in general) is wealthy. But, it's also very mixed, just like most large suburban or urban areas. Look at the federally subsidized lunch numbers - despite an average household income well into 6-figures, it's not uncommon for a school to have 20-30% of the students receiving free lunches.

Very little of the crime on the W&OD is "bike specific" - it's just "normal" stuff that happens all over. I'm more concerned about getting run over by a road-raging douchebag in an SUV on my way to the trail than mugged while I'm on the trail. Honestly, I'd be more concerned walking back to my car at the mall than riding down the W&OD.

I've lived in the area most of my life. I can't think of any areas I'd actively avoid during the day. Well, except Tysons Corner, but that's not because of the crime, I just hate the place.