So I explored an alternate way through that dreaded Custis Trail switchback this morning where BD had the first of two accidents yesterday. Headed east towards DC, about 20 yards before the Lee Highway overpass, there is an unnamed exit from the trail on the right side. The exit had some leaves too (not as many as the switchback though) but no turns. Take the exit for a few seconds and you'll be on the south side of Lee Highway near the 66 on/off ramp. You have to ride briefly on the sidewalk and use a crosswalk to cross the 66 on/off ramp. Then you cross Lee Highway at a stoplight with a crosswalk. Once you cross Lee Highway, the Custis Trail picks right back up after the dreaded switchback.

All in all, I'm sure it is a little slower than walking down it. The crosswalks are well regulated and safe and even at rush hour there was not a lot of traffic so I did not feel like I was replacing the dreaded switchback danger with irate motorists. If the trail is wet and leafy, it would be better in my view to use this alternative. Now that I'm so freaked out about that switchback after knowing so many others wiped out there too, I take it really slow anyway so unless it is wet and leafy I'd probably just use the trail. I also would not use the alternate headed west since you are not likely to wipe out going uphill.