About once a month I ride the W&OD Trail (http://www.wodfriends.org/map1.html) from Fairfax out toward Purcellville. It's a great way to roll out from the more congested area to the quiet roads. The trail is used by everbody ("A Riders" to skaters, runners and people just out walking) and the fast folks manage to be cautious and courteous enough. If you'd like to help something like this develop near by then check this out:
https://secure2.convio.net/rtt/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=209 .