If you’ve recently spotted a Fairfax Connector bus carrying a bicycle-themed advertisement, take a closer look. Thanks to Bikes@Vienna, Northern Virginia’s headquarters for recumbent, trike, and folding bicycles, four Fairfax County buses are now displaying a simple but powerful message: “Bicycles Deliver the Freedom Auto Ads Promise.”
The phrase was developed by Tom Flood of Rovélo Creative and reflects a truth many people who ride bikes already know. For decades, automobile advertisements have sold the idea of freedom involving open roads, independence, adventure, and the ability to go where you want, when you want. Yet the reality of daily driving often includes traffic congestion, parking hassles, rising costs, and the stress of crowded roads.
Bicycles, on the other hand, frequently provide the freedom that car advertisements promise. A bike offers a direct connection to your community, the ability to travel under your own power, and the flexibility to avoid traffic and parking headaches. Whether it’s a trip to a neighborhood store, a ride to work, a family outing, or simply a chance to enjoy the outdoors, bicycling can create a sense of independence and joy that is difficult to match.
Always interested in advocacy and encouraging more people to experience the benefits of bicycling, FABB co-founder Bruce Wright arranged permission to use the phrase and designed the advertisement. Bikes@Vienna then used the ad to help spread the message throughout Fairfax County.
- If you are looking for a bike or trike, you can schedule test rides by appointment at 12:30, 2:30, and 4:30, Wednesday – Sunday. Just email [email protected].
At FABB, we hope the ad inspires people to think differently about transportation and perhaps consider taking a short ride themselves. Many residents are surprised to discover that some of their everyday trips can be completed comfortably and conveniently by bicycle. Beyond transportation, biking offers exercise, stress relief, environmental benefits, and opportunities to explore local destinations.
Most of all, we hope the message encourages more people to experience something that millions of cyclists already know: few things feel as freeing as riding a bicycle.
If you spot one of the buses around Fairfax County, let us know—and better yet, grab your bike and enjoy a ride of your own.
Want to help advocate for better bicycling? Contact us at [email protected].
