FABB Table at Burke Center BTWD Pitstop.
FABB is greatly encouraged by our experiences on and the reports of others from last week’s Bike to Work Day 2023. Participation was excellent and engagement among bicyclists, elected officials, transportation department officials, businesses, and others all around the Metro region was fantastic.
FABB representatives at the pitstops had lots of good discussions about the many needs of the bicycling community for safe, protected, accessible, and connected bike infrastructure. Another common topic was the need for greater enforcement of new safety laws as well as parking regulations because vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes diminish their utility and endanger riders.
Yes, Bike to Work Day was great, but the truth is we have to work to bike.
- We have to work with local elected officials to get bicycle infrastructure and programs like Safe Routes to School planned and funded.
- We have to work with local and state transportation departments to ensure bicycle infrastructure and accompanying funding are included in plans and meet the rising standards of protected lanes and connected networks.
- We have to work with the Fairfax County Police Department to prioritize rider and pedestrian safety and to collect the evidence necessary to enable commonwealth attorneys to apply fully the laws protecting bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users.
Fairfax County needs more bicycle advocates Speaking Up at public meetings.
In short, it will take a lot of effort to make Fairfax County a truly bicycle friendly place where everyone who wants to ride can.
So, FABB needs you!
We need more riders to volunteer to take on some of the hard work required to make bicycling better. Many hands make for lighter and more manageable work, and, right now, FABB could use as many hands as are willing to help.
Won’t you become a part of making bicycling better in Fairfax County?
Join FABB here and learn more about our work and volunteer opportunities by writing us at [email protected].
