FABB 20th Anniversary Spotlight Series – Part 2
Keynote speaker Adam Tuss.
As part of our 20th Anniversary Celebration on October 25, 2025, the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling honored several key elected officials and longtime volunteers whose leadership and dedication have significantly advanced bicycling in Fairfax County and beyond. These champions exemplify the power of public service, community involvement, and personal commitment to safer streets and more accessible transportation options.
But, first, we want to extend our sincere thanks to Adam Tuss, NBC4 Washington’s transportation reporter, for serving as keynote speaker at our 20th Anniversary celebration. Adam’s insightful remarks reflected his deep understanding of the region’s transportation challenges and opportunities—particularly the importance of safe, sustainable mobility options like bicycling. With his Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Awards and years of experience covering transportation for NBC4, WTOP, and other outlets, Adam has helped bring critical attention to issues that affect everyone who walks, rides, and drives in the Washington region. We are grateful for his time, his expertise, and his continued commitment to telling the stories that move our community forward.
Elected Officials Who Pedal Progress
FABB has always believed that meaningful change requires strong partnerships with decision-makers. We’re proud to recognize three Fairfax County officials who not only support better bicycling policies—they ride too.
Chairman Jeff McKay has consistently supported FABB and countywide cycling initiatives. He was instrumental in championing the county’s Bicycle Master Plan through adoption, giving Fairfax the long-term vision and framework needed to incorporate cycling into development and transportation planning.
Supervisor Dan Storck has worked with FABB since his days on the Fairfax County School Board, when he helped us advocate for Safe Routes to School programs and policy changes to give parents more flexibility in how children travel to school. Today, Supervisor Storck partners with us on the annual Tour de Mount Vernon, now in its tenth year. The first ride helped identify the critical need for a trail connection between the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway and Route 1.
Supervisor Walter Alcorn, not to be outdone, launched the Tour de Hunter Mill five years ago—expanding the model of community-based bike rides that showcase infrastructure needs and opportunities. As a member of the Planning Commission during the development of the Tysons Master Plan, he helped lay the groundwork for today’s Bicycle Master Plan.
The Volunteers Who Keep FABB Rolling
FABB is an all-volunteer organization. Every campaign, event, map review, meeting, and blog post is powered by people who care deeply about making Fairfax County more bike-friendly. We were proud to recognize four individuals who have gone above and beyond in service to FABB and the broader biking community.
Sonya Breehey emerged as a passionate advocate in our early public meetings and quickly took on leadership roles. As President, she steered FABB through the complex I-66 Trail process, attending countless meetings with VDOT, hosting community discussions, and leading a trail study tour along the Custis Trail inside the Beltway. Her steady leadership helped secure a safer, more connected trail corridor for Northern Virginia.
Fionnuala Quinn brought deep expertise and boundless energy to FABB. A civil engineer from Europe, she lent both technical and international perspectives to our work. Among her many accomplishments, she authored FABB’s award-winning Virginia Bicycling Advocacy Guide—a vital tool still used by advocates across the state. Fionnuala also championed child-focused infrastructure like Traffic Gardens, reviving the concept of “safety towns” to teach kids about safe streets.
Alan Young offered calm, thoughtful leadership during a pivotal moment in FABB’s history. As we transitioned from a WABA-sponsored project to an independent nonprofit, Alan helped navigate the legal and organizational hurdles. He also spearheaded the production of a powerful video illustrating the dangers in VDOT’s original I-66 trail design—helping to secure major improvements.
Douglas Stewart, one of FABB’s original founders, brought intellectual rigor and sustained commitment to our work. A key leader in our 2006 campaign to hire a county bicycle coordinator, Douglas later expanded FABB’s donor base three-fold, enabling us to grow our influence and reach.
Be the Next Bike Champion
These individuals have proven that lasting change is possible when elected officials, local leaders, and dedicated volunteers come together around a shared vision. Fairfax County is safer and more bikeable today because of their efforts—but there’s still so much to do.
At FABB, we believe everyone can be a bike champion. Whether you attend a public meeting, organize a community ride, lead a bike train to school, or support better policies and funding for active transportation—your voice matters. Let these honorees inspire you to get involved.
Join us. Be heard. Ride forward.
