FABB’s 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 comes to a close, FABB proudly reflects on a year filled with advocacy, community engagement, and progress for cyclists in Fairfax County. Here’s a look back at some of the major accomplishments and milestones from this year.

Infrastructure Advocacy and Improvements

Throughout 2024, FABB worked closely with the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and others to advocate for safer bike lanes and pathways, focusing on high-traffic corridors such as Gallows Road, Wiehle Avenue, Annandale Road, Huntington Avenue, and Route 50/Waples Mill Road.

• Other efforts included pushing for separated bike lanes, improving intersections, and enhancing signage to ensure greater safety and accessibility for cyclists in multiple districts at the annual repaving and restriping meeting.
• 2024 witnessed another key infrastructure milestone long championed by FABB with the opening of the seven-miles-long Route 7 side paths between Reston and Tysons.

Advocacy for Fairfax County’s Active Transportation Plan

FABB played a key role in mobilizing public input for Fairfax County’s new Active Transportation and Trail Network Plan. By encouraging residents to participate in surveys, public hearings, and planning workshops, FABB ensured that the plan reflects the needs and priorities of the local cycling community.

• In addition to promoting rider participation in the multiple in-person and virtual ActiveFairfax open houses throughout the county, we held our own meeting with FCDOT staff to prepare members and others to speak up at these open houses to ensure our voices were heard.
• We also advocated for the expansion of Capital Bikeshare in Mount Vernon, Mason, and Braddock Districts.
• By advocating for bike-friendly amenities at new transit hubs and developments, FABB ensured that cycling remains a key component of Fairfax County’s transportation ecosystem.

Support for Transit-Oriented Development

Throughout the year, FABB emphasized the importance of integrating cycling infrastructure with public transit projects with our inputs to new county bike parking guidelines and in our advocacy for changes to the Visualize 2050 regional plan.

Public Meetings and Rides

FABB hosted several other virtual public meetings this year to gather input from the community, teach advocacy skills, and share updates on cycling infrastructure projects. These events provided an essential platform for cyclists to voice their concerns, propose ideas, and engage directly with policymakers and planners.

• Additionally, group rides organized by FABB for the I-66 trail and North Reston encouraged community bonding and showcased bike routes.

Participation in Local Festivals and Events

FABB’s presence at local events, including Tour de Hunter Mill, Tour de Mount Vernon, the Tysons Pedal with Petals ride, and others, brought cycling advocacy to the forefront of the community. Informational booths at Bike to Work Week and Bike to Market events raised awareness about the benefits of cycling and the need for a bike-friendly community

Trail Network Expansion Efforts

FABB’s efforts to expand and improve the trail network in 2024 focused on better maintenance and connectivity. Prioritizing projects that link neighborhoods to schools, parks, and employment centers, FABB championed a seamless integration of trails with on-street bike facilities.

• We continued to follow developments on the George Snyder Trail, Route 50 Shared Use Path, and other northern Virginia trail plans.

Cycling Classes Safety Campaigns

FABB continued its series of learn to ride and bike skills classes, which aimed at improving safety for new cyclists and encouraging more people to ride. Through our social media we have kept the public informed on construction detours on major trails, preparing children to bike safely to school, and even on the responsible recycling of e-bike batteries.

• FABB also backed the efforts during the last Virginia General Assembly to pass critical bicycling safety bills, that, sadly, were once again unsuccessful.
• After 89-year-old bicyclist was struck by a driver in Oakton in early October, FABB called for witnesses to help police determine the cause of this tragedy and for the passage of much needed safety laws.

Overall, through consistent advocacy and community presence, we believe our efforts in 2024 brought critical cycling safety and infrastructure issues to the forefront in Fairfax County. Our collaboration with local government agencies, community organizations, and private sector partners remain strong and amplify our efforts to make bicycling better.

Looking Ahead

As FABB celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, we are setting ambitious goals to continue our mission:

• Expanding protected bike lanes.
• Advocating for the countywide implementation of road safety principles.
• Advocating for state laws to increase the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians.
• Enhancing connections between urban and suburban cycling routes.
• Fostering a strong, inclusive cycling community.

With your help and support, FABB can achieve even more in the coming year. Together, let’s make Fairfax County a safer, more accessible, and enjoyable place to bike for everyone. Here’s to another year of progress and partnership!