There’s good news for bicycling in Fairfax County. The latest PeopleForBikes 2026 City Ratings show that nearly every Fairfax County community improved its score, with several making significant gains and two localities now surpassing the important benchmark score of 50—a level that PeopleForBikes considers the tipping point for becoming a truly great place to bike.
Now in its ninth year, the City Ratings program evaluates the quality and connectivity of bicycle networks in more than 3,000 U.S. communities. Using the organization’s Bicycle Network Analysis (BNA), cities are scored on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how easily people can reach everyday destinations using connected, low-stress bicycle routes. The analysis measures six key elements summarized by the acronym SPRINT:
- Safe Speeds
- Protected Bike Lanes
- Reallocated Street Space
- Intersection Treatments
- Network Connections
- Trusted Data
Although the 2026 ratings introduced stricter standards for what qualifies as low-stress bicycling infrastructure, scores increased nationwide. The average U.S. score rose from 25 to 36, and the number of communities scoring 50 or higher more than doubled—from 234 in 2025 to 555 in 2026.
Strong Progress Across Fairfax County
The improvements are encouraging for our region. The standout performers were Falls Church, which jumped from 40 to 54, and Fairfax City, which improved from 46 to 53, placing both communities above the important 50-point threshold. Vienna narrowly missed that mark with an impressive increase from 34 to 49, while Chantilly, Springfield, Herndon, and McLean also posted substantial gains.
What Do These Scores Mean?
A City Ratings score doesn’t measure how many people ride bikes. Instead, it evaluates whether residents of all ages and abilities can safely and comfortably reach destinations such as schools, parks, grocery stores, jobs, shopping, and transit using connected bicycle infrastructure.
Communities scoring above 50 generally have:
- Well-connected bicycle networks rather than isolated facilities.
- Lower-speed streets that are comfortable for bicycling.
- Protected bike lanes and shared-use trails.
- Safe crossings at busy intersections.
- Better access to everyday destinations without needing to drive.
Progress Worth Celebrating—But More Work Ahead
The improved scores reflect years of investment by Fairfax County, local municipalities, regional partners, and countless advocates who have pushed for safer and more connected bicycling infrastructure. Projects such as new shared-use trails, protected bike lanes, safer crossings, and better network connections are beginning to show measurable results.
At the same time, these ratings remind us that much work remains. Even our highest-scoring communities are well below the world’s leading bicycle-friendly cities. Large portions of Fairfax County still lack connected, low-stress routes that allow people of all ages and abilities to ride comfortably for everyday trips.
As PeopleForBikes notes, cities make the greatest progress by thinking in terms of complete networks rather than isolated projects. Filling gaps between existing trails, improving dangerous intersections, reducing vehicle speeds on neighborhood streets, and expanding protected bicycle facilities remain essential priorities.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
FABB is encouraged by the steady improvement in Fairfax County’s scores, but we’re even more excited by what they represent: real progress toward creating communities where bicycling is a safe, practical, and enjoyable transportation option for everyone. With continued investment, thoughtful planning, and strong public support, many more Fairfax County communities can cross the 50-point threshold in the coming years.
Together, we can continue building a Fairfax County where everyone can safely ride to school, work, shopping, parks, and transit—regardless of age or ability.
Want to help FABB in advocating for the safe, accessible, and inviting bicycle infrastructure we need? Contact us at [email protected].
