FABB 20th Anniversary Spotlight Series – Part 3
Charlie Strunk being recognized by Bruce Wright at the celebration.
As part of our 20th Anniversary celebration on October 25, FABB proudly recognized a group of outstanding Government and Business Bike Champions whose contributions have been instrumental in advancing safer, more connected bicycling across Fairfax County.
For two decades, FABB has worked closely with transportation professionals, educators, business leaders, and public servants. These champions exemplify the dedication, creativity, and persistence that have helped make real progress possible—and we are honored to acknowledge their efforts.
Government Transportation Official Bike Champions
FABB’s progress would not have been possible without the strong, sustained support of local and state transportation officials who share our vision of a bike-friendly Fairfax. Among those honored:
Charlie Strunk, the first Fairfax County Bicycle Coordinator, laid the groundwork for many of today’s infrastructure and policy successes. He produced the County’s first bike map, led the Bicycle Master Plan process, and brought bike racks to Fairfax Connector buses.
Nicole Wylands, became the FCDOT Bicycle Program Manager in 2018, is now guiding the development of the ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan, and has overseen Safe Streets for All, a refreshed county bike map, and many other initiatives that reflect openness to community input.
Bill Cuttler, Head of VDOT’s NOVA District, has long demonstrated support for safe biking, participating in Bike to Work Day and key regional discussions like FABB’s Taming Our Arterials workshop.
Heidi Mitter, VDOT planner and consistent FABB collaborator, has worked with us on key projects including the I-66 Trail’s access points and counters, and regularly engages with us on concerns such as trail maintenance.
Sally Smallwood, Fairfax County Public Schools’ first Safe Routes to School Coordinator, built a groundbreaking program that now includes a countywide fleet of bikes and PE-based bike education. Her leadership has helped cultivate a generation of young confident riders.
Business Bike Champions
Fairfax’s bike culture would not be what it is today without the generous support and advocacy of local businesses who’ve stood behind our mission from the beginning:
The Bike Lane, co-founded by Anne Mader, was integral to FABB’s founding and has consistently supported our advocacy and outreach, especially around Bike to Work Day.
Bikes@Vienna, the birthplace of our organization and home to many of our early meetings, has maintained its support for nearly every Bike to Work Day since its inception in Vienna. They continue to engage in local bike planning and community initiatives.
REI, since first reaching out to us in 2010, has been a valued partner—donating gear, providing shelter for our volunteers with tents at events, and supporting numerous bike-related community initiatives.
Inspired by Their Leadership—Be a Bike Champion!
These individuals and businesses have gone above and beyond to promote safer, more inclusive transportation options in Fairfax County. They show what’s possible when community, public servants, and businesses come together in support of sustainable mobility.
As we look to the future, we invite others to step forward as champions for bicycling. Whether you’re an advocate, local leader, volunteer, or simply someone who wants safer streets and better transportation choices—there’s a place for you in this movement. Let’s work together to shape the next 20 years of biking in Fairfax!
Stay tuned for more highlights from our 20th Anniversary celebration, and consider joining us in making Fairfax a national leader in active transportation.
