This fall, we’re asking riders across Fairfax and the entire DC region to come together for one of the most important rides of the year. On Saturday, November 16, join hundreds of advocates, families, and neighbors for the fourth annual Ride for Your Life, a powerful call to action for safer streets and better transportation choices.
Held this year on the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, this event is more than just a bike ride—it’s a movement to remember those we’ve lost, stand up for the living, and press for urgent change on our roads.
A Ride with Purpose
The Ride for Your Life began after the tragic death of Sarah Debbink Langenkamp, a U.S. diplomat and mother struck and killed while riding her bike. Her story sparked a national reckoning on traffic safety—and this ride has grown into the largest DC-area event focused on protecting people who walk, bike, and roll in our communities.
This year, we ride 10 easy miles from downtown Bethesda to the Lincoln Memorial, ending with a rally featuring members of Congress, transportation advocates, and civic leaders who are committed to making our streets safer for all.
Help Change the Law
Your presence matters. This year’s ride coincides with the upcoming reauthorization of the Surface Transportation Act, a once-in-five-years opportunity to reshape how our roads are built.
We’ll be urging Congress to pass the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, which would give states more flexibility in using federal highway dollars for protected bike lanes, sidewalks, and multi-use trails. These aren’t luxuries—they are life-saving infrastructure.
Why We Ride
More than 40,000 people died on American roads last year, including a record 1,166 bicyclists and over 7,000 pedestrians. These numbers are unacceptable—and avoidable. Fairfax County, too, has faced tragic losses in recent years. It’s time to turn grief into momentum.
Events like Ride for Your Life show that our community is united, determined, and not going away.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 16, 2025
- Start: Downtown Bethesda (near Metro)
- End: Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C.
- Distance: 10 miles (slow pace)
- Time: Rally begins after the ride with speeches and music
- What to Bring: Bike, helmet (required), water, and weather-appropriate gear
- Dress Code: Wear pink or black to show your support
- Note: Streets will be open to traffic. Ride marshals, police, and support vehicles will accompany the group. Riders are expected to follow all rules of the road.
Learn more and register here.
Be Part of the Change
Whether you ride every day or only occasionally, this event is for you. If you care about safe streets, equitable transportation, and building a community where everyone has the freedom to move—then we hope you’ll ride with us.
Let’s show Congress that the demand for safe biking and walking infrastructure is real, and it’s growing. Together, we can save lives.
