Our Mission

Bicycling is seen as a normal way to get around Falls Church City. People who choose to drive expect to share our streets with vulnerable road users and adjust their behavior accordingly. All children have the opportunity to learn to ride in school and there is regular adult bike education. People of all races, ages, genders, and income levels are using bicycles to run errands, to go see friends or family, and to get to work and school. Bicycling in the City is neither a status symbol nor a mark of poverty - it's for everyone. Community bicycle rides are part of the civic calendar. Those unable or who chose not to ride benefit from better walkability, better micro-mobility access, less dangerous roads, less car congestion, and parking for those who need it most. “Bicycling” is our barometer for culture – if we realize this vision for bicycling culture then we expect community support for walking and rolling (scooters, mobility devices, wheelchairs, roller blades, etc.) will be strong as well.

City government is committed to bicycling, walking, and other micro-mobility and active transportation as a standard part of transportation infrastructure. Safe, accessible infrastructure that balances the needs of all road users is the default, not the result of advocacy. There are safe "all ages and abilities" routes to almost every place in the City, links to Fairfax and Arlington County bike and walk infrastructure, and a plan to close the few remaining gaps in our biking and ADA-accessible walking routes.

We score among the best municipalities in the country on key walk- and bike-friendly metrics: fatalities, injuries, and crashes involving pedestrians or bicycle users, share of students learning safe bicycling in school, frequency of adolescent/adult bicycle classes, attendance at signature bicycle events, share of commuting by bicycle or walking, share of City roads suited to people of "all ages and abilities" to use bicycles, elimination of ADA obstructions. We are certified as a high-rated Bicycle Friendly Community and Walk Friendly Community and win national recognition for being a unique and exemplary community.

Bike to Work Day, Walk Bike & Roll to School Days, Halloween Bike Ride and Walk, Community Rides, Advocacy Walks and Rides, and more

Grow Bike, Walk, & Roll Falls Church, build bridges to City leaders, other community groups, local businesses, schools, and more

Bike Master Plan refresh, Small Area Plans, Climate Action Plan, Sidewalks Missing Links and/or Pedestrian Master Plan, etc.

Every kid should have the opportunity to learn to ride in elementary school, plus pop-up or permanent places to learn (traffic gardens)

Existing projects with bicycle or walking impacts, new bicycle-specific projects, new pedestrian improvements, budget to support construction

Adopt-a-Trail cleanups, campaign to improve courtesy on the trail, improvements to road crossing safety for all users

Failing pavement and signals pulls funds and attention from progress on bike infrastructure. Fund DPW's request to maintain our roads and add better bike and pedestrian facilities

When any project affects the road on a designated future bicycle route or a road without ADA-compliant sidewalks, share core traffic data and bicycle facility options with the public before moving to construction

Provide staff resourcing and design/construction funding for priority routes and for education and encouragement. Live up to the “all ages and abilities” and “complete streets” standards.

Learn what it feels like to be on a bike in the City, show others that riding is for everyone and everyday trips, get some exercise and fresh air. When you can’t ride, then walk someplace new.

Believe in the Comprehensive Plan vision; help residents and business owners understand why bike and ped improvements are important. If you don't know why or have doubts, ask for our help.

Bicycle and walking mode share takes more than infrastructure. Be champions, participants, and volunteers in formal and informal City bike and walk events.