FABB celebrates 20 years of advocacy for safer, more biking

by Gene Powell, Staff Writer

On Oct. 25 the volunteer-run non profit Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) will celebrate 20 years of making cycling safer, easier, and more enjoyable in our country. The alliance was founded by Restonian Bruce Wright and his late wife Kerie Hitt. Photo contributed by Bruce Wright.

The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) is celebrating 20 years of making cycling safer, easier, and more enjoyable for Fairfax County residents. Founded in 2005, the volunteer-run nonprofit has worked with county officials and community partners on initiatives ranging from bike-friendly development and long-term planning to safety education.

To mark its anniversary, FABB will host a public celebration at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Patsy’s American, 8051 Leesburg Pike, Vienna.

President Joy Faunce points to safer streets, expanded trails, and greater awareness of cycling’s benefits as among the group’s proudest accomplishments. She noted that FABB also ensures cyclists’ needs are considered during county planning and development reviews.

One recent success was advocacy for the two-mile George Snyder Trail, a multi-use path running from Chain Bridge Road and the I-66 Trail in the west to the Wilcoxson and Gerry Connolly Cross County Trails in the east. After several attempts to scale back the project, the City of Fairfax approved the full plan on June 10.

FABB leaders describe the new trail as more than just a route for cyclists. It will connect neighborhoods, schools, parks, and shops—“a vital spine in the region’s active transportation network” that reflects the organization’s mission.

Bruce Wright, who co-founded FABB with his late wife, Kerie Hitt, recalled that one of the group’s earliest projects was mapping bike facilities across Fairfax County to help riders navigate the area. Later, FABB pushed for the county’s first Bicycle Master Plan, adopted in 2014, which now guides officials in incorporating bike lanes and trails into future development. The 2025 county bike map is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/bike/map/

Wright sees safe cycling as a “simple solution to a lot of problems.” He cites its carbon-neutral role in addressing climate change, its potential to reduce traffic congestion, and its contributions to both physical fitness and mental health.

Both Faunce and Wright stressed that advocacy is a long-term effort. Faunce said one of her priorities is to continue and honor the work of FABB’s early leaders. Looking ahead, Wright identified key challenges, including disconnected trails and bike lanes that are too narrow or located along busy roads.

FABB also promotes the Fairfax County Bicycle & Pedestrian Ambassador Program, a volunteer initiative of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation. Ambassadors encourage safe biking and walking, share updates on new infrastructure, and provide on-the-spot help such as basic maintenance, safety tips, and route planning.

In addition, FABB has urged members and the 3,000-plus subscribers to its newsletter to help update the Virginia Department of Transportation’s annual Bicycle Facility Inventory Map by reporting changes. As of June, the inventory listed 1,614 miles of shared-use paths, 986 lane miles of bicycle lanes, 484 lane miles of shared-lane markings and local bike routes, and 7.5 miles of sidewalk connectors.

For 20 years, FABB has been a persistent voice for cyclists across Fairfax County. Its leaders say the next decades will bring both challenges and opportunities, but the mission remains the same: safer streets, better connections, and a more bike-friendly community.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that progress doesn’t happen overnight,” Faunce said. “It takes dedication and persistence. Our vision is a Fairfax where biking is safe and accessible for everyone—and we’re going to keep working until we get there.”