Thousands Join the Movement on Bike to Work Day 2025

by Patricia Kovacs, Staff Writer

Photo by Patricia Kovacs

Thursday, May 15 marked this year’s Bike to Work Day, drawing thousands of cyclists across the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia region (the DMV). With more than 100 pit stops– including over two dozen in Fairfax County alone– the event continues to grow in popularity and impact.

The local pit stop in Reston was hosted by The Bike Lane in their parking lot conveniently located off the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. Participants enjoyed free food, giveaways, and a complimentary event T-shirt provided to the first 18,000 registered riders.

Bike to Work Day encourages commuters to rethink their daily travel habits, promoting bicycling as a healthy, environmentally friendly alternative to driving alone. It supports active commuting, reduces traffic congestion, and contributes to cleaner air– all while giving participants a fun and energizing start to their day.

A Time-Honored Tradition

Bike to Work Day was first launched in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists as part of National Bike Month. In 2001, Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) introduced the event to the DMV, where it has since become an annual tradition drawing widespread support and participation.

Photo by Patricia Kovacs

Commuter Connections, a program funded by the D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and U.S. Departments of Transportation, works year-round to promote carpooling, vanpooling, bicycling, walking, and other alternatives to solo driving. The organization also provides ridematching services and the Guaranteed Ride Home program, offering commuters a free and reliable ride home in case of an emergency.

Similarly, WABA’s mission is to empower people to ride bikes, build connections, and transform places to create a just and sustainable transportation system where walking, biking, and transit are the best ways to get around.

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At the local level, pit stops were made possible by a diverse coalition of hosts, including local governments, nonprofits, businesses, federal agencies, military organizations, Business Improvement Districts, and even individual volunteers.

The event welcomes all—even those who work remotely can participate by biking to a nearby pit stop and returning home to start their day, while those with long-distance commutes can utilize one of the many pit stops that are located near transit hubs and park-and-ride lots, making biking a smart and flexible option for the first and last miles of a commute.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, consider joining the Bike to Work Day tradition next year. It’s more than a commute—it’s a celebration of healthy living, environmental stewardship, and community spirit.