Pedaling Away: Bike to Work Day in Alexandria

City hosts three pit stops for bicycle commuters coming into, out of and through Alexandria.

Alexandria hosted three pit stops Friday as part of the region’s Bike to Work Day, giving commuters a chance to pick up free food and coffee, enjoy live music, receive free bike tune-ups and enter prize giveaways on their way to work. “It’s a great way to show support for a healthy lifestyle,” said Jim Durham of Alexandria’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, who was overseeing the bicycle block party in Carlyle. “Bicycle commuting in Alexandria has tripled in the last 10 years. … I’ve been pleased with the work the city has done in regards to riders.” Cyclists slid into to Carlyle from as far away as Oakton and Fort Belvoir to enjoy the festivities. At Market Square in Old Town, Councilwoman Del Pepper touted the city’s investment…

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Bike to School Day Wednesday

Be on the lookout Wednesday for students ditching four wheels for two.

Thousands of kids across the country will ditch the bus and carpool in favor of their bikes Wednesday in the second annual National Bike to School Day. More than a dozen schools in Alexandria have signed up to participate, according to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, which is organizing the event.  See the full list of schools participating here.  (Note: Mount Vernon Community School has postponed the event due to Wednesday's rainy forecast.) NCSRS also sponsors International Walk to School Day each October. Virginia is again among the states with the most participation in National Bike to School Day: More than 80 schools or groups across the state are planning organized bike rides.  Wednesday’s weather is a little bit iffy…

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Gear Up for Bike to Work Day

May 18 is Bike to Work Day around the D.C. metro area, including Alexandria.

Alexandria is celebrating Bike to Work Day on May 18, along with many other metropolitan Washington communities. Participants who register can scoop up some free gear and other goodies at their neighborhood pit stop. In Alexandria, there are pit stops at Market Square in front of City Hall at 301 King St., Mark Center at the east side of the north parking garage and in John Carlyle Square Park at 300 John Carlyle St. Convoys are also forming for those commuting into downtown D.C. from Alexandria. There’s a convoy leaving at 7 a.m. from the water fountain just north of the Belle Haven Marina to downtown D.C. The convoy leader is Walter Lane (lane_w@bls.gov). There’s also a convoy leaving from the Mount Vernon Trail, in front of National …

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Green and Simple

Green and Simple: Great Green Events in May

Whatever your "green" thing, we've got you covered! Make a rain barrel, bike to work or school, participate in an invasive plant pull, start a compost pile and more!

Not only does May bring us flowers, but it also brings a bounty of fun and family friendly events, activities and observances.  International Compost Awareness Week May 6 - 12 Join composting advocates from across the United States and Canada in celebrating this year's theme: "Compost! … Replenish the Earth for Generations." Learn more about composting and help spread the word!   Inaugural National Bike to School Day Wednesday, May 9 Join in on the first ever National Bike to School Day. Plan an event or register for one in your neighborhood. Get details.  Rock Creek Garlic Mustard Challenge Saturday, May 12   |   8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Families with children, individuals, and organized groups: join the rangers of Rock Creek Park in removing …

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Take Your Bike on DASH

DASH buses soon will allow bicycles to travel on buses at no extra charge.

Alexandria Transit Company soon will allow bicycles to travel on DASH buses at no extra charge. Brochures and details on how to safely transport a bike on a DASH bus will be available on all DASH buses and online at alexandria.gov/LocalMotion, although specifics have not yet been released. The new initiative is expected to start this spring. Separately, registration for Bike to Work Day is now open. Join the pit stop in City Hall on May 18.

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