Pedaling Away: Bike to Work Day in 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 in Capital Bikeshare.

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“We’re all very pleased that we were able to put forward a really good biking program,” Pepper said. “I think the bikeshare is one of the best things we got going. …That’s the type of city we are. We’re progressive and we understand there’s more to getting places than just getting in your car.”

The Mark Center in the West End also hosted a pit stop Friday morning.