Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Outstanding Crossing Guard Award Winners
FABB congratulates Beeda Lee-Pawlak (Churchill Road Elementary and Haycock Elementary Schools) and Anne Rodriguez (Lake Anne Elementary and Hughes Middle Schools), for their selection as winners of Virginia's 2017-18 Outstanding Crossing Guard Award.
Lee-Pawlak, a first-year crossing guard, was praised for “expertly managing the busy intersection of Westmoreland Street and Haycock Road.” Rodriguez is a five-year veteran who also makes potentially chaotic situations simple to navigate and inspires trust and confidence in everyone. Both are adored by the children they serve.
Additional information and a list of other nominees for the Most Outstanding Crossing Guard Awards can be found at the Fairfax County Public Schools website here.
Labels: crossing guard appreciation day, fcps
Friday, January 19, 2018
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day
Crossing Guard Appreciation Day is February 14, 2018! Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) will observe the day by honoring the 80 crossing guards who manage 174 school-related crossings every day. FCPS crossing guards are employees of the Fairfax County Police Department.
Nominations are being accepted through next Friday, January 26, by the Virginia Department of Transportation for Virginia’s 2017 Outstanding Crossing Guard of the Year. We're told that only a handful of local guards have been nominated, so now is a good time to show some love to the people who help keep our kids safe.
Parents, students, and teachers are welcome to submit a nomination and photo online at this FCPS website. Please help pass the word and let's give the guards the recognition they deserve.
Labels: crossing guard appreciation day, fcps
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
2017 National Bike to School Day Wrap Up: Fairfax County Overview
This is the first of three reports.
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| North Springfield riders. |
One week ago students across Fairfax County hopped out of the Kiss & Ride or left their buses empty. Instead, they put on a helmet or walking shoes and joined in the 2017 National Bike to School Day. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) had 78 registered events. Was your school one of them?
This year saw the most Fairfax County schools that have ever registered. About 40% of all Fairfax County schools held Bike to School Day events while the 78 registered events represented one-third of all such activities in Virginia.
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| Bike Patrol officers helping out in Reston. |
Bike trains were rolling all over the county last Wednesday. Some had Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) Bike Patrol escorts while others were assisted by FCPD patrol cars stopping traffic at busy intersections.
It was only five years ago that many local schools had no bike racks and did little to encourage students to bike. Unanimous support from both the FCPS School Board and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors changed the tide. This ongoing support is now helping to encourage transportation choices that build healthy minds and bodies for our children.
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| A great turnout at Chesterbrook Elementary. |
In the next reports FABB will profile a new bike train that sprang up this year near the Dunn Loring Metro station as well as the Town of Vienna's Bike/Walk Challenge for schools, which is now in it's 9th year.
Submitted by Jeff Anderson.
Labels: bike to school day, bike train, FCPD, fcps
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Bike Lessons at Fairfax County Schools in 2017
Fairfax County Public Schools recently started offering bicycle safety classes to elementary and middle school students. Sally Smallwood, Safe Routes to School Coordinator for FCPS, recently posted the schedule for bike safety classes in 2017 in the Winter 2016-2017 SRTS Newsletter:
Looking Forward to Student Bike Lessons at the following schools in 2017:
January: Hunters Woods ES
February: King’s Glen ES
March: North Springfield ES, Timber Lane ES
April: Canterbury Woods ES, Poe Middle School ES, Poplar Tree ES, Cub Run ES
May: Twain Middle School, Chesterbrook ES, Lane ES
June: Washington Mill ES, Stone Middle School
Now taking Bike Lessons requests for 2017-18 school year. Priority given to schools that have not had the bikes.
Sally has a fleet of bikes that she takes around to schools during the year. Four schools have their own bikes. I asked Sally to describe the bike education program that she manages. I've summarized her response:January: Hunters Woods ES
February: King’s Glen ES
March: North Springfield ES, Timber Lane ES
April: Canterbury Woods ES, Poe Middle School ES, Poplar Tree ES, Cub Run ES
May: Twain Middle School, Chesterbrook ES, Lane ES
June: Washington Mill ES, Stone Middle School
Now taking Bike Lessons requests for 2017-18 school year. Priority given to schools that have not had the bikes.
We have 29 BMX bikes, 40 Mountain bikes and 7 balance bikes in our inventory to take to schools. We generally teach two basic lessons based on the Bikelogy Curriculum from SHAPE America and Bike Smart Virginia.The first lesson after going over helmet fitting and ABC bike check is a set of stations where students practice specific skills such as weaving, looking over your shoulder, riding over debris, stopping and starting, signaling and circling. Students usually get this lesson twice in order to get plenty of practice. Some schools only have 30 minute classes and we have to really move fast to cover the content.
The second lesson is called city streets and this simulates an intersection with stop signs as well as an outer highway or beltway. Students practice stopping at stop signs, yielding to traffic, riding in groups and making decisions. We also do this lesson twice.
New riders are pulled to the side and work on balance bikes until they are ready for a pedal bike. Once they have control of the bike and confidence, they rejoin the large group lessons. About 10-20% of each class does not know how to ride when we start.
We are at the elementary schools for 2 weeks and at the middle schools for about a month. The middle school students go through the same protocol but then add learning about shifting the gears, trail riding/group riding, riding for fitness and some bike maintenance. The two week window for grades 4-6 allows us to hopefully see the students at least 4 times. Schools are given a handout called “Bicycle Safety What Every Parent Should Know” to send home with each student.
Currently Rose Hill ES, Hollin Meadows ES, and Greenbriar West ES have bikes (30 each) bought through SRTS funding. Belle View ES bought their own bike through a generous donation from a parent. All these schools are willing to share their bikes with other schools.
Franklin Middle School will be receiving bikes (40) after the new year for their school.
We are trying to build capacity and train teachers to have the bikes at their school so that they can have them without support from FCPS SRTS. Most teachers can handle teaching the lessons, it is difficult to manage repairs (fixing a chain or adjusting brakes), new riders and teach the lessons.
At the end of this school year we will have visited 23 schools for lessons in school and have plans for a least two more Saturday or after school rodeos.
Labels: fcps, safe routes to school, safe routes to school coordinator, sally smallwood
Sunday, May 8, 2016
Successful Bike to School Day 2016
This past week students, teachers, and supporters of more active lifestyles for children participated in this year’s Bike to School Day in Fairfax County. On May 4th, more than 60 Fairfax County elementary and middle schools participated in the event. Kids on scooters, skate boards, and on the own two feet also braved the overcast skies to join their fellow students in promoting fitness as part of their daily routine.
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| Wolf Trap Bike Train. |
Fairfax County Public Schools encouraged increased ridership by handing out backpack tags to participants at the elementary schools and cinch sacks at the middle schools. The Fairfax County Police Department also lent its support throughout the country. FCPD bike patrol officers led three bike trains to Wolf Trap Elementary in Hunter Mill District. The FCPD also assisted at Hunter Woods and Sunrise Valley Elementary Schools in Reston, escorting kids and ensuring their safety.
Highlights of the day included:
- Chesterbrook Elementary in McLean had more than 200 students plus family and other community members join in the fun. Check out the video of the Chesterbrook event here.
- All eight of Reston’s elementary schools participated with initial reports of 116 riders at Armstron, 46 at Dogwood, 40 at Forest Edge, 110 at Lake Anne and 70 at Sunrise Valley. Aldrin reported a total of 118 bikers and walkers.
- At Dogwood Elementary, riders received assistance from the Reston Bike Club with minor maintenance and helmet fit. The club also provide helmets to those without them.
- Please share your Bike to School Day stories using the comments section below.
FABB supports biking to school every day. We are ready to assist interested groups with planning and sponsoring activities and with identifying safe routes to encourage children to bike and walk to school
Labels: bike patrol, bike to school day, bike train, FCPD, fcps, National bike month, safe routes to school
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
FCPS Employee Celebrates 500 Bike to Work Trips
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| Biking in the COOOOLD |
Evie has written a positive, inspirational story about her decision to get to work by bike. She did some riding over the years but it wasn't until a colleague suggested she bike to work that she started riding in earnest.
What I like most about Evie's story is her outlook. She doesn't focus on obstacles or problems she encounters but on all of the positive aspects of riding to work and interacting with her environment and the people she meets along the way. Here's an extract from her story:
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| Learning to clean my bike with WABA Women and Bicycl |
In March of 2011 I began participation in a cohort leadership program with my employer, Fairfax County Public Schools. In October of 2011, our teacher laid out some prizes/trinkets for answering questions. I must have answered a question correctly and I went up to the table and picked the bike lock as my prize. Not sure why - I did not really need one since I was not biking.
As part of our final project in our cohort, we had to present on a topic that if implemented would create a positive impact in our work environment. In March of 2012 my cohort friend, Richard Michelback, presented his vision about FCPS personnel biking to work. He was inspiring! I had that Specialized bike in the shed but it needed a lot of help. I mentioned Richard’s vision to my dear friend and neighbor, Carolyn, and she said that she had a bike I could use and basically have. A grey Gary Fisher - in a matter of minutes - that bike arrived at my home.
That same week, I was sitting at the Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting next to cycle enthusiast, Frank Linton. He was there along with a George Mason student discussing the possibility of a bike route from the Vienna Metro to George Mason University. (I am happy to report that there is a pretty safe bike route that GMU students can now take) The meeting lasted till 10 p.m. and as we were leaving I asked Frank if he was able to map out a couple of possible routes for me to bike to work. He immediately said YES and on Saturday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m. he came to my home and we took one route to my work location, at Fairfax Ridge and another route back to my house. The four mile route takes about thirty minutes.
I also had to find a bike rack at work. Who knew that there was one at the Fairfax Ridge. One of my colleagues and building supervisor, Dianna DiPasquale, helped me find one – in the parking garage. It was behind barbed wire and we got it out and placed in the garage by the steps.
My first ride was going to be that Wednesday, March 21, 2012 … It was cold and very foggy and I decided not to ride. I emailed Richard and Frank and both said that it was smart not to have biked that day. Richard also added that he would be willing to come to my house and bike with me the first time on Thursday. He also asked me if I had any lights - hmmmm I did not. I went to our local bike shop, Oasis Bikes, which unfortunately is no longer there, got the lights and they gave me a 10% discount because I mentioned Frank’s name.
So I got the lights and the next morning at 6:45 am – Richard drove to my house from his home in McLean. He put all the lights on and we started riding. It was still dark and still a little foggy but I felt really good being with Richard at my side. I showed him the way. His project to get FCPS staff to ride to work was becoming a reality one person at a time.
We arrived at the Fairfax Ridge somewhere around 7:25 am and I locked my bike using Deeb’s lock … It was anti-climactic but to me it was a HUGE deal. I thanked Richard, we took the obligatory picture, and I came in to work. Richard rode back to my house and then he was off to work. In May, I met a colleague, Katie Baxter-Gagen at Van Dyck park in Fairfax City and we participated in the bike to work day …
That same week, I was sitting at the Fairfax City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting next to cycle enthusiast, Frank Linton. He was there along with a George Mason student discussing the possibility of a bike route from the Vienna Metro to George Mason University. (I am happy to report that there is a pretty safe bike route that GMU students can now take) The meeting lasted till 10 p.m. and as we were leaving I asked Frank if he was able to map out a couple of possible routes for me to bike to work. He immediately said YES and on Saturday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m. he came to my home and we took one route to my work location, at Fairfax Ridge and another route back to my house. The four mile route takes about thirty minutes.
I also had to find a bike rack at work. Who knew that there was one at the Fairfax Ridge. One of my colleagues and building supervisor, Dianna DiPasquale, helped me find one – in the parking garage. It was behind barbed wire and we got it out and placed in the garage by the steps.
My first ride was going to be that Wednesday, March 21, 2012 … It was cold and very foggy and I decided not to ride. I emailed Richard and Frank and both said that it was smart not to have biked that day. Richard also added that he would be willing to come to my house and bike with me the first time on Thursday. He also asked me if I had any lights - hmmmm I did not. I went to our local bike shop, Oasis Bikes, which unfortunately is no longer there, got the lights and they gave me a 10% discount because I mentioned Frank’s name.
So I got the lights and the next morning at 6:45 am – Richard drove to my house from his home in McLean. He put all the lights on and we started riding. It was still dark and still a little foggy but I felt really good being with Richard at my side. I showed him the way. His project to get FCPS staff to ride to work was becoming a reality one person at a time.
We arrived at the Fairfax Ridge somewhere around 7:25 am and I locked my bike using Deeb’s lock … It was anti-climactic but to me it was a HUGE deal. I thanked Richard, we took the obligatory picture, and I came in to work. Richard rode back to my house and then he was off to work. In May, I met a colleague, Katie Baxter-Gagen at Van Dyck park in Fairfax City and we participated in the bike to work day …
Labels: evie ifantides, fcps
Sunday, December 20, 2015
Herndon Middle School Bike Shop Brings Bikes and Joy
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| HMS Bike Shop members |
Local students participating in Herndon Middle School’s after-school bike shop program last Saturday gave away 22 bicycles that they had repaired and prepared for neighborhood children who might not otherwise have a bike. The chilly Saturday morning was warmed by the pleasure of the recipients and the satisfaction of the young bike mechanics.
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| Two proud new bikers. |
The after-school bike shop this fall was run by Kelley Westenhoff with assistance from mechanic Matt Meyer (Green Lizard Cycling), mechanic Aaron Morgan (A1 Cycling), and Reston Bike Club member Ed Robichaud. Other volunteers included Pete Fox and Ken Thompson.
The students turned bikes donated by the community into “nearly new” condition with a combination of repair and cleaning. The students gained valuable bicycle maintenance and repair skills along with an appreciation for--and sense of accomplishment from--doing something for others.
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| Reston Bike Club helmet station. |
Reston Bike Club provided free helmets for the children whose parents brought them to HMS on Saturday for the giveaway.
Sally Smallwood, Fairfax County Public Schools Safe Routes to School coordinator, was on hand to run the new riders through a bike safety course, ensuring they start their biking journey with a better understanding of bike control and safety principles.
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| New rider learning the "ropes" of bike control and safety. |
During the coming spring semester in 2016 the students in the HMS bike shop plan to repair and restore even more bicycles with the goal of selling them to raise funds to support the program.
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| Happy owner of bike refurbished by HMS Bike Shop. |
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| Excited new rider. |
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| Bike Shop members and friends. |
Labels: bike club, fcps, herndon, reston bike club
Sunday, March 30, 2014
New bike racks at school headquarters building
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| Hitch rack at FCPS Gatehouse Road offices |
We've learned from previous rack installations that many, many factors are involved in getting the right rack installed correctly in the right location. The type of rack used at this location is referred to as the hitch rack (see photo) that allows two contact points on a bike that is parked parallel to the ring. A U-lock can easily be used. Most communities prefer either the inverted U rack or the hitch rack.
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| Entrance to FCPS headquarters |
The rack needs to be properly anchored if it's a single rack. If the base is not solid, sometimes concrete needs to be poured to provide a good foundation.
A good guide to bike parking at commercial locations is 12 Bike Parking Essentials for Retailers. If you ask for bike parking at places you visit regularly you might want to print the flier and use it as a reference.
Thanks to FCPS for working with us to provide good visitor parking. It's greatly appreciated.
Labels: bike racks, fairfax county public schools, fcps, gatehouse road, hitch rack
Friday, December 7, 2012
Fairfax school receives SRTS mini grant
The deadline for applying for the next round of Quick Start Mini-grants is December 20. The grants are great for holding bike rodeos, holding bike safety classes, or purchasing incentives for kids who participate in walk and bike to school days.
Labels: fcps, kent gardens es, safe routes to school
Monday, June 11, 2012
Centreville High School bike program
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| Centreville HS bike program kids |
What grades can participate?
I teach 9th grade although I will take some students from other classes in 10th grade on occasion.
How many students participate?
We have 35 students per class and I teach 4 sections each year. Although if I can get a full class set of bikes for next year I want to try to teach twice that amount.
Are students required to participate or is the class an elective?
It is required for my students. However, they and their parents sign an agreement to participate. If a student really doesn’t want to ride I have them help in some other way.
How many bikes do you have?
We have about 22 bikes. Although I am looking to acquire more and sometimes students bring their own in from home.
Do you provide helmets?
Absolutely! We require all students to wear them at all times. Students also have the option to use their own.
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| Learning hand signals |
I use the Bike Safety Curriculum from Oregon. It’s a few years old and geared towards middle school students, so I am looking for newer material. This is only my second year teaching biking.
What's the name of the teacher who taught you to teach the class?
Misty Boyd, Physical Education Department Chair at TC Williams (She is a BikeSmart instructor).
Do you ride off school grounds?
The first few days we practice drills on campus. Then we ride around Braddock Park and eventually Braddock and Union Mill Road trails.
Have you ever heard of the prohibition against bike riding in FCPS schools?
No I haven’t. Special Education students bike all the time. So far I have had no injuries of any sort. Many schools throughout the United States teach biking. As long as they are taught the proper guidelines and take it seriously – it’s very safe. I can see the concern however with going out on the road with such a large group.
Do you think that students who go through your class are better drivers when they get their license?
I doubt they are better drivers. However, it does give them an advantage going into driver’s ed classes. It also helps them respect bicyclists on the road better.
Thanks to Christina for agreeing to answer my questions about the program. I hope she's able to get a full contingent of bikes for next year.
Labels: bike smart, centreville high school, christina saindon, fcps
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
School Facilities and FFX Co Pkwy meetings tonight
See the FABB Events page for information on two meetings tonight. The School Facility Planning meeting is being held tonight at Carson Middle School, 13618 McLearen Rd, Herndon, VA 20171 and Glasgow Middle School, 4101 Fairfax Pkwy, Alexandria, VA 22312. Both meetings start at 7pm. This is an opportunity to speak out for the need to make our schools more bicycle and pedestrian friendly and to ask FCPS to spend less on making it easier for parents to drive kids to school, kids who could take the bus or walk or bike.VDOT his holding a public meeting to discuss repaving of FFX Co Parkway. The trail is not part of the project but it desperately needs to be repaved and redesigned. The redesign should be part of the repaving project. That meeting also starts at 7pm at VDOT District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Labels: facility planning, fairfax county parkway trail, fcps, kiss and ride
Bike to School Day May 9
Students are encouraged to bike or walk to school on May 9. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school, and to work with their school and PTA or PTO to assemble bike trains or walking groups for the event. Schools that are launching a schoolwide effort to participate can register online at http://www.walkbiketoschool.org/.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board chair Janie Strauss and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair Sharon Bulova are joining forces to encourage county residents to participate in National Bike to School Day. “Increased physical activity is something we all should strive for,” said Strauss. “Using an alternative method of traveling to school will help meet that goal while reducing vehicular traffic on county roads.” Adds Bulova, “Bicycling is not only a great way to exercise, but an efficient mode of transportation. I encourage Fairfax County students to take this opportunity to learn bike safety, find the best route to school, and enjoy the trip."
Marshall Road Elementary School is one of several Fairfax County public schools that have recently adopted the Safe Routes to School program and have initiated a bike train. With the assistance and encouragement of the school administration and PTA, students from Marshall Road will be biking to the school on May 9 as part of the national event. In addition, Marshall Road Elementary students will be participating in the Vienna Bike Walk Challenge during the week of May 14- 18 along with students from Vienna Elementary, Louise Archer Elementary, Cunningham Park Elementary, and Wolftrap Elementary Schools.
The Fairfax County Police Department plans to have patrol officers on the roads on May 9, and motorists are urged to be vigilant of bikers and pedestrians on National Bike to School Day.
Additional information about FCPS and National Bike to School Day can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/news/walktoschool.shtml.
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) School Board chair Janie Strauss and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors chair Sharon Bulova are joining forces to encourage county residents to participate in National Bike to School Day. “Increased physical activity is something we all should strive for,” said Strauss. “Using an alternative method of traveling to school will help meet that goal while reducing vehicular traffic on county roads.” Adds Bulova, “Bicycling is not only a great way to exercise, but an efficient mode of transportation. I encourage Fairfax County students to take this opportunity to learn bike safety, find the best route to school, and enjoy the trip."
Marshall Road Elementary School is one of several Fairfax County public schools that have recently adopted the Safe Routes to School program and have initiated a bike train. With the assistance and encouragement of the school administration and PTA, students from Marshall Road will be biking to the school on May 9 as part of the national event. In addition, Marshall Road Elementary students will be participating in the Vienna Bike Walk Challenge during the week of May 14- 18 along with students from Vienna Elementary, Louise Archer Elementary, Cunningham Park Elementary, and Wolftrap Elementary Schools.
The Fairfax County Police Department plans to have patrol officers on the roads on May 9, and motorists are urged to be vigilant of bikers and pedestrians on National Bike to School Day.
Additional information about FCPS and National Bike to School Day can be found at http://www.fcps.edu/news/walktoschool.shtml.
Labels: bike to school day, chairman bulova, fcps, janie strauss
Friday, December 30, 2011
Safe Routes to School in Fairfax
We were encouraged to read about Safe Routes to Schools in the Fairfax County School System publication State of the Schools - December 2011 and we especially liked Superintendent Dale's comments:
Fairfax County Public Schools is proud to participate in Safe Routes to Schools, an international effort to encourage more families to get out of their cars and onto their feet to enjoy the many benefits of safely walking and bicycling to school. Parents are encouraged to accompany their children to school and to work with their PTA or PTO to organize walking events.
"Walking is a simple way to incorporate exercise into your day," said FCPS Superintendent Jack D. Dale. "We encourage all FCPS students and families to participate in this program and walk or bike to school whenever possible."
The program promotes physical activity, pedestrian safety, and concern for the environment. Several Fairfax County public schools have established a Safe Routes to School program and participate in bike and walk to school challenges.
Thanks to FCPS for embracing Safe Routes to School and we look forward to seeing more kids walking and biking to school in the future. For more info see the Fairfax SRTS Facebook page and the Fairfax schools Walk to School site."Walking is a simple way to incorporate exercise into your day," said FCPS Superintendent Jack D. Dale. "We encourage all FCPS students and families to participate in this program and walk or bike to school whenever possible."
The program promotes physical activity, pedestrian safety, and concern for the environment. Several Fairfax County public schools have established a Safe Routes to School program and participate in bike and walk to school challenges.
Labels: fcps, safe routes to school
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Bicycle programs at Fairfax schools
There are a few schools in Fairfax where students are encouraged to ride bikes. At Herndon Middle School bike racks are provided for kids who ride to school. Under the direction of three teachers, approximately 20 students are members of an after school club where they refurbish old bikes to give away. Articles in the Washington Post (From fixer-upper to someone's dream) and the Herndon Observer (Herndon Middle Gives Back, One Wheel at a Time) describe the program.Each Wednesday, about 20 middle school students meet in the school's Bike Shop to repair, repaint, and spruce up donated bicycles for needy children within the local community.
Hersh said the Bike Shop partners with A-1 Cycling, in Herndon, who help students obtain things like cables and tires in order to replace the bikes. A-1 Cycling also donates bike stands and other tools that are needed throughout the year, he said.
There are at least two other schools with bike programs. At Lanier Middle School in Fairfax, PE teacher Pam Clingenpeel sponsors an after school bicycle club where kids learn about basic bike maintenance, bicycle safety, street/trail bike etiquette, shifting techniques and basic skills of riding. Five after school sessions are being held this Fall.Hersh said the Bike Shop partners with A-1 Cycling, in Herndon, who help students obtain things like cables and tires in order to replace the bikes. A-1 Cycling also donates bike stands and other tools that are needed throughout the year, he said.
Candy Brown, Physical Education teacher at Centreville High School leads a mountain bike PE class. Students learn the ABC Quick Check (video), basic bike maintenance, bicycle safety, street/trail bike etiquette, shifting techniques and basic skills of riding. Ms. Brown is featured in a video about the Centreville program. Both schools received funds form the Virginia Dept. of Education to purchase new bikes.
We've previously mentioned successful Safe Routes to School efforts at four Vienna schools. And finally, Lynbrook Elementary School is one of only two schools in Fairfax to receive Safe Routes to School funds (Louise Archer Elementary School in Vienna is the other). If you know of other schools with bike programs, please let us know.
