Bike Light Handout Aims To Help Essential Workers Commute Safely

RESTON, VA — The Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) is teaming up with the Reston Bike Club to help essential workers commuting on bikes to do so more safely, especially as the end of daylight saving time draws near.

Starting on Thursday, DATA staff and RBC will be distributing free bike lights and safety tips at Reston Town Center bike racks and other places where bike commuters usually park. DATA staff will also distribute bilingual bike safety flyers to restaurants and businesses in Reston Town Center.

"These distributions will occur intermittently over the next two weeks depending on volunteers' schedules and what makes sense to reach essential workers," said Sarah McGowan, DATA senior grant manager.

Fairfax County provided some of the financial support for this effort through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“We are pleased to be collaborating with DATA on this important project,” said RBC Board Member-at-large Kelley Westenhoff, in a release. “Our members are happy to help these essential workers who do so much for our community but also so often go unappreciated.”

Aside from helping to distribute the safety materials, RBC recently awarded DATA a $1,000 grant. The group also provided the bike lights and helmets for Thursday's distribution.

“One of the most important roles DATA serves is providing transportation information and program referrals to underserved members of our community," McGowan said, in a release. "Fairfax County recognizes this pandemic, as is so often the case, has been especially hard on those with the least resources. That’s why Fairfax County’s grant funding to help us assist low income and non-English speaking residents find sustainable modes of transportation to their workplaces is extremely timely.”

DATA is a Transportation Management Association (TMA) nonprofit that identifies transportation needs and promotes opportunities to address them. With over 1,200 members, RBC is a nonprofit club that organizes weekly bicycle rides and social events for all age and ability levels.