Bike to Work Day (BTWD) will take place this year on Friday, May 15. If you’ve ever thought about biking to work, but weren’t sure where to start, this event serves as the perfect opportunity to try it out. Whether you’re brand new to biking or looking for a reason to try out a bike commute, BTWD offers a fun and low-pressure way to try a sustainable commute while joining hundreds of other cyclists across the region.
Pick Your Pit Stop
When you register to participate, you will have to choose your primary pit stop. Your pit stop will be where you can check-in to receive your free official BTWD t-shirt among other giveaways. While you will only be able to receive your BTWD t-shirt at the pit stop you register for, you are welcome and encouraged to visit other pit stops to engage with other riders and booths.
The pit stop experience is a key component of how the region celebrates BTWD. In addition to the giveaways, you can expect energetic crowds, interactive vendors and services, and plenty of support and encouragement from the Arlington community.
Out of the over 50 pit stops available in the Metropolitan Washington Area, seven will be in Arlington at the following locations:
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Ballston: Wellburn Square, hosted by BikeArlington and the Ballston BID
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Columbia Pike: Penrose Square, hosted by BikeArlington and Columbia Pike Partnership
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Rosslyn: Gateway Park, hosted by BikeArlington and the Rosslyn BID
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Pentagon City: Metropolitan Park, hosted by Amazon
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National Landing: Water Park, hosted by the National Landing BID
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National Guard HQ, hosted by the National Guard
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Langston Blvd: Lyon Village Shopping Center (Afternoon only), hosted by the Langston Blvd Alliance
Plan Your Commute
The best way to ensure that you have a successful BTWD is to plan your bike commute ahead of time. Arlington has a number of biking trails that lead you into and through the county that can be incorporated into a bike commute. In addition, Arlington also offers excellent biking infrastructure such as secure bike lanes in multiple parts of the County that have contributed to Arlington’s status as one of 23 Gold Bicycle Friendly Communities in the country, as recognized by the League of American Bicyclists.
Prep Your Gear
If BTWD will be your first bike commute, you’ll need to ensure that you are equipped with the appropriate clothing and equipment to ensure a smooth ride. Bring a change of clothes for the workday along with all your essentials in a biking-appropriate backpack that will make your ride seamless.
In addition to bringing the correct equipment, you’ll also want to verify that your bike is in good condition to ensure a smooth commute. Ensure those wheels are full of air and that all the chains and gears on your bike are ready to roll.
For a little extra help, you can buy an inexpensive attachment to secure your phone to your bike for navigation purposes. You can also bring a bike lock if your office does not offer secure parking. Lastly, don’t forget a helmet!
Commuting Solutions
We understand that a full bike commute may not be feasible, especially for beginners or those that live far away. If this applies to you or those in your organization, consider finding a way to incorporate biking into the commute even if it’s only for the first, last, or middle leg of the journey.
With a Capital Bikeshare station conveniently located at or within a very short walk of every single Metrorail station in Arlington, you can combine taking transit with an active commute without having to bring your own bike. There are over 100 Capital Bikeshare stations in Arlington and their bikes and e-bikes can be utilized by those without access to one of their own who would like to participate.
Prepare Your Teams with ATP
While there will be hundreds of enthusiasts cycling throughout the county on May 15, BTWD is more fun with peers. Encourage your organization to register for the event and coordinate meet-ups at a pit stop or other location.
Your ATP representative can support your BTWD workplace goals with promotional materials, route planning assistance, bike-themed events, or even assist your organization with setting up a Capital Bikeshare Corporate Membership. ATP is here to make sure that your organization is geared up and prepared to join in on the fun on May 15.
Sign up early to ensure that you can add the official 2026 BTWD t-shirt to your collection as supplies are limited. Share the registration link with your teams and tenants and let’s make this the largest and most successful BTWD yet.
Photo Credit: Sam Kittner/Kittner.com for Arlington Transportation Partners