Vienna's Bicycle Advisory Committee is hosting a free community bike ride Saturday, Oct. 10, starting at 10 a.m. from the rear parking lot at Town Hall, 127 Center Street S.

The six-mile route will follow low-volume streets around town and should take no more than an hour, according to the town's event listing. The town describes the ride as casual and family-friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Riders should bring a bike, helmet and water bottle. Helmets are required.

BAC Vice Chairman Charlie Strunk first announced the fall ride at the Transportation Safety Commission's July 28 meeting. The committee's spring ride, held May 17 at the Vienna Community Center, drew about 20 participants and covered a similar six-mile route with two rest stops.

The Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC), chaired by Bets Thomas, operates under the town's Transportation Safety Commission. The seven-member volunteer panel focuses on bicycle accessibility and safety in Vienna. The W&OD Trail runs through town, making cycling a popular way to get around, and the BAC's work helped Vienna earn a bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community designation from the League of American Bicyclists in 2016.

The committee has been pushing for improvements beyond organized rides. Strunk and member Ken Barry met with Jim Corcoran of Fairfax County Parks in June to advocate for a paved trail at Cunningham Park. The BAC's broader project list includes bicycle parking at town parks, bike-friendly business outreach and improved I-66 signage for cyclists.

The Town of Vienna posted about the ride on its official social media account Oct. 6, encouraging residents to explore Vienna by bike. An updated Town of Vienna bike map is available on the BAC's page.

How to join: The ride is free and open to all ages. Bring a bike, helmet and water bottle. For questions, contact the Bicycle Advisory Committee at 703-255-6382 or [email protected].

Coming up: The BAC meets at 7 p.m. every other month at Town Hall before the Transportation Safety Commission's 8 p.m. session. Meeting dates and agendas are posted on the town's website.