Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

Oct. 28, 2026

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about Capital Bikeshare ridership, the Aqua Flex pass sale, encouraging roadway safety by reducing speed limits, enjoying Fall leaves, Pedestrian Safety Month and the proposed Park Authority Fee Schedule. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at fairfaxcounty.gov.

Capital Bikeshare ridership in Fairfax County continues to reach new highs, with riders setting an all-time monthly record of 6,560 trips in August. The momentum continued into September, with 5,770 trips recorded, making it the highest September ridership ever and the third-highest month overall. Since June, each month has set a new ridership record for that calendar month, with both June and August establishing all-time monthly highs. The sustained growth reflects increasing use of Capital Bikeshare as a transportation option across Fairfax County. One of the new stations is already exceeding expectations. Since installation in May to the end of September, 857 trips have begun or ended at the Route 7 and Jefferson Street station in Bailey’s Crossroads, the most of any newly added station, demonstrating strong early demand for bikeshare in the area. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation completed the installation of 27 new Capital Bikeshare stations this summer. The expansion added bikeshare service in Annandale, Bailey’s Crossroads, Seven Corners, Belle Haven, Huntington and Mount Vernon, providing additional connections to the larger Capital Bikeshare network throughout the Metro D.C. region. The project also added 45 electric bikes and 134 classic bikes to Fairfax County’s fleet. The expanded Capital Bikeshare network strengthens connections to nearby bus routes, Metro stations, shopping centers, schools, parks, trails and other destinations. Learn more online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation.

As the weather cools, activity in Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Center pools is just heating up. Take the plunge into aquatic fitness this fall by purchasing the Aqua Flex pass — available at a discounted rate during November. The Aqua Flex pass offers drop-in entry to aquatics exercises classes at Rec Centers throughout Fairfax County. Purchase a 20-visit pass for a 10% discount and a 30-visit pass for a 15% discount from Nov. 1 through Nov. 30. Adding water exercise into your routine improves cardiovascular health, balance, coordination, flexibility, endurance and strength, all while reducing strain on joints, helping reduce stress and contributing to weight loss. Learn more on fairfaxcounty.gov/parks, or visit the Rec Center Aquatics and Swimming webpage.

Fairfax County is taking steps to encourage roadway safety by reducing speed limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour on 10 selected roads in the Dranesville, Mason and Providence districts beginning Fall 2026. The effort is part of a pilot study by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation to measure the impacts of reduced speed limits on various roads throughout the County, ultimately to create a safer environment for walking, biking, riding and driving. Pilot roads were identified by the county’s Department of Transportation in coordination with the Board of Supervisors district offices by considering several factors, including pedestrian activity, presence of sidewalks, marked crosswalks and transit stops, the presence of schools and other community uses, along with the Fairfax County Vulnerability Index. The county also sought resident feedback when selecting roads for the study. After the first three pilot zones are installed, county DOT staff will work with the remaining Board offices to implement pilot study zones in additional districts. For more information and district maps, visit the 20 mph Reduced Speed Limit Pilot Study webpage on fairfaxcounty.gov.

Finally, get more Fairfax County news and event information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news.

Happy Fall! Leaves are changing colors all around us. Trees are an important part of our community that provide a lot of benefits to us beyond shade on a hot summer day. Did you know there are approximately 40+ million trees in Fairfax County? There’s a lot you should know about trees (and why more native trees are needed). Our estimated 40+ million trees will put on a spectacular show of colors. Headliners include the county’s most common species: red maple, American beech and the tulip tree. Check out Visit Fairfax’s best locations for leaf peeping, including:

• the GW Parkway.
• Burke Lake.
• Huntley Meadows.
• and Meadowlark Botanical Gardens.

Fall colors are popular everywhere, so check out the Virginia Fall Foliage Report to track where colors are changing across the commonwealth. NewsCenter has links and more information. Search for "fall foliage viewing, planting and more" at fairfaxcounty.gov.

October is Pedestrian Safety Month, a reminder for everyone who drives, walks or bikes in Fairfax County to slow down, stay alert and look out for one another, especially as daylight hours grow shorter. Four in five fatal pedestrian crashes in Fairfax County happen after dark, making visibility and awareness especially important during the fall and winter months. To help residents stay safe, we are sharing practical safety tips, distributing reflective materials and highlighting familiar local streets and intersections in new safety messages. These efforts build on the county's longstanding Take a Moment pedestrian safety initiative, with a new message: See and Be Seen. Residents may recognize some of the Fairfax County streets and intersections featured in the new photography, bringing the safety reminders closer to home. Pedestrian safety is also a year-round focus for our Police Department through traffic enforcement and safety education, and our Department of Transportation through roadway improvements and initiatives such as the county's Active Transportation Plan, which aims to make walking, biking and other ways of getting around safer and more accessible. NewsCenter has more. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority presented the proposed 2027 Park Authority Fee Schedule for consideration at a recent meeting of the Park Authority Board, kicking off an essential community engagement process. The Park Authority Board considers fee adjustments on an annual basis, with the goal of balancing user impact with the financial stability of park programs and services. Pending adoption, the 2027 fee schedule will be effective starting Jan. 1, 2027. Park fees support the operation and maintenance of Fairfax County’s park system, including rec centers, golf courses, nature centers, camps, classes, water parks, amusements, park programs and amenities. These facilities and amenities provide enjoyment and memorable experiences for millions of park visitors each year. Recognizing the importance of community involvement, the Park Authority Board is actively seeking public feedback on the 2027 fee schedule to ensure that it reflects the priorities of Fairfax County residents. The Park Authority invites community members to share their thoughts and comments by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20. For more details about the proposed fee schedule, visit our PublicInput webpage, or email the Park Authority at parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.

That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Virginia, Government.