Getting Around Reston Without a Car

I just spent the last four days cooped up in a packed mini-van from Oceanside, CA to Sedona, AZ. I was part of a team providing support to our friend, , founder of Hopecam a Reston based non-profit, in his training for the worlds most difficult cycling race "Race Across America". 

Although this journey gave us a glimpse at some facinating communities across the county, it truly made me appreciate the vast resources we have in Reston even more!  Even though I was stuck in a gas-powered vehicle (fortunately we were "carpooling") supporting Len as he pedaled across the country, we were  provided a reminder that we do have the ability to travel just about anywhere without a car! Needless to say, the journey increased my enthusiasm for this weekends forum and alternative transportation solutions.

With only five days to go until the (March 31, 9 - Noon, RCC Lake Anne)  provided me with a sneak preview of what you can expect to find at this event on Saturday.

• , Hunter Mill District Supervisor, will open the Forum with her take on the transportation scene, sharing a few experiences from her own journeys aboard Fairfax Connector buses and METRO as she journeys to meetings of the METRO Board, which she currently chairs.
• Dan O'Reilly of , which provides an alternative door-to-door service for people unable to use public transportation.  
• Paul Mounier of the Fairfax County Department of Transportation we'll get an insiders report on the latest in route planning and updates to the RIBS internal bus system as Reston prepares for the arrival of METRO.  
• Michelle Scott of the Vienna Oakton Shepherd Center will talk about the valuable volunteer driver programs that supplement public transportation in our area.
• Time to visit exhibit tables that will offer useful take-home information from about a dozen transportation providers and facilitators, including FISH, the Shepherd Center, Endependence travel training Center, an arm of METRO, Useful Services Exchange and more!
• The display area extends out of doors, where you can see and get aboard a kneeling RIBS bus, that makes it easier for seniors and users of walkers, canes etc. to get aboard.
• There will be two taxicabs, on display by the Redtop and Yellow cab companies to demonstrate their handicapped accessible and energy saving features
• There will be an Ecruiser (electric car) see video below, now offering free rides between in other communities with sponsorship by local business and organizations.

As always visit www.restonforalifetime.org or email aginginreston@gmail.com with questions, comments or ideas.