Pedal Power! Mayor Gaskins Joins MacArthur Elementary’s Bike Bus on a Chilly Friday Morning

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Chilly temperatures couldn’t put the brakes on an enthusiastic group of young cyclists Friday morning, November 13, as Douglas MacArthur Elementary School students pedaled through Alexandria with a special guest: Mayor Alyia Gaskins.

Forget the yellow school bus! These students prefer two wheels, fresh air and a little pedal power to kick-start their school day.

Launched officially in fall 2026, the Douglas MacArthur Bike Bus transforms the morning commute into a rolling neighborhood adventure. Along the way, children build friendships, gain confidence and discover that getting to school can be half the fun.

A School Bus Without the Bus

Imagine a vibrant procession of young cyclists riding together under the supervision of parent volunteers, who steer them safely down designated neighborhood pathways.

Although MacArthur families have biked to school for years, the official program brings organization, consistency and added safety to the morning commute.

Three bike bus lines currently serve the school, departing from the Wakefield-Tarleton and Taylor Run neighborhoods. Children join at designated pickup points along the routes.

Parents Keep the Wheels Turning

Kursten Phelps, parent of a MacArthur fourth grader, serves as bike bus captain. She coordinates volunteers who keep the wheels turning each Friday.

Typically, 15 to 20 students participate in the organized rides.

Mayor Gaskins Tackles the Hill

Mayor Gaskins discovered firsthand that bike bus adventures sometimes require serious pedal power, especially on a brisk November morning.

Recalling the climb from Wheeler Avenue near the Child and Family Network Centers, Gaskins described cycling uphill past the Alexandria Police Department.

“You had all the kids and parents, just, like, pedaling nonstop to get us to the top,” Gaskins recalled. “It’s fantastic. It was fun.”

More Than Just a Morning Commute

For Phelps, the mayor’s participation highlighted the program’s community spirit.

“We are thrilled to have Mayor Gaskins join us this morning on the Douglas MacArthur Bike Bus,” Phelps said.

“Bike buses are a great way to build community, for our kids to have fresh air, physical activity, and social time before school.”

Parent-Led Solutions to Traffic Challenges

Beyond Friday’s excitement, PTA leaders see the bike bus as a practical response to neighborhood traffic concerns.

Rose Stephens Greger, executive vice president of the Douglas MacArthur Elementary School PTA, praised the initiative.

“Today’s event was a great success in shining a light on parent-driven, community-led solutions for our children to get to school safely,” Greger said.

She also emphasized the need for broader cooperation.

PTA leaders seek support from the Alexandria City School Board, Alexandria Police Department and city transportation officials to address traffic concerns along Seminary Road, Janneys Lane, North Quaker Lane, Braddock Road and King Street.

More Bikes, More Riders

Greger estimated that approximately 34 to 40 students currently bicycle to school, including those riding independently. Growing interest has also prompted requests for additional bicycle racks.

Alexandria Bike Buses, a grassroots, parent-led organization, provides training and support to help families establish and sustain school bike buses.

Greger encouraged interested families to connect with the Douglas MacArthur program and join one of its three routes.

Small Wheels, Big Possibilities

Meanwhile, Phelps sees every ride as an opportunity for children to discover their capabilities, whether conquering a hill or navigating their neighborhoods.

“With each ride together on the bike bus, our community gets to know each other a little better,” Phelps said.

For MacArthur’s young cyclists, Friday mornings now offer something worth getting out of bed for: friends, fresh air and the freedom of the open road.

And perhaps the occasional mayor pedaling alongside them!