NOVA Parks News
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office to Host E-Bike Safety Event on W&OD Trail
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with NOVA Parks and the Friends of the W&OD to stress the legal use and safe operation of e-bikes and electric scooters in Loudoun County. A free educational event about the safe and responsible use of electric mobility devices will be hosted in partnership with NOVA Parks' Washington and Old Dominion Regional Park (W&OD) and the Friends of the W&OD. The free community event will take place on Saturday, August 1, from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot across from Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue, at 20694 Ashburn Rd., in Ashburn, Virginia.
“Keeping the W&OD Trail safe is a high priority for all of us in law enforcement,” said Sheriff Mike Chapman. “I look forward to this collaborative effort to educate both adults and children on the safe use of e-bikes and other motorized rides on the trail and throughout our community.”
The community is encouraged to attend the free event to learn about Virginia laws and safe operation of e-bikes, electric dirt bikes, electric scooters, mopeds, and other electric personal mobility devices. Responsible riding and trail etiquette will be highlighted, and all ages are invited to participate in hands-on riding demonstrations.
“The Friends of the W&OD always welcome questions, concerns, and collaboration with trail users,” said Kelley Westenhoff, President of the Friends group. “We are delighted to work alongside Loudoun County Sheriff to address this important issue.”
Since 1991, the resident-driven organization, the Friends of the W&OD (the Friends), has been a dedicated partner with NOVA Parks in protecting and improving the W&OD Trail. The Friends support the trail by funding improvement projects and organizing the Trail Patrol, a team of volunteers who promote safe use of the trail through the “On the Go & On the Know” Trail Safety Guidelines and provide assistance and information as needed.
Visit novaparks.com/EbikeEducationEvent for more information about the event and bicycle, e-bike and scooter safety.
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About NOVA Parks
Founded in 1959 as a conservation organization, NOVA Parks (Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority) represents three counties and three cities — Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church, and the City of Fairfax. The regional agency manages 37 parks with 12,500 acres of parkland, including waterparks, golf courses, campsites, historic sites, event venues, boat launches, annual holiday light shows, and a vertical adventure course.
About Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Often called the skinniest park in Virginia, Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park (W&OD) contains a 45-mile paved trail between Arlington and Purcellville, Virginia. The park and trail are named for the railroad that last traveled along its path, helping establish many hubs for economic development, which are now Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Leesburg, and Purcellville. The W&OD is now an important carbon-free transportation network for its more than 2 million users per year.
