Town officials and staff gathered for a ribbon-cutting early Monday evening at Raflo Park. They were celebrating a new bike depot, which features a bike rack, drinking fountain, air pump, lighting, seating and a portable restroom.

Earlier this year, the Town Council discussed several efforts to implement a bike and pedestrian plan across Leesburg. They approved $12,000 in the FY 2012 budget in order to construct bicycle oriented improvements at the park and in June the improvements were already underway.

"One of the key features is of course it’s location," Mayor Kristen Umstattd said, adding that it's close to downtown Leesburg as well as a number of restaurants and cafes. "We wanted to encourage people to stop here for water or if they needed to use the restroom or just rest and enjoy Raflo Park and the trail."

Councilman Dave Butler said he tries to commute to his office in Sterling at least twice a week. After seeing a number of amenities located further down the bike path he felt it would benefit Leesburg to have the same.

"I think it’s great," he said. "From people who I’ve told, they all think it’s a wonderful idea and hopefully we can go even further and make Leesburg more bike and pedestrian-friendly."

A bike rack has also been installed at the town hall as well as Georgetown Park. In addition, the Leesburg Downtown Business Association is working on maps and signage to improve the visual link from the W&OD Trail (near South King Street) to downtown businesses. 

"As Leesburg changes demographically we’re finding more and more people like to be on bikes and like to walk," Umstattd said. "We will attempt to address those needs as they arise."