The legislative session hasn’t started yet but bills are being pre-filed and the Virginia Bicycle Federation is already watching.
Each year, the Virginia Bicycle Federation monitors and advocates for or against bills that might affect bicycling and walking in Virginia, bills that could make it safer and easier or more dangerous and difficult to bicycle and walk. RIDE Solutions reports on the bills that the Virginia Bicycle Federation is watching. This article is for informational purposes; RIDE Solutions neither endorses nor opposes proposed legislation. You can find more information and track bills at http://virginiageneralassembly.gov/
The docket is heavy this year and it is expected that bills not pre-filed before the start of the session are unlikely to get assigned to a committee. Some of the bills that have been filed or are expected to be filed soon are:
- Automated speed enforcement
- Distracted driving
- Contributory negligence
- Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk
- “Idaho” stop (allows bicyclists to roll through a stop sign if there is no conflict)
- Mandatory helmet law (Virginia Bicycle Federation opposes)
- Prohibit motor vehicles using the bike lane to pass
- Increased penalties for traffic violations that result in a fatality or serious injury
- Prohibit passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk
- Increased protection for vulnerable road users
- Authorize bicyclists to proceed on the walk signal with a Leading Pedestrian Interval
The legislative session starts January 8, 2020.
