This week, the Virginia General Assembly saw several important bicyclist safety bills advance, but key votes are still ahead and your voice matters more than ever.
HB661 Advances—But the Hardest Part Is Still Ahead
Delegate Willett’s HB661, the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, passed unanimously (21–0) out of the House Transportation Committee and is headed to a full House vote expected Monday, February 9. This is a significant milestone and a testament to years of steady advocacy by the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF), FABB, and riders across the Commonwealth.
HB661 would:
- Allow bicyclists to ride two abreast, making it safer for parents and less-experienced riders
- Permit bicyclists to proceed on the pedestrian walk signal, reducing intersection conflicts
- Enable Safety Yield, allowing riders to treat stop signs as yield signs in limited, low-risk situations
While we’re cautiously optimistic about a House vote, the Senate Transportation Committee remains the biggest challenge. Similar bills have failed there in past years.
Action Needed: Contact Your Senator and Supervisor
Please take a few minutes to act now:
- Email your State Senator and urge them to support HB661 when it reaches the Senate.
- Fairfax-area Senators David Marsden and Stella Pekarsky are especially important swing votes—they’ve voted NO on past versions and need to hear from local bicyclists like you.
- Contact your Fairfax County Supervisor and ask them to publicly support HB661.
- Personal stories about why bicyclist safety matters in your daily life are especially effective.
Good News on E‑Bike Policy
Another positive development this week: Delegate Reid tabled HB269, a heavy-handed proposal that would have swept many e-bikes into a strict regulatory framework aimed at problematic high-powered e‑motos. Instead, he will co‑patron HB1120, which creates a stakeholder workgroup to thoughtfully address safety concerns without undermining the growing use of legal e-bikes.
This is a balanced, evidence-based approach—one that protects safety while encouraging more people to ride instead of drive.
Other legislative highlights include:
- HB812 (Bicycle Signals Bill) advanced with strong bipartisan support and is also expected to receive a House floor vote.
- Several bills that could have negatively impacted bicyclist safety did not advance, thanks in part to strong advocacy.
- Traffic-safety camera bills remain under debate. VBF continues to support speed cameras as a proven safety tool, especially in school zones, along with transparency and accountability.
Advocacy Is Working—Let’s Keep It Going
The progress we’re seeing didn’t happen by accident. It happened because riders spoke up—by submitting comments, emailing legislators, and sharing their experiences.
Please keep the momentum going. Thank legislators who support safer streets, urge others to support HB661, and help ensure Virginia continues moving toward safer, more bike-friendly communities.
Together, we can get this across the finish line.
