- Two bills protecting vulnerable road users have been signed and two more will be improved by amendment before signing this month.
- Laws to become effective in July and at the start of 2021.
Correction: Two of the new laws become effective on July 1, 2020 and two on January 1, 2021.
Jim Durham, the Chair of the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, provided the following update on bicycle-related legislation passed during the 2020 Virginia General Assembly.
Governor Northam signed the following two bills which will become effective in 2021.
- HB874 – Distracted Driving (Hands Free). The lone bill to begin in 2021.
- HB1705 – Stop for Pedestrians. This bill also prohibits a driver from passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
The governor proposed amendments to two of the bills. The General Assembly will reconvene in a socially-distanced manner later this week to consider and most like approve the amendments.
- HB1442 – Photo Enforcement. Enables Automated Photo Speed Enforcement in school and work zones. A minor amendment proposed by the governor was suggested by the Virginia State Police.
- SB 437 – Vulnerable Road User. The minor amendment proposed by the governor was suggested by the bill’s sponsor, 36th District Senator Scott Surovell, to ensure that children in bike trailers were included.
Thanks to Jim for helping to keep track of these legislative developments.
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