As the Virginia General Assembly session continues, this Tuesday, February 4, is the deadline for bills to pass their originating chamber to remain in play. Several key bills have made the cut, but FABB is encouraging local bicyclists to take action, contact their legislators, and show their support for the remaining bills.
First, please act immediately to support Fairfax Del. Holly Seibold’s HB2041, which expands speed safety cameras to high-risk corridors and intersections beyond schools and work zones. It successfully cleared its committee with amendments and faces a final House vote on Monday, February 3. Don’t wait to send supportive emails to your delegate and let’s also send thank you notes to those who have already backed the bill!
Among the bills advancing to the other chamber is SB1233, which allows the use of camera enforcement at stop signs and crosswalks to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. Ask your delegate to support this bill.
Similarly, SB1007, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, originally proposed as a $0.50 tax per parking space in Northern Virginia to fund bicycle and pedestrian projects. It has been substituted with a bill that directs the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to convene a stakeholder group to explore funding solutions for bike and pedestrian projects, with recommendations due by October 1, 2025. The substitute bill has passed the full Senate and is now headed to the House for consideration.
Another crucial bill, HB2096, championed by Families for Safe Streets, would require repeat reckless drivers to install an intelligent speed assistance (ISA) device in their vehicle to prevent speeding. This bill has passed the full House and is now headed to the Senate Transportation Committee. These northern Virginia senators are members of the Senate Transportation committee: Boysko (Chair), 38 th District, Marsden, 35th District, and Pekarsky, 36th District. Send them a note today!
Some Harmful Legislation to Oppose
The terrible SB1209 threatens to severely curtail or eliminate automated enforcement by imposing onerous calibration requirements and redirecting revenues away from safety improvements. This ‘poison pill’ bill will be heard by the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Monday morning. Please send a message urging a NO vote to northern Virginia Senators Surovell (Chair), Boysko; Carroll Foy; and Salim
Act Now!
With time slipping away, it is more important than ever to make your voice heard. Legislators pay attention to their constituents, and a well-timed email or phone call can make all the difference. If your Delegate or Senator is considering any of these bills, please take a moment to reach out and express your support.
If you’re unsure who your representatives are, a quick search using tools like the Virginia General Assembly’s Who’s My Legislator? page can provide the information you need.
Your advocacy can help ensure safer streets, better infrastructure, and stronger protections for bicyclists across Virginia. Let’s keep the momentum going—contact your legislators today!
