As passionate advocates for safer and more accessible bicycling, FABB is calling on local riders to join us in supporting the Virginia Bicycling Federation’s efforts at the General Assembly in Richmond this year. By working together, we can push for vital legislation that will make Virginia’s roads safer and more welcoming for everyone on two wheels.
In recent years, bicycling advocates have achieved notable successes. Laws requiring drivers to maintain a safe three-foot distance when passing bicyclists have made sharing the road safer. The inclusion of bicycles on VRE trains has expanded multimodal commuting options, and funding for the Long Bridge bike and pedestrian crossing over the Potomac River will improve connectivity for cyclists. However, not all efforts have been successful. Last year, bills such as the Safety Stop and two-abreast riding legislation were defeated despite relatively strong support.
This year, bills with broader bipartisan support, addressing issues like speed enforcement and infrastructure maintenance, are in line for passage.
SB1007 is an important proposal that seeks to establish a Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Safety Improvements Infrastructure Fund through a modest annual tax of fifty cents per parking space in off-street facilities in Northern Virginia. The revenue generated would directly support better bicycling infrastructure.
Other important bills aim to expand the use of speed safety cameras to high-risk corridors and intersections, as well as authorize photo enforcement for violations at crosswalks and stop signs in school zones, highway work zones, and other high-risk areas. Proposals like HB2041, HB1673, and SB1233 reflect a growing recognition of the need for targeted safety measures in areas where bicyclists and pedestrians are most vulnerable.
Another bill, HB2159, seeks to redefine school crossing zones to include areas near schools and higher education institutions where student presence is expected. Meanwhile, SJ260 would direct a study on VDOT’s policies and funding allocation for maintaining essential infrastructure, including highways, bridges, sidewalks, and bike paths.
Advancing these measures will require strong support from constituents. Legislators pay close attention to the voices of the people they represent. A single email or phone call from a constituent can carry significant weight, especially during committee and subcommittee reviews.
These northern Virginia senators are members of the Senate Transportation committee: Boysko (Chair), 38thDistrict, Marsden, 35th District, and Pekarsky, 36th District. If you live in these districts, please contact them today and ask that they support these and other bike-related bills on this Thursday’s agenda (January 23). 34th District Senator Scott Surovell is a sponsor of SB1007, and if would be great if his constituents sent him a note of appreciation and 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.
The General Assembly’s short 30-day session this year began on 8 January, so there’s no time to waste. Bills pass through committees, subcommittees, and full chamber votes at a rapid pace, and your input is critical at each stage. Even if your representative isn’t directly involved in a committee vote, you can make a difference when bills reach the full House or Senate.
FABB will keep riders updated on the progress of these bills and let you know when your voice is needed most. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to your legislators now and urge them to support these important initiatives. Together, we can create a safer and more accessible bicycling environment across Virginia.
Your action today can shape the future of bicycling tomorrow.
