Every year, Virginia decides which transportation projects move forward–and which ones don’t.

Those decisions shape everything from congestion, suburban sprawl, and safety to economic growth across the Commonwealth. But years before most people notice the impact, the decisions have already been made.

Right now is one of the few moments when that process is still open to public input.

Each spring, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) hosts a series of in-person public meetings in every region of the state as part of the Six-Year Improvement Program process, to give residents a direct opportunity to weigh in on funding priorities before decisions are finalized.

VDOT’s Six-Year Improvement Program searchable database

At these meetings, attendees can:

• Learn about proposed projects in VDOT’s searchable Six-Year Improvement Program.  Projects that primarily or substantially include active transportation facilities are often funded from the federal Transportation Alternatives (TAP), Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP), Regional Surface Transportation (RSTP), or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) programs, or from VDOT’s Revenue Sharing Program.
• Ask questions and talk with transportation staff
• Provide public comment that will be considered before funding decisions are finalized

Meeting details and links to the lists of the projects proposed for funding can be found on this VDOT webpage. All meetings will be held at 4pm, except where noted below:

Additionally, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will host a virtual public meeting on May 27 at 5:30p.m. More information can be found on the DRPT website.

Besides weighing in to support or oppose particular project funding proposals, bicycling and active mobility advocates can use these nine regional meetings to alert VDOT leadership of relevant concerns in their region or locality, such as:

• inadequate bicycling accommodations or wayfinding along segments of US Bicycle Routes 1 or 76;
• deteriorated shared-use paths or unswept bike lanes along VDOT highways;
• inadequate opportunities to reconfigure roadways with bike lanes, paved shoulders, and/or other safety features at minimal cost during the scheduled resurfacing of VDOT roadways;
• excessive design speeds that harm vulnerable road users on multilane commercial arterial roadways;
• traffic signals that lack pedestrian crossing signals or that fail to detect waiting bike riders on the roadway;
• winter maintenance practices that block sidewalks and paths at intersections and bus stops with mounds of snow and ice for weeks after winter storms; and
• hazardous intersections and freeway interchanges.

Now is the time to take part. Whether by attending a meeting or submitting comments online, Virginians have an opportunity to be part of the conversation before transportation funding decisions are finalized.

The outcomes of these decisions will impact communities across the Commonwealth for years to come, and when more voices are included the result is a transportation system that better reflects the needs and priorities of all Virginians–not just a few.

About the Virginia Bicycling Federation

The Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) works to make Virginia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we promote safe, accessible, and enjoyable bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. From historic trails to vibrant downtowns, bicycling connects us to our communities—and to Virginia’s rich past and promising future. Learn more at www.vabike.org.

To join or donate to VBF, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to https://app.joinit.com/o/virginia-bicycling-federation.

This article was written by VBF board members Jenn Million and Allen Muchnick.

Virginia bicycling advocates outside Sen. Tim Kaine’s office on March 25.

Last week, several members of the Virginia Bicycling Federation board, along with representatives from cycling organizations across the Commonwealth, traveled to Washington, D.C. for the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Summit.

Held annually, the Summit brings together advocates from across the country to learn about issues affecting vulnerable road users, participate in group rides that highlight different types of bike infrastructure, and take part in Lobby Day on Capitol Hill.

This year’s sessions covered a wide range of timely topics. Of particular interest to VBF was the growing need to distinguish between e-bikes and e-motorcycles in legislation–an issue that will be a key focus of our work in the coming year. Other sessions explored topics such as cycling on university campuses, measuring the economic benefits of bike infrastructure, improving bike access on Amtrak, and addressing barriers to everyday biking.

During Lobby Day, Virginia participants met with staff from eight Congressional offices to advocate for safer, more accessible transportation options. Key priorities included:

• Reauthorization of the Safe Streets for All program, which would provide $5 billion annually for fiscal years 2027–2031. The proposed changes would shift more funding toward implementation by reducing the portion allocated to planning projects from 40% to 20%.
• Support for a transportation reauthorization bill that maintains a strong Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), rather than combining it with other funding streams.
• Passage of the Sarah Debbink Lagenkamp Active Transportation Safety Act, which would allow states to use Highway Safety Improvement Program funds to help meet local match requirements for safety-focused TAP projects, which is an especially important change for rural and smaller communities that may struggle to cover the required 20% match.

The National Bike Summit continues to be an invaluable opportunity to connect with advocates from across the country, share ideas, and build momentum for safer, more accessible transportation systems. We’re honored to be a voice for Virginia and to bring those insights back to our communities.

Registration support for several VBF board members was made possible through member contributions. Thank you to our members for helping make this experience possible.

The 2026 General Assembly session has wrapped up, with exciting wins for safer streets across Virginia!  When enacted into law, these measures will make it safer for everyone who walks, bikes, and drives.

We encourage you to thank your legislators for their commitment to improving traffic safety and livability across the Commonwealth. Working alongside advocates statewide, we’ve built real momentum for even greater progress ahead.

Strengthening Traffic Safety Camera Programs

This year’s session delivered several updates to Virginia’s traffic safety camera laws to boost public confidence and ensure fair, consistent enforcement. Highlights include:

• Transparency in funding: Localities must now use revenue from traffic camera penalties only for their photo monitoring programs and local traffic safety initiatives. (Del. Delaney’s HB1220)
• Consistent enforcement: Beginning January 1, 2027, all traffic camera program summonses will use a standard form created by the Supreme Court of Virginia. (HB1220)
• Professional training: By July 1, 2027, officers who affirm traffic camera summonses must complete a Department of Criminal Justice Services course. (Del. Hayes’ HB684 and Sen. Diggs’ SB59).

Expanding Tools for Safer Streets

Lawmakers broadened options available to localities to help protect people on Virginia roads:

• Bicycle signal faces: Del. Carr’s HB812 will allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and localities to install “Bicycle Signal Faces” which can reduce  bicycle crash rates by up to 45 percent.
• More locations for Speed Safety Cameras: Del. Seibold’s HB994 permits use of cameras in designated “Safety Red Zones,” initially limited to Planning District 8 (NoVA).
• Extended school zone coverage: Sen. Jones’ SB221 allows cameras to operate up to 60 minutes before and after school arrivals and dismissals (up from 30 minutes).
• New programs in school and work zones: Sen. Williams-Graves’ SB84 lets localities use cameras to monitor pedestrian crossing and stop sign violations in school crossings and highway work zones.
• Accountability for unpaid summonses: Sen. Jones’ SB219  sets up a clear process if drivers don’t respond to summonses for traffic camera violations — a second notice after 30 days, and if there’s still no response, the DMV won’t register or re-register the vehicle.

Looking Ahead

These accomplishments mark meaningful progress toward safer streets statewide—but our work continues. Over the next year, the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) will focus on:

• Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast: Educating legislators before the 2027 General Assembly session about safety measures in Del. Willett’s 2026 HB661.
• Electric mobility safety: Contributing to a DMV-led work group studying ways to improve safety for electric-assist bicycles, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, as directed in Del. Singh’s HB1120.

The VBF Advocacy Committee welcomes your ideas and feedback on legislative or regulatory priorities that advance cycling safety and infrastructure investment. Share your thoughts at vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

Call to Action

Thanks to the dedication of advocates, legislators, and community partners, the foundation for safer streets in Virginia has never been stronger.

Thank your Senator and Delegate if they supported the measures listed above.  You can identify them here.

Give special thanks to the bill patrons for their leadership and commitment to traffic safety: Delegates Willett, Carr, Delaney, Hayes, Seibold, and Singh, along with Senators Diggs, Jones and Williams Graves

Together, we’re moving Virginia toward streets that are safer, fairer, and more connected for everyone.

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026 and 2027!

Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety Bill (HB661) Failed To Advance

Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety Bill (HB661) failed in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on Friday, March 6. While this outcome is disappointing, we’ll learn from this experience and keep Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast on the top of VBF’s legislative agenda for bicyclist safety in 2027.

Thank you to everyone for your calls and letters in support of HB661. Your advocacy led to unanimous support in the House and 13-1 bi-partisan support in the Senate Transportation Committee. That foundation gives us optimism for future success.

If your senator is one of the 13 who voted for HB661 in the Senate Transportation Committee on February 26 (i.e., Senators Bagby (Chair), Marsden,  Boysko, Hackworth, Sturtevant, Aird, Roem, Diggs, Mulchi, Srinivasan, Cifers, Jones, and Bennett-Parker), be sure to thank them, as well as your delegate.

Updates on Other Bills of Interest

Two bills have successfully passed both Houses and will be sent to the Governor to sign, veto, or amend: 

• Delegate Carr’s HB812, Bicycle Signal Faces, is a VBF-led bill that will enable VDOT to use Bicycle Signal Faces where appropriate.
• Delegate Singh’s HB1120 creates a DMV-led workgroup to develop recommendations for improving e-bike and e-moto safety.

One Traffic Camera Bill has passed the Senate, reported from House Transportation unanimously (21Y, 0N) and has been sent to the House floor for a vote

• Senator Jones’ Speed-Safety Camera bill (SB221) would let localities use school zone speed-safety cameras for up to 60 minutes before and after school start or dismissal, an increase from the current 30 minutes..

Two very different Traffic Camera bills are still alive in their respective General Assembly chamber, while Delegate Seibold’s two traffic camera bills have been killed.

• Delegate Delaney’s HB1220 Speed Safety Camera bill to increase transparency was modified in a SFAC subcommittee to conform it to the Senate version of Senator Williams Graves’ SB84. HB1220 is now a more onerous guardrails bill than the bill Delegate Delaney had workshopped with stakeholders.
• Senator Williams Graves’ SB84 reported from House Transportation with a substitute (17Y, 4N) The SB84 substitute is a stop sign and pedestrian camera bill with Delaney’s transparency and guardrail provisions.
• Delegate Seibold’s HB994 and HB1330 reported from Senate Transportation but failed in the SFAC. HB994 would have expanded allowed uses of speed cameras to include high risk corridors, while HB1330 would have allowed localities to use cameras for stop sign and pedestrian crossing violation monitoring.

Senator Srinivasan’s SB832 advances to the House floor. SB832 directs VDOT to develop criteria and recommendations for vulnerable road user safety zones. 

• SB832 passed the Senate (27Y, 13N) on February 6 and was reported by the House Rules Committee on March 6.
• If the bill passes and the Governor signs it, it will require a report to applicable committee chairs by November 1, 2026.

Thanks again to all for your engagement with legislators. Your advocacy made a difference. We have work ahead before the next General Assembly session, primarily continuing to educate legislators about proven safety measures and working within a DMV-led workgroup to help shape practical recommendations for improving e-bike and e-moto safety in a way that supports responsible riders and avoids unnecessary bureaucracy.

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026 and 2027!

A community bike bus gathers for a group ride to school.

Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

Our Bicyclist Safety Bill (HB661) Has Crossed Over to the Virginia Senate: 

Contact Your Senator before February 26

An increasing number of people are seriously injured or killed while riding bicycles in Virginia.  HB661 is a commonsense safety update that can prevent these crashes — and it now needs Senate approval.

Action Request:  

Please ask your State Senator to support Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661).

If your Senator serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, your personal stories about why bicyclist safety matters will be especially effective at ensuring their support for HB661.

You can use “Who’s My Legislator” to confirm your senator.  Read more about HB661’s safety benefits on the VBF blog. 

Thank you to everyone who spoke up earlier when asked — your voices matter.

More about contacting Senate Transportation Committee members:

• Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661) has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee where we expect it will be heard on February 26.
• It is particularly important to contact these Senators with your personal safety-focused stories as soon as possible:  Bagby (Chair), Marsden, DeSteph, Suetterlein, Boysko, Hackworth, Sturtevant, Aird, Roem, Diggs, Pekarsky, Mulchi, Srinivasan, Cifers, Jones
• If you are a member of an organization that supports HB661, you are encouraged to send a message of support to Senate Transportation Committee members by Wednesday, February 25.

How HB661 Improves Safety:

Delegate Willett’s HB661 is a safety-focused update that will align Virginia law with national best practices. HB661 improves safety while preserving right-of-way rules and maintaining protections for pedestrians and drivers.

Watch Delegate Willett explain HB661 to the House Transportation Subcommittee on Highway Safety and Policy on January 28.

• Safety Yield:
• • Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [1], legal in 11 states (and DC), reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware [2].
  • According to the Delaware State Police, crashes involving bicycles specifically at stop sign-controlled intersections fell by 23% in the 30 months after the Bicycle Friendly Delaware Act was signed into law in 2017 (compared to the comparable 30-month preceding period).  At the same time, all other crashes involving bicycles in Delaware only fell 8%.
• Proceed on Walk Signal:
  • People on bicycles on a roadway have been allowed to proceed on the walk signal since 2019 in New York City (NYC), after NYC’s DOT seven-month pilot program allowed cyclists to follow Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at 50 designated intersections and compared 50 control intersections [3]. NYC DOT then recommended this measure city-wide.
  • The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) has recommended this measure to extend the safety benefits of LPIs to a person bicycling on a roadway [4].
• Riding Two Abreast:   Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders.  While HB661 applies broadly to all people riding bicycles, a primary purpose is to allow parents to ride next to children; for example,
  • On a street with a speed limit of less than 35 mph, people riding bicycles may ride two abreast with no restrictions, as 26 states allow under all circumstances.
  • On a two-lane road with a speed limit of 35 mph or greater, the bill retains a restriction that people “riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic”.

Other Bicycling-Related Bills That Have Crossed Over:

1. Traffic-Safety Cameras:

VBF supports:

• • Speed cameras as a proven safety tool
  • Increased transparency and reporting on how camera revenues are used
  • Policies that prioritize safety in high-risk areas like school zones

Traffic-safety camera bills that have crossed over: 

• • HB1220 – Delegate Delaney’s Speed-Safety Camera bill to increase transparency
  • HB994 – Delegate Seibold’s bill to increase transparency and allow cameras in high-risk pedestrian corridors, as designated by the Commissioner of Highways
  • HB1330 – Delegate Seibold’s Stop-Sign Camera bill and with increased transparency
  • SB84 – Senator Williams Graves’ bill to increase transparency
  • SB221 – Senator Jones’ Speed-Safety Camera bill to allow school zone cameras to be operated up to 60 minutes before or after school start or dismissal.

2. Bicycle Signal Faces:

• Delegate Carr’s Bicycle Signal Faces bill (HB812) has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee where we expect it will be heard on February 26.
• HB812 improves the safety of people bicycling by enabling VDOT to employ this important safety device where appropriate in Virginia.
• “Research and experiments have shown that bicycle signal faces can …reduce the bicycle crash rate up to 45 percent.” [5]

Footnotes:

[1] NHTSA Stop-As-Yield Fact Sheet https://nhtsa.gov/document/bicyclist-stop-yield-laws-and-safety-fact-sheet

[2] Ibid

[3]  New York City Pilot Study Results. https://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bike-lpi-study-memo.pdf

[4] National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide

[5] Approval for Optional Use of a Bicycle Signal Face (IA-16), Dec 24, 2013, https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/interim_approval/ia16/

We appreciate the growing support for bicyclist safety among members of the General Assembly.

Please thank legislators who support safer roads and urge support for HB661 in the Virginia Senate.

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

About the Virginia Bicycling Federation

The Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) works to make Virginia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we promote safe, accessible, and enjoyable bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. From historic trails to vibrant downtowns, bicycling connects us to our communities—and to Virginia’s rich past and promising future. Learn more at www.vabike.org.

To join or donate to VBF, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit, go to https://app.joinit.com/o/virginia-bicycling-federation.

This article was drafted by VBF Advocacy Committee Chair Jim Durham.

The Virginia Senate Chamber (Image courtesy of the Virginia General Assembly)

Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

Every year in Virginia, people are seriously injured or killed while riding bicycles on our roads. HB661 is a commonsense safety update that can help prevent these crashes — and it now needs Senate approval.

Action Request:  

Please contact your State Senator and ask them to support Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661).

If your Senator serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, your outreach is most urgent. Personal stories about why bicyclist safety matters are especially effective.

You can use “Who’s My Legislator” to confirm your senator and read more about the safety benefits of HB661 on the VBF blog.

More about contacting Senate Transportation Committee members:

• Delegate Willett’s Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661) advanced unanimously from the House of Delegates on February 9th and has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.
• It is particularly important to contact these Senators with your personal safety-focused stories as soon as possible:  Bagby (Chair), Marsden, DeSteph, Suetterlein, Boysko, Hackworth, Sturtevant, Aird, Roem, Diggs, Pekarsky, Mulchi, Srinivasan, Cifers, Jones
• If you are a member of an organization that supports HB661, you are encouraged to send a letter of support to Senate Transportation Committee members using their individual email addresses by Wednesday, February 18,

How HB661 Improves Safety:

Delegate Willett’s HB661 is a safety-focused update that will align Virginia law with national best practices. HB661 improves safety while preserving right-of-way rules and maintaining protections for pedestrians and drivers.

• Safety Yield: Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [1], is legal in 11 states (and DC), and reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware [2].
• Proceed on Walk Signal: Recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to a person bicycling on a roadway [3].
• Riding Two Abreast: Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

Footnotes:

[1] NHTSA Stop-As-Yield Fact Sheet https://nhtsa.gov/document/bicyclist-stop-yield-laws-and-safety-fact-sheet

[2] Ibid.

[3]  National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) Urban Street Design Guide

Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly session is well underway, and several bills this year could meaningfully improve safety for people who ride bicycles. The Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) has been advocating for practical, evidence-based safety measures, and supporter engagement is making a real difference.

Below is a quick update on where things stand and how you can help.

Action Request:

Please contact your delegate and ask them to support Delegate Willett’s Omnibus Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661) on the House floor.  Its third reading is expected on Monday, February 9.

If your delegate serves on the House Transportation Committee, please thank them for supporting HB661 in committee. Personal stories about why bicyclist safety matters are especially effective.

You can read more about the safety benefits of HB661 on the VBF blog, and use “Who’s My Legislator” to confirm your delegate.

Highlights:

• HB661 (Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill) advanced unanimously from the House Transportation Committee and should receive a House floor vote on February 9.
• HB812 (Bicycle Signals Bill) also advanced with strong bipartisan support and should also receive a House floor vote on Monday.
• Three bills that could have negatively impacted bicyclist safety did not advance, with VBF advocacy playing an important role.
• Thank you to everyone who submitted comments or spoke up when asked — your voices matter.

Additional Bicycling-Related Bills:

E-Moto Safety:

Two delegates introduced legislation addressing safety concerns related to high-powered electric “e-motos,” which can reach speeds beyond legal e-bike limits.

• HB1120 would establish a stakeholder workgroup to develop solutions. VBF supports this collaborative approach.
• A related bill, HB269, was continued to 2027 to allow more time to find balanced solutions that protect safety without affecting responsible e-bike riders.

Traffic-Safety Cameras:

Several bills this session address traffic-safety camera programs, particularly in school zones.  VBF supports:

• Speed cameras as a proven safety tool
• Increased transparency and reporting on how camera revenues are used
• Policies that prioritize safety in high-risk areas like school zones

Multiple camera-related bills are still under review this session.  Two traffic-safety camera repeal bills, SB297 and SB306, were amended by their patron to merely prohibit charging any extra fees and to require an expanded annual operations report by each implementing agency.

We appreciate the growing support for bicyclist safety among members of the General Assembly. Please continue thanking legislators who support safer roads and urging support for HB661.

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

VBF President John Hamilton advocates for HB661 before the House Transportation Subcommittee on Highway Safety and Policy on January 28, 2026

Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

On January 28th, Delegate Willett’s Omnibus Bicyclists’ Safety Bill, HB661, unanimously passed the House Transportation Subcommittee on Highway Safety and Policy (8Y-0N).  Thanks to everyone who provided written comments and/or spoke in support.  Special shout out to City of Alexandria Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley for speaking in support.  Shout out and thanks to Delegate Rodney Willett who was awesome in his presentation to the subcommittee!

We anticipate that the Senate Transportation Committee may be a challenge for HB661 in mid February.  That committee is where bicycling safety bills have faltered or failed entirely in past years.  Our goal in the days ahead is to engage with and win support from as many Senate Transportation Committee members as possible.

Next steps for HB661:  The bill will next be heard in the full House Transportation Committee, which meets next at 9 am, Tuesday, Feb 3.  If successful there, it will be voted on in the full House, likely late in the week.

Updates on other key House bills:

Delegate Carr’s Bicycle Traffic Signals bill, HB812, also unanimously passed the same House Transportation subcommittee (8Y-0N) and should proceed smoothly going forward.  Shout out to John Bolececk and John Hamilton for critical last minute language updates for an HB812 substitute that the subcommittee adopted and reported.

Delegate Reid asked that his Motorized Mobility Vehicles bill, HB269, pass by for the week.  He had invited and received feedback from VBF and other organizations and indicated that he needed another week to develop a substitute HB269.  We expect HB269 will be heard in the House Transportation Subcommittee on Department of Motor Vehicles, which meets next 8 am, Tuesday, Feb 3.

Delegate JJ Singh’s Stakeholder Workgroup bill for Motorized Mobility Vehicles, HB1120, provides VBF’s preferred approach for identifying solutions to e-moto issues.  This bill is expected to be heard in its House Transportation subcommittee, which meets next 4 pm, Wednesday, Feb 4.

Delegate Tran’s HB1012 achieved a modicum of success despite failing to report from subcommittee.  The subcommittee recommended that the House Transportation Chair send a letter to VDOT requesting solutions for clearing snow from VDOT-owned sidewalks and crosswalks near schools in Planning District 8 (NoVA).

Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra has introduced a “Idaho Stop” bill, HB1417, to allow only pedal bicyclists to roll through red lights, stops signs and yield signs.  HB1417 would not allow riders of e-bikes and other devices to use these provisions. We may have more to say about this bill next week.

Updates about key Senate bills:

Senator Peake has requested that his traffic-enforcement camera ‘repeal’ bills, SB297 and SB306, pass by until Monday in the full Senate.  These bills would repeal authority for jurisdictions to use cameras for speed or traffic signal enforcement.  Senator Peake indicated that he needed more time to work with stakeholders on substitute bill language.

Speed Safety Camera (SSC) bills have met strong headwinds, with Senator Aird taking a leading role in opposing most SSC bills in the Senate Transportation Committee.  That said,…

• Sen. Michael Jones’ SB221 is enabling legislation that provides jurisdictions with an option to expand SSC operation for up to 60 minutes prior to and after school dismissal and arrival, rather than limited to 30 minutes before and after.  SB221 passed the committee 15Y-0N.
• Sen. Kannan Srinivasan’s SB832 would direct VDOT to identify vulnerable road user (VRU) safety zones and directs the Commissioner of Highways to place automated traffic enforcement systems in those zones.  SB832 reported from the committee and was rereferred to Senate Finance and Appropriations 8Y-7N.  Sen Aird voted NO, but Sen Diggs voted YEA, allowing the bill to report and be rereferred on a bi-partison basis.

Action Look Ahead:

• If not already done, contact Senators serving on the Senate Transportation Committee to support HB661; namely, Bagby (Chair), Marsden, DeSteph, Suetterlein, Boysko, Hackworth, Sturtevant, Aird, Roem, Diggs, Pekarsky, Mulchi, Srinivasan, Cifers, Jones.
• Be on the lookout for additional updates and action alerts next week!

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

HB661 (Delegate Willett), our Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, is on the agenda for the next meeting of the House Transportation Subcommittee for Highway Safety and Policy, which will convene at 4 pm, Wednesday, January 28, 2026.  If reported favorably by the subcommittee, HB661 could be heard by the full House Transportation Committee as early as Thursday, January 29, at 9 am.

HB661 contains these three bicyclist safety provisions: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast.

Please write in support of HB661 TODAY, if possible.  To submit written comments online for the subcommittee hearing, go here and then select HB661.

Our abbreviated talking points are shown below and linked here.  See more details here.

If you’d like to contact the members of this subcommittee and/or the full committee directly, they are:

House Transportation Subcommittee for Highway Safety and Policy:  Reid (Chair), Ward, McQuinn, Anthony, Bennett-Parker, Mehta, Thomas, Knight, Ballard, Williams, Delaney (Ex-Officio)

Full House Transportation Committee:  Delaney (Chair), Reid (Vice Chair), Ward, McQuinn, Carr, Watts, Sewell, Glass, McClure, Anthony, Feggans, Bennett-Parker, Guzman, Mehta, Thomas, Knight, Austin, Wyatt, Wiley, O’Quinn, Ballard, Williams

Please also consider supporting two other bills which are docketed for the same subcommittee on January 28: 

• Del. Carr’s HB812, a VBF-led bill that will enable VDOT to use Bicycle Signal Faces where appropriate.
• Del. Tran’s HB1010, a VBF-supported bill to allow jurisdictions in Planning District 8 (NoVA) to use speed safety cameras in school zones more broadly, defined to include areas surrounding schools where the presence of students, in addition to children, reasonably requires a special warning to motorists.

Updates on bills heard in House Transportation subcommittees on January 27:

• Del. Reid‘s HB269 was passed by for the week and will be heard next Tuesday at 8 am.
• Del Tran’s HB1012 was tabled, but with a recommendation for the House Transportation Committee chair to send a letter to VDOT to identify a solution for snow clearing from VDOT-controlled sidewalks.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com

About the Virginia Bicycling Federation

The Virginia Bicycling Federation works to make Virginia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we promote safe, accessible, and enjoyable bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. From historic trails to vibrant downtowns, bicycling connects us to our communities—and to Virginia’s rich past and promising future. Learn more at www.vabike.org.

A parent alongside students riding to school in Alexandria, VA.  Photo courtesy of Jim Durham.

Current bill status as of February 26, 2026:  HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9.  On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.   

Virginia’s current law around riding two abreast creates unnecessary risk for people bicycling — especially families and less-experienced riders. Research shows that riding two abreast is often safer than riding single file, yet Virginia law restricts it in ways that are unclear and difficult to follow.

As written, it can be illegal for a parent to ride next to their child on a neighborhood street when a faster-moving vehicle approaches from behind. This creates confusion, discourages safe riding practices, and puts people in harm’s way.

Virginia’s “riding two abreast” language is also out of step with the clearer, simpler standards used by most other states.

Allowing riding two abreast on low-speed roads, while clearly defining when it may be limited on higher-speed, two-lane roads, would improve safety and make the law easier for everyone — bicyclists and drivers alike — to understand.

Riding two abreast is one of three measures in the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety bill that the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) is preparing for the 2026 General Assembly session, which starts on January 14.

Take action: Read this post and share it to help build understanding and support for safer bicycling laws in Virginia.

What’s the Problem?

Virginia’s current law is ambiguous and creates unnecessary risk for people bicycling. In practice, it can prevent parents, caregivers, or experienced riders from riding next to children or less-experienced riders on neighborhood streets — even when doing so would be safer.

This lack of clarity forces bicyclists into single file in situations where riding side by side would improve visibility and safety.

How Does Riding Two Abreast Improve Safety? 

Image courtesy of BikeWalk NC. Artwork by Keri Caffrey.

Increases visibility
Riding two abreast makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers approaching from behind and from the opposite direction.

Improves perception of position and passing space
Riding side by side helps drivers better judge where bicyclists are in the lane and whether there is enough space to pass safely without changing lanes.

Discourages unsafe passing
Riding two abreast reduces the likelihood that drivers will attempt to squeeze past bicyclists in the same lane when there is not enough room to overtake safely without changing lanes.

Are There Other Benefits?

Yes. Allowing riding two abreast makes it easier for parents and caregivers to ride alongside children and less-experienced riders on neighborhood streets, offering guidance, communication, and reassurance where it matters most.

Riding two abreast shortens the length of the cycling group, making it quicker and easier for drivers to pass safely, by changing lanes when conditions allow.

What Has the Research Shown?

• A 2020 North Carolina legislative study concluded that riding two abreast is safer than riding single file and recommended no state restrictions on two-abreast bicycling.
• A 2020 Australian study found that riding two abreast in a traffic lane reduced risk for cyclists.
• A 2021 study in Spain found higher compliance with safe passing distances when cyclists rode two abreast.

Has Riding Two Abreast Been Adopted Elsewhere?

Yes.

• Twenty-six states have no restrictions on riding two abreast on roadways.
• Twenty-one states, including Virginia, allow riding two abreast on roadways when not impeding traffic.  Most of these states use clear language recommended by the Uniform Vehicle Code; namely, “Persons riding two abreast shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.“

Would Proposed Language Allow Bicycling Groups on Faster Roads to Impede Traffic?

No. On two-lane roadways with posted speed limits above 30 MPH, two-abreast bicyclists would still be prohibited from impeding “the normal and reasonable movement of traffic”.  Most bicyclists actively cooperate with motor traffic to share the road safely.

The Bottom Line

The Omnibus Bicyclist Safety bill is a commonsense, safety-focused update that will reduce crashes involving bicyclists, support family and community riding, and bring Virginia law in line with proven national best practices.

Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026.

Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com