by Candida Volkman
Published 2 years ago
Updated 1 year ago
8 min read
Where can I find Virginia’s bicycle laws?
May 23, 2021 · If you would like to discuss your case with a Virginia bicycle accident lawyer, Tom welcomes your email or call for a free consultation. Contact Timmy at [email protected] (843-416-9060) or Tom at [email protected] (844-531-7530).. Is it against the law to ride a bike without a helmet in Virginia?
Are electric personal assistive mobility devices allowed on bicycle paths?
Mar 25, 2022 · Code of Virginia. Table of Contents » Title 46.2. Motor Vehicles » Subtitle III. Operation » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Article 12. Bicycles » § 46.2-905. Riding bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electric power-assisted bicycles, motorized skateboards or scooters, and mopeds on roadways and bicycle paths
How do I find a lawyer in Virginia?
Mar 23, 2022 · Code of Virginia. Table of Contents » Title 46.2. Motor Vehicles » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Chapter 8. Regulation of Traffic » Article 12. Bicycles. Article ; Creating a Report: Check the sections you'd like to appear in the report, then use the "Create Report" button at the bottom of the page to generate your report. Once the report is generated you'll then have …
What are the laws for wearing a bicycle helmet in California?
Jun 29, 2021 · Many new laws will go into effect in Virginia on July 1 including changes to bicycle traffic laws. Motorists will now be required to change lanes to …
Can you get a DUI on a bicycle in VA?
Can you get a DUI on a bicycle in Virginia? The answer is no. Bikes are not considered motor vehicles, so you can't get a DUI for biking under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Jan 17, 2022
Is it a law to wear a bicycle helmet in VA?
EQUIPMENT. Virginia state law does not require bicyclists to wear a helmet. A country, city or town can pass an ordinance to require children 14 years and younger to wear a helmet. At night, bicycles must be equipped with a front white headlight visible from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet.
Is it illegal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in Virginia?
Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or traffic control devices. While on sidewalks and shared use paths, bicyclists must always yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian.Dec 13, 2021
What is the new bicycle law in Virginia?
The Virginia Bicycling Safety Act On March 31st, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed the Bicyclist Safety Act into law. This new traffic regulation requires motorists to: Change lanes while passing cyclists when the lane is not wide enough to pass the cyclist with at least 3 feet of space in between.Apr 23, 2021
Can you ride bicycle on pavement?
It's generally accepted that cycling is not typically allowed on the pavement – unless an established cycle lane has suddenly vanished into thin air.Mar 6, 2020
Can you ride a bicycle on the highway?
Ultimately, a bicycle is a mode of transport just like a car, and is considered as being for the road. The Highway Code makes it crystal clear that cycling on a pavement is not allowed, it's therefore frustrating for cyclists that they are often treated as though that same rule applies on the road.
Is it illegal to not wear a helmet on a bike?
Modern cycle helmets are very light, comfortable and easy to wear. The chances of a bike helmet saving your life, or at least reducing the severity of an injury, are high enough to make it worth wearing one. So do you have to wear a bike helmet? You are not required to wear a bike helmet by law.Mar 16, 2021
Are Ebikes legal in Virginia?
Commonwealth of Virginia law allows the use of electric powered bicycles (e-bikes), skateboards, scooters, e-skateboards, hoverboards, e-scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices” (such as Segway's and wheelchairs), and electric personal delivery devices, wherever regular bicycles are allowed.
When passing someone riding a bicycle ahead of you what should you do?
Leave a safe distance of not less than three (3) feet between the vehicle and the bicyclist and maintain such clearance until safely past the bicycle. Leave a safe distance when passing the bicycle, and maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle.Sep 10, 2021
What are the new bicycle laws?
In addition to these new safe passing distances, the new Rule 72 establishes the right for cyclists to ride in the centre of their lane, to ensure they remain visible. Cyclists are expected to move to the left to allow faster vehicles to overtaken when it is safe to do so.Jan 21, 2022
Are cyclists allowed to ride two abreast?
You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you, and allow them to overtake (e.g. by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so.Jan 27, 2022
Is Richmond VA bike friendly?
Richmond – Among other accolades, Richmond has been recognized on a BuzzFeed list of “10 Cities You Should Explore on Two Wheels.” The Connect RVA project, a plan to build 20+ miles of new family-friendly bikeways, makes Richmond one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Commonwealth.May 8, 2014
What is a bicycle in the Commonwealth?
Riding or driving vehicles on sidewalks; exceptions. No person shall ride or drive any vehicle on the sidewalks of any county, city, or town of the Commonwealth other than (i) an emergency vehicle, as defined in § 46.2-920; (ii) a vehicle engaged in snow or ice removal and control operations ;
What is electric power assisted bicycle?
Except as otherwise provided in this section, an electric power-assisted bicycle or an operator of an electric power-assisted bicycle shall be afforded all the rights and privileges, and be subject to all of the duties, of a bicycle or the operator of a bicycle.
How old do you have to be to drive an electric scooter?
No person less than 14 years old shall drive any electric personal assistive mobility device, motorized skateboard or scooter, or class three electric power-assisted bicycle unless under the immediate supervision of a person who is at least 18 years old.
When will electric bicycles be affixed to the label?
On and after January 1, 2021, manufacturers and distributors of electric power-assisted bicycles shall permanently affix a label, in a prominent location, to each electric power-assisted bicycle that they manufacture or distribute.
Can you ride a bicycle in the same direction?
A person riding a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or foot-scooter, or moped shall not travel between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction, except where one lane is a separate turn lane or a mandatory turn lane.
What is a class 3 bicycle?
2. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a bicycle or shared-use path may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted bicycles on such path. 3. A locality or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail may regulate the use of electric power-assisted bicycles on such trail.
What is a substandard width lane?
For purposes of this section, a "substandard width lane" is a lane too narrow for a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device, electric power-assisted bicycle, motorized skateboard or scooter, or moped and another vehicle to pass safely side by side within the lane.
Rights and Duties
Every person riding a bicycle on a highway shall be subject to the provisions of the Code of Virginia section on motor vehicles and shall have the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle unless a provision clearly indicates otherwise.
Definitions
An electric power-assisted bicycle means a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power, (ii) a seat for the use of the rider, and (iii) an electric motor with an input of no more than 750 watts.
Traffic Controls
Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings.
Where to Ride
Electric power-assisted bicycles may be ridden on shared use paths or sidewalks unless prohibited by the locality or facility owner. Class 1, 2, and 3 electric power-assisted bicycles are allowed on all VDOT owned shared use paths.
Changing Directions
Bicyclists must signal their intentions to stop or turn. The proper signals are made with the left arm as follows:
Passing
Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle only when safe to do so.
Opening and Closing Motor Vehicle Doors
Effective July 1, 2016, no motor vehicle operator shall open the door of a parked motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving vehicular traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so.
How to ride defensively?
Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards. Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you. Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots while riding or when stopped at an intersection. Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities.
How to pass a bike?
Bicycles are subject to many of the same laws as motor vehicles, and Bicyclists are subject to many of the same laws as drivers. When passing a bicyclist, motor vehicles must proceed at a reasonable speed and travel at least three feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle. Riders should practice safe and legal bike operation: 1 Ride with traffic. 2 Stop and look both ways before entering the street. 3 Stop at all intersections. 4 Before turning, use hand signals and look all ways. 5 Ride defensively - anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards. 6 Pass vehicles with extreme care - turning vehicles may not see you. 7 Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots while riding or when stopped at an intersection. 8 Walk your bicycle when you get into traffic situations beyond your cycling abilities. 9 Exercise great caution when riding in bus traffic - watch out for buses pulling to and from curbs and passengers getting on and off buses. 10 Park your bicycle so you do not block sidewalks, disabled accesses, building accesses or emergency lanes.
How to stay safe on a bicycle?
Stay safe by making sure that you are visible to motorists: Wear a helmet, wear bright colored clothing, and secure loose pant legs. Maximize your visibility at night - wear relective clothing and apply reflective tape to your bicycle.
Right to The Road
Bicycles are defined as vehicles, and bicyclists generally have all the rights and duties of motor vehicle drivers.
Bicyclists are required to ride with the flow of traffic as closely as practicable to the right side of the roadway when traveling at a speed less than traffic.
Full lane use is allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic, preparing for a turn, overtaking and passing, avoiding hazards, traveling in a lane too narrow to share, and avoiding a manda...
Bicyclists are required to ride with the flow of traffic as closely as practicable to the right side of the roadway when traveling at a speed less than traffic.
Full lane use is allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic, preparing for a turn, overtaking and passing, avoiding hazards, traveling in a lane too narrow to share, and avoiding a manda...
Sidewalk riding is permitted except where prohibited by local ordinances. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks and give an audible signal when overtaking bicyclists....
Bicyclists shall not ride more than two side-by-side, unless on bike paths and may not impede traffic. Bicyclists riding two abreast must move into a single file if they impede the normal flow of t...
Bicyclists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic devices signaling red.
Bicyclists shall not ride more than two side-by-side, unless on bike paths and may not impede traffic. Bicyclists riding two abreast must move into a single file if they impede the normal flow of t...
Bicyclists are required to slow down and come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic devices signaling red.
Bicyclists must give proper signals that are visible to other bicyclists and cars when turning and stopping.
Virginia state law does not require bicyclists to wear a helmet. A country, city or town can pass an ordinance to require children 14 years and younger to wear a helmet.
At night, bicycles must be equipped with a front white headlight visible from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet. When operating on a highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mil...
Virginia state law does not require bicyclists to wear a helmet. A country, city or town can pass an ordinance to require children 14 years and younger to wear a helmet.
At night, bicycles must be equipped with a front white headlight visible from 500 feet and a rear reflector visible from 600 feet. When operating on a highway with a speed limit greater than 35 mil...
Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake that will make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
Every person riding a bicycle on a highway shall be subject to the provisions of the Code of Virginia section on motor vehicles and shall have the rights and duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle unless a provision clearly indicates otherwise. Bicyclists and other users on sidewalks, shared use paths, and crosswalks have all the rights and duties of a pedestrian under the same …
An electric power-assisted bicyclemeans a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power, (ii) a...
A bicycle is defined as a device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride either on or astride a regular seat attached thereto, having two or more wheels in tandem…
An electric power-assisted bicyclemeans a vehicle that travels on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground and is equipped with (i) pedals that allow propulsion by human power, (ii) a...
A bicycle is defined as a device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person may ride either on or astride a regular seat attached thereto, having two or more wheels in tandem, including...
A bike laneis defined as that portion of a roadway designated by signs and/or pavement markings for the preferential use of bicycles, electric power-assisted bicycles, and mopeds.
A shared use path is defined as a bikeway that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier and is located either within the highway right-of-…
Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings. Under certain circumstances bicyclists, motorcycles, and mopeds may proceed through a solid red light at an intersection. A driver or rider may proceed through the intersection on a steady red light only if the driver or rider complies with all five provisions listed below: 1. Comes to a full and complete stop at the interse…
Electric power-assisted bicycles may be ridden on shared use paths or sidewalks unless prohibited by the locality or facility owner. Class 1, 2, and 3 electric power-assisted bicycles are allowed o...
Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the highway.
Bicyclists operating a bicycle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the tim…
Electric power-assisted bicycles may be ridden on shared use paths or sidewalks unless prohibited by the locality or facility owner. Class 1, 2, and 3 electric power-assisted bicycles are allowed o...
Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the highway.
Bicyclists operating a bicycle on a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place under conditions then existing shall ride as close as safely practicable to the right curb...
Exceptions to this are when bicyclists are overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, preparing for a left turn, avoiding unsafe conditions, avoiding riding in a lane...
Bicyclists must signal their intentions to stop or turn. The proper signals are made with the left arm as follows: A right turn may be signaled with the right arm. The signals do not have to be given continuously if both hands are needed to control the bicycle. Bicyclists may make left turns as either motorists or pedestrians do. To make a pedestrian left turn, the bicyclist should contin…
Bicyclists may overtake and pass another vehicle only when safe to do so. Bicyclists may pass another vehicle on the right or left, and they may stay in the same lane, change lanes, or ride off the road if necessary for safe passing. Note that passing motor vehicles on the right side may be extremely dangerous if the motorist does not see the bicyclist and attempts a right turn. A perso…
Effective July 1, 2016, no motor vehicle operator shall open the door of a parked motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving vehicular traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. Reference: § 46.2-818.1
Bicyclists must not carry articles which prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
Bicyclists must not carry more people than the bicycle is designed to accommodate, except for adult bicyclists carrying a child, under six years of age, securely attached to the bicycle in a seat o...
Bicyclists must not carry articles which prevent them from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
Bicyclists must not carry more people than the bicycle is designed to accommodate, except for adult bicyclists carrying a child, under six years of age, securely attached to the bicycle in a seat o...
Bicyclists must not attach themselves or their bicycles to any other vehicle on the roadway.
Bicyclists are not permitted to wear earphones in both ears while riding a bicycle.
Bicyclists riding class 3 electric power-assisted bicycles must wear a helmet. Several jurisdictions in Virginia require that every person fourteen years of age or younger shall wear a protective helmet whenever riding or being carried on a bicycle on any highway, sidewalk, or public bicycle path. The jurisdictions reporting such ordinances to the Virginia Department of Transportation (…
Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp with the light being visible at least 500 feet to the front. The bicycle must have a red reflector on the rear visible at least 600 feet to the rear. On roads posted with speed limit of 35 mph or greater, the bicyclist must additionally be equipped with at least one red taillight visible from 500 feet to the …