Talk to your Delegate to get law changed to help cyclists

Thanks to Bill DeSteph's work on pushing for changes in Commonwealth Law to improve cycling safety.

Open the PDF from VBGov.com to read Virginia Beach's 2010 Adopted Legislative Agenda. [52 page PDF]

It includes:

FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY

Council Member Bill DeSteph

Background Information:

State law currently provides that a driver shall not follow a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both vehicles and the traffic and highway conditions. The law does not, however, prohibit following too closely behind a bicycle.

Request:
Add bicycles to the list of vehicles for which it is illegal to follow too closely. See Appendix
Item 1 (page 35) for text of the requested legislative change.

And:

PASSING BICYCLES

Council Member Bill DeSteph

Background Information:

State law currently provides that a driver overtaking a bicycle shall pass at least two feet to the left of the overtaken bicycle and not proceed to the right side of the highway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. A nationwide movement on behalf of bicyclists has sought to broaden the clearing distance to three feet, and such changes have been enacted in several other states. This change would better protect the safety of both bicyclists and motorists.

Request:
Change the passing distance from two feet to three feet. See Appendix Item 2 (page 36) for text of the requested legislative change.

Try using Congress.org to find out who your Legislator is so you can contact them.
Virginia General Assembly Official Page.