I feel it could help Giles county economy by allowing new atv/utv dealers and our businesses in the area. Plus like myself and my wife we love to ride but with her elderly father now needing more care. We cant make time to go ride. But if this passes it gives us options right here at home to enjoy what we love

Conflicts with use of green lights as it is primary for public safety agencies for command posts.

N/A

The Commonwealth should do more to support sustainable transportation options. Currently, our bicycle laws are outdated, endanger cyclists and scooters, and discourage alternative transportation modes. I support updating bicycle laws to allow riders to perform the Safety Stop, Bicycle Proceed on Walk Signal, and riding two abreast on roads so that Virginia bicyclists have safer and more comfortable trips on our roadways.

I support HB661. Bikes are not cars. Cyclists are much less likely to cause injury or death when colliding with pedestrians or other cyclists, while cars pose an extreme danger to other road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians. Cyclists have a much greater range of vision of their environment than drivers, due to the numerous blind spots caused by the structure of cars. Cyclists have to expend a great deal of effort to gain momentum after coming to a complete stop, and once pedaling again, their slower pace can put them at greater risk due to increased time crossing an intersection. After Delaware passed a law allowing cyclists to yield at stop signs in 2017, crashes involving cyclists at stop-controlled intersections decreased by 23%. In my own experience riding a bike, I am able to slow down sufficiently to see whether cars, cyclists, or pedestrians are approaching a stop-controlled intersection without needing to come to a stop if no one is coming. Bikes are much more similar to pedestrians in size, speed, and safety than they are to cars, so it makes sense to allow cyclists to proceed on a walk signal. Like pedestrians, cyclists are at great risk from collisions with cars and benefit greatly from having the right-of-way during the walk signal. This bill is just common sense for anyone who rides a bike.

Bike Norfolk favors this bill because the changes in law will add to safety for those riding bike bikes. In Norfolk, the roads are congested and built out, which means each of these components to the bill will help with safety for riders.

As a frequent cyclist on slow & medium speed roads in the RVA and Albemarle County area I support HB661. I am aware of 3 persons that have been struck at intersections including 2 on bike lanes in the past several years. I support the Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal and definitely the Riding Two Abreast provisions. I wish there were signs to also alert drivers of the safety laws.

Dear Members of the House Transportation Subcommittee for Highway Safety and Policy, I am writing in strong support of HB661, the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill sponsored by Delegate Willett. HB661 represents a thoughtful, data-driven update to Virginia law that would improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and better align our statutes with proven best practices already in use in other states. Each provision reflects common-sense safety principles supported by national transportation experts and real-world experience. The Bicyclist Safety Yield provision has been shown to reduce bicycle-involved crashes and is already legal in numerous states, including Delaware, where meaningful safety improvements have been documented. Allowing bicyclists to proceed on a WALK signal, while yielding appropriately to pedestrians and traffic, extends the safety benefits of leading pedestrian intervals and improves predictability at intersections. Clarifying when bicyclists may ride two abreast enhances visibility, promotes safer overtaking by motorists, and supports parents and less-experienced riders, while retaining appropriate restrictions on higher-speed roads. Together, these provisions advance safety without altering right-of-way rules or imposing undue burdens on other road users. HB661 strikes a careful balance between safety, clarity, and shared responsibility on Virginia’s roads. I also encourage your support for HB812 and HB1010, which further strengthen bicycle and pedestrian safety through modern signalization tools and expanded school-zone safety measures. Thank you for your consideration and for your continued work to improve transportation safety for all Virginians. Respectfully, Steven Leutner Arlington, Virginia

Our streets were designed for cars. This was shortsighted and overbuilt, but in the mean time, we need to allow as much flexibility as possible in how bicyclists safely use them. Things like letting cyclists move on walk signals and especially yield at stop signs are just common sense to anyone who has cycled for transportation in the state. I strongly support this simple and sensible measure.

As a resident of Salem, Virginia, I ask for the safety of all cyclists and pedestrians to pass HB661. It just makes sense. Less accidents/incidents is also going to be advantageous for motorists. As a motorist, I would much rather a cyclist get a head start and be in front of me, rather than beside me through an intersection. As well as ride two abreast so I can see them around tight turns, etc. until they can go back to single file.

I urge the committee to advance HB661. The measures it includes are common-sense ways to increase the safety of people using Virginia roadways that have been proven effective elsewhere. We should do everything we can to keep all road users safe, especially those who are outside of cars.

I am writing in support of the bicyclist safety provisions in HB 661. The bicyclist safety yield, bicylcist proceed on walk signal, and riding two abreast provisions have been long proven to increase safety for people riding bikes on our shared streets. Many people who ride bikes already employ these safety strategies, but continue to risk being interactions with law enforcement and issued citations, even though they may be riding as safely as conditions allow. In Virginia, people riding bikes are required to follow the same laws as people driving cars on our shared streets, but bikes are not cars. While they are both vehicles with wheels and brakes, they are vastly different in operation, speed, and visibility. Proceed on Walk Signal allows people on bikes to take advantage of Leading Pedestrian Intervals at signalized intersections, which in addition to increasing safety, allows a person on a bike to move sooner, be more visible to drivers, and help reduce street congestion by clearing the intersection before cars are able to enter. The Safety Yield is legal in 11 states and Washington DC, with no evidence of reduced safety, and no state has repealed the law after enacting it.

Please approve HB661 and help make Virginia's road safer for cyclists.

I write in support of the Bicyclist Safety Bill. It is common sense legislation that will improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and align Virginia with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. For instance the Proceed on Walk Signal has been in place in the District of Columbia for years with great outcomes for all road users. So this legislation would help align these two jurisdictions. In addition, it is also recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). This legislation will also help families with children to bike together. Allowing riding two abreast will permit a parent to ride next to their child. So please support this bill. Thank you.

As a recreational cyclist who also uses my bike to run errands and reduce the number of cars on the road, I'm in full support of this bill which not only makes it safer for cyclists but also holds them accountable for giving way to pedestrians and respecting other vehicular traffic.

Pass this bill! We should do anything we can do to modernize bicycle and pedestrian safety laws in the light of the near 100% certainty that a collision or hit by modern car will be fatal. This bill is particularly beneficial in that it has changes that could improve safety for all ages of cyclists and pedestrians.

Hello - I am a daily bicycle commuter between my home in Alexandria and the Pentagon. I strongly support legislation to enhance bicycle safety. Encouraging people to cycle vice taking an individual car should be a priority, I feel this provision would support that. Thank you for submitting the legislation and keeping the safety of cyclists in mind.

Thank you for the opportunity. Thank you for listening. In light of current events, my faith in government has been shaken at the Federal level. However, I feel strongly that our Commonwealth is still responsive to the voices of those governed. We need to provide any and all advantages to those who choose to ride a bike to work, or ride for pleasure, or ride for fitness, or ride as a group or family, from any point A to any point B. With the success of the Capital Trail, and the forth coming Fall Line Trail, plus the ever expanding network of Bike Lanes - our region has made great strides with the necessary bicycle infrastructure to accommodate a vibrant and healthy lifestyle enjoyed by current and future residents. All we need is the foresight of the Legislature to mandate traffic laws that provide an increased measure of respect and equality for the unarmored bicyclist versus the 3000# automobile with its ever expanding and distractive technologies. HB661 provides a framework for enhancing equal access for the growing number of bicyclist to the roads paid for by all Commonwealth of Virginia tax payers.

Good afternoon! We all know that cycling is great exercise and a means of transportation, sometimes the on transportation available. In order to make it safer, please pass HB 661. Most crashes occur at intersections. To make it safer, a cyclist can slow down and move forward safely through a stop sign without having to come to a complete stop. The stop is impinges upon the ability of a cyclist to move smoothly with traffic and accelerate quickly , requires more time in an intersection, and reduces their visibility as opposed to a moving object. Many states have already allowed this and reduced accidents have been the result with a study in Delaware documenting a 23% decrease. Safely yielding is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also allowing cyclists to proceed on a "walk" signal with pedestrians or to turn right improves the cyclist flow. Riding two abreast increases visibility, safety and efficiency as cyclist are more noticeable to drivers, it reduces the length of the group thus allowing for more faster overtaking and prevents dangerous tight passing in narrow lanes. Allowing two abreast also allows parents to ride beside children. Thank you.

I support passing the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, HB661. In all aspects this can improve bicycle safety for riders, and drivers alike.

I am writing to ask you to support HB661's changes to traffic regulations for bicycles. Based on my cycling and motorist experience, I feel that the proposed changes improve convenience at no cost to safety and particularly improve safety with regard to two-abreast cycling in § 46.2-905. The "safety yield" for stop signs described in § 46.2-821.1 has been implemented in 12 states and the District of Columbia with no reduction in safety, and treating stop signs as a "yield" has been common practice among many bicyclists for as long as I can remember. I believe that this is a safe behavior because of bicyclists' low speed with respect to distances involved in negotiating an intersection. A bicyclist traveling at 10-15 m.p.h. (15-22 feet/sec.) has plenty of time to stop if he sees a vehicle entering an intersection, and most people are pretty good judges of whether the intersection has enough visibility to consider not stopping. (If you doubt this, take a lawn chair to a nearby intersection matching the description in the bill and watch the flow of vehicles for -- cars, trucks, and cyclists -- through it for an hour. I am pretty sure you will see plenty of rolling stops -- and no accidents.) The proposal to allow cyclists to proceed through a red signal when the "walk" light is illuminated in § 46.2-833 is common sense, so long as cyclists yield to pedestrians in the crosswalk in the same manner as drivers (of cars or bicycles) should yield when turning right on red. If the risks of this measure are unacceptable, then perhaps we should consider abolishing the right turn on red for ALL vehicles. As I said above, the measures related to cycling two-abreast in § 46.2-905 will IMPROVE safety. I have noticed that when a group of cyclists is riding single-file, it increases the danger to cyclists and makes it harder for the overtaking vehicle to pass. The gaps that open up between the cyclists are often not long enough to safely accommodate a motor vehicle, and so the amount of clear, straight road the passing driver needs is more than doubled. Too many times, I have witnessed a motorist beginning to pass, getting past some of the cyclists and suddenly seeing an oncoming vehicle. Never does the motorist brake and drop back to pull over, as you or I would do when passing a slower motor vehicle; always, he either completes the pass, forcing the oncoming driver off the road, or he pulls in to the right, endangering the cyclist. I know of several people who were hit or forced off the road (with injuries) when this latter event occurs. The group riding two-abreast discourages a risky pass and requires less distance for the pass to occur. Thank you for considering my opinion. About me: I have been a resident of Virginia for 40 years and have bicycled over 94,000 miles since I began keeping track in 1984. My riding experience includes the roads of Northern Virginia for commuting and for pleasure, rural roads in multiple counties, and trips in multiple states and three foreign countries. While my background is in computer programming, I try to keep abreast of issues related to transportation in general and cyclist/pedestrian safety in particular.

5962 Grand Pavilion Way, #426 Alexandria, VA 22303 January 28, 2026 Virginia House Transportation Subcommittee for Highway Safety General Assembly Building 201 N. 9th Street Richmond, VA 23219 Re: Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, HB661 Dear Subcommittee: I am writing in support of Bicyclist Safety Bill HB661, I am especially in full favor of Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs). I am a victim of a cyclist versus vehicle collision, and I was struck by an Amazon van on July 11, 2025, while crossing in a crosswalk and the driver turned right on red. The crash occurred at an intersection, and I am still recovering from multiple injuries sustained in the crash. I believe if I had a head start to cross the street, the driver would have been required to yield while turning so that I could safely cross the street. I am not in favor of walk signs that require you to push a button because a cyclist/pedestrian does not receive lead time to cross the street, especially with drivers turning right on red and hardly slowing down to make their turn. The LPI is legal in other jurisdictions (Washington, DC) and it makes sense for all of our jurisdictions to follow the same laws. Please consider the many cyclists lives you will save by passing HB661. There are too many distracted and speeding drivers in our area. Laws need to be changed to protect cyclists who make up a large portion of vehicular traffic and share the roads. Please pass HB661. Thank you. Sincerely, Robin Butler-LeFrancois

As a Roanoke cyclist and administrator of the Roanoke Area Cyclists Facebook group, I am writing to ask your support for HB661. These are life-saving provisions that create safer conditions for cyclists to ride to work and school, to run errands, and to enjoy healthy outdoor activity with family and friends. Thank you for supporting healthy communities in Virginia.

I support this proposal. It is a practical, evidence-based step to improve safety at signalized intersections for everyone who uses them. By extending Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling straight through or turning right, it increases visibility, reduces conflicts with turning vehicles, and aligns Virginia law with proven traffic safety practices already endorsed by federal and national transportation experts. The measure preserves clear yielding responsibilities, protects pedestrians’ right-of-way, and reflects technical guidance from VDOT, ensuring it is both safe and operationally sound. Just as importantly, it discourages bicyclists from using sidewalks and crosswalks, improving comfort for pedestrians while promoting predictable, lawful behavior in the roadway.

I am writing in support of this bill that will better protect people traveling on bicyclists on our roads.

The three items in the bill impose no burden on motorists, put Virginia in sync with other states and countries, and increase safety for vulnerable road users, specifically, bicyclists. A bicycle is essentially helpless when stopped, and it cannot accelerate as quickly from zero as a car. Allowing a bicycle to treat stop signs as yield signs, and to use the walk signal puts the bicycle out of the way of motorists at dangerous intersections. Allowing cyclists to ride two abreast would allow parents to accompany children to school safely by riding outboard of them. If the image of two fit racers chatting down the road is what comes to mind, please consider that they are still using less road space than a car. Please vote in favor of HB661. Thank you, JT Hine Charlottesville and Williamsburg

I started cycling when I turned 60 and it has been a joy. Along the way, I learned how to ride safely on roads. A big part of that is trying to control drivers who don't seem to recognize that a vehicle can do deadly damage to pedestrians and cyclists. Allowing riding two abreast helps to slow those drivers, as they can't try to slip by on the left between the cyclist and on-coming traffic and must wait at least until the on-coming traffic has passed and then safely go around the cyclist with the mandated 3-foot minimum. The same concern for safety would allow a cyclist to proceed on a walk signal along with the pedestrians and cyclists are also at the mercy of turning vehicles. Please consider reporting this bill so it can be heard by the whole house. Bike safety, as pedestrian safety measures benefit all of us by slowing traffic, especially in neighborhoods and dense urban areas. Thank you.

I am writing in support of HR661 as a bicycle rider who would like to see safer options for cycling, commuting, for recreation and with families. The recommendations given in HR661 are sound and backed by experience in other localities. These recommendations do not inhibit motorists and if implemented would likely reduce incidents between motorists and bicycle users. Improving bicycling conditions not only makes it safer for all road users, but encourages the use of a bicycle as a mode of transportation, which can ease the number of vehicles using the same roadway. Additionally, I support the revised language in HB812 and HB1010 that allow for tools to be implemented and used as officials and experts deem appropriate.

I support this bill, please pass this bill. Thank you

I support the HB661 Bicycle Safety Bill. Due the current structure of our roads, it is important to consider any improvements to bicycle safety that can easily be done. I consider the goals of this bill to be easily achievable and will increase safety. Please consider approving this bill! Thank you!

I support HB661 as a common-sense and fact-based approach to improve the safety of all road users and pedestrians. In particular: Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycle (and similar low-speed devices) to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules.

I am writing in support of HB661. As a long time cyclist and active member of the Richmond Area Bicycling Association, I am hopeful that these common sense provisions will be made into law. As a grandfather, I am especially hopeful that I will be able to ride side-by-side with my granddaughter on our neighborhood streets in the near future.

Please work to pass this bill. That is all.

Please pass these bills that support cycling safety.

Thank you for moving this important bill forward. As we cycle through our community, we need to provide accessibility, safety, and education to not only bike riders, but also to drivers to keep the community educated and safe. Thanks for your efforts in making Virgnia, in general, and Virginia Beach, in particular, safe to ride our bicycles. Jorge Forgues President TriPower Cycling Club of VA

I am an avid cyclist who has pedaled the roads of Virginia for nearly 6 decades. Virginia has to take immediate actions to make our roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians and drivers too. Our infrastructure, especially in the greater Richmond area is terrible. Our rural roads have become race ways with drivers leaving little to no margin for error. Cyclists, pedestrians, slow moving vehicles, Amish buggies and even our US Postal Service employees are at risk on our roads today due to irresponsible driver behavior. I urge the committee to vote for any bills which will increase road safety.

I'm writing in support of HB661 and all three of its provisions: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. Each of these has been proven to improve safety for people on bicycles and reduce crashes at intersections. Virginia should have updated laws with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Please support this bill for those who have died in bike/car accidents, to prevent future deaths, and to secure the safety of everyone.

Please advance HB661 to the full committee. I'm very invested in this bill because it increases safety both for myself and my children when on bicycles. All three of the aspects would vastly improve our safety: Safety Yield: Being rear-ended while stopped in mixed traffic is my biggest fear when cycling. The safety yield has led to this kind of crash being reduced by 23% in Delaware. It is also recommended by the NHTSA Proceed on walk signal: Being able to get into the intersection ahead of the light turning green makes my children and I more visible to drivers turning right. Riding two abreast: This likewise makes us more visible to drivers. Further, it allows me to ride on the left while keeping my children to the right where they are more shielded. Thank you for your consideration.

Hello, My name is Leonora Crane. I am a resident of Albemarle County, and I am writing to you all to urge your support of HB661. As someone who commutes by bike, I support any law that improves the safety of cyclists. This omnibus bill strikes me as a very easy win. It improves the safety of roads for cyclists while doing nothing to impede vehicular traffic. Additionally, this bill comes at an important time. Because Charlottesville/ Albemarle are looking to build the Three Notched Trail, the state should also be supporting this project by preparing roads to support an increased cyclist load since many people will be commuting to the Three Notched Trail via bike. This bill is also important to support Richmond's already existent Capital Trail which already experiences a significant load of bike traffic. I urge you to support this bill since there is truly no downside. I bike frequently on two lane roads where vehicles will already treat cyclists as if they are riding abreast. This bill only goes on to preserve the status quo where drivers already generally only pass cyclists in the opposite lane. Thank you for your time.

Virginia is behind the times in transportation safety. This bicycle safety bill is an important step towards making non-car transportation better. As a daily bicycle commuter, I know the importance of keeping myself safe, and I often already make these choices on my own. But I am forced to break the law to do what is safest for me, and most helpful for traffic flow overall. This bill doesn't allow illegal/unsafe movement, but codifies safe movement. Please pass this bill and please work to pass more progressive bills in the future that will remove the primacy of the automobile. Urban environments were safer 75 years ago, and can be safe again with your help. thanks! Aaron (teacher, cyclist, active member of Arlington committees and commissions)

Chair and Members of the House Transportation Committee, I’m writing to urge you to support HB661 and advance it out of committee. These updates are practical, proven safety measures that will help protect people walking and bicycling on Virginia roads—especially at intersections, where too many serious crashes happen. Safety Yield (stop-as-yield for bicycling under limited conditions): A data-backed approach recommended by NHTSA and already used in multiple states. It improves predictability and reduces risky “full stop / restart” moments at intersections. Delaware saw a 23% reduction in bicycle-involved crashes after adopting it. Proceed on WALK signal (straight/right with yielding): Extends the intersection-safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals by allowing bicyclists to clear the conflict zone earlier—while still yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Riding two abreast (clarified rules, keeping higher-speed restrictions): Improves visibility, promotes safer passing behavior, and helps families and less experienced riders ride more safely—without changing right-of-way rules. Delegate Carr’s HB812 (Bicycle Signal Faces): Enables VDOT to use bicycle signal faces where appropriate, improving clarity at intersections and reducing conflicts by giving people biking a clear, dedicated signal indication. These are common-sense, evidence-based steps that bring Virginia in line with best practices already working elsewhere. Please support HB661 and HB812 and vote to pass them out of committee.

I support all three of the following bicyclist safety provisions: Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal and Riding Two Abreast. Having ridden a bike and driven in other states where these have been implemented, I think they will also improve safety in Virginia if implemented. Please vote these as included in HB661.

I am in full support of bills HB661 and HB812. I have spoken to many people who would love to bike, but feel it is too unsafe. These bills take actionable steps to remedy that and make biking more accessible.

I am writing to ask that you support this bill, as a person who commutes by bike and loves to ride recreationally, these are common sense safety measures that will help to support those of us seeking to reduce our reliance on cars. For our cities and communities to grow, we need to make both policy and financial investment in our infrastructure and enforcement to promote other modes of transport to enable all our neighbors to move safely and confidently around our communities. Please vote yes to this and explore further measures to continue this progress.

On behalf of Bike Norfolk, I support the bill. Each component of the bill increases safety for bicyclists on the road without impeding automobile traffic.

As an avid cyclist, I urge the passing of HB661 because it will improve bicycle safety. The safety yield is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is legal in 11 states and the District of Columbia. This change in law will reduce bicycle-involved crashes as proven by its implementation in other states. Additionally, cyclists allowed to proceed on a walk signal increases visibility so that they may cross an intersection before a car. Intersections are some of the most dangerous moments on a bicycle. Please give cyclists a fighting chance on the road and pass HB661.

Greetings, As a board member of Bike Loudoun and as an individual whose employment is within the active transportation sector, I am writing to voice support for HB661. Conveying the interests of both Bike Loudoun and my own personal views, there is solidarity in supporting this bill, as follows: - Safety Yield: This well-known and studied practice, also called a "rolling stop" or an "Idaho stop", will benefit Virginia's bicyclists and other roadway users. The ability to maintain some momentum (important on a bicycle) to clear an intersection as quickly as safely possible would provide for safer riding conditions and less waiting by automobile operators for the low-speed vehicle (e.g., bicycle) to move out of the way. This practice has been adopted by many states and has proven safe and effective. - Proceed on Walk Signal: Also rather common elsewhere, the ability for a bicyclist to proceed on a pedestrian walk signal would provide Virginian bicyclists important additional time to resume travel. These few seconds can be a great benefit for allowing a bicyclist to achieve a comfortable and safe travel speed prior to automobile traffic being released. Such practice provides for safer bicycling and the opportunity for decreased frustration by automobile operators waiting for a bicyclist to reach travel speed, especially in urban areas. - Riding Two Abreast: While neither Bike Loudoun nor myself are proponents of two abreast cycling, we acknowledge, appreciate, and support this bill's attempts to improve the existing law. On behalf of Bike Loudoun, and myself, we support HB661 and hope it advances to law in order to benefit all Virginians. Sincerely, Jimmy O'Connor Sterling, VA 703-314-8846

As a daily commuter bicyclist, I strongly support HB661. This bill makes our roads safer and more predictable for everyone by clarifying expectations and improving protections for people traveling by bike. When cyclists feel safer commuting, more people choose bikes over cars, which will help reduce congestion and benefit all road users. HB661 is a practical, common-sense step toward safer streets in Virginia.

This bill provides important safety changes for for people who bicycle. It would reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. The bill would allow a person riding a bicycle (and similar low-speed devices) to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. This is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); and reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. The bill also allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. This is recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. The bill clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. It does not change right-of-way rules. Sue Gunter

Hello Legislators, I’m writing to support HB661. The bills changes are supported by evidence and can make roads safer for cyclists. Many residents avoid cycling as an everyday form of transportation because they feel our roads are not safe for cyclists. Promoting the option of cycling, which is a cheap and zero emission form of transportation, is critical to meeting Virginia’s climate goals. Please pass this bill.

I encourage you to support HB661. The issue of vehicle/bike conflicts is something that impacts me throughout the year. I am a regular bike rider. As a senior, I avoid riding roads when I can. Riding them never used to bother me much but now it seems extremely dangerous as both drivers and bikers become more numerous, Further, more and more drivers seem to have a negative perception of bikers, and often show signs of aggression towards us, especially at intersections. From following various biking social media sites, it seems clear that most falls occur at intersections. Mounting and dismounting are the most dangerous parts of the rides, so proceeding slowly through less traveled intersections is far safer, since we can come almost to a stop while still maintaining balance. If I am at a stop light, very few drivers let me get up and going when the light turns green, even if I am up front. They most usually gun it and try to get around me or cut across my path just at the moment I am taking off. I think these changes, especially are most important. I also observe that at times two abreast is safer in traffic and can see the common sense in allowing us more options to do so, while recognizing that often it can impede traffic, so we all need to use it only when it is safest. While it is not part of this bill, I also encourage you to continue to make a class distinction between ebikes and motorized bikes. I ride Class ones and mostly on Greenways or back streets, but I can tell you that the ATVs, mopeds, and high powered bikes that some call ebikes but exceed the 750 W are and should be classed as motorized vehicles. Please continue to support seniors in using true ebikes, as for some, it is their only mode of transport.

I support passage of HB661 since it will improve the experience of bicyclists on the roads and help to encourage the use of a bicycles, an environmentally- friendlier and healthier means of transportation.

Please support HB661. These common-sense, tested, proven measures would greatly enhance the safety of bicyclists and all other road users and pedestrians in the Commonwealth. Even though cyclists share the road with cars, they are much closer in kind to pedestrians: closer in size, speed, and sensory experience, and without the benefits of the steel armor, airbags, or engine power of motor vehicles. The measures proposed in HB661 recognize this and would make changes to make all of us safer - changes that have already proven to be successful in other states. For example, the "safety yield," which permits a bicyclist to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions, is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware! You will be saving lives. That should matter to everyone. We don't have to continue to live in a world where cyclist and pedestrian deaths are accepted. THANK YOU.

I'm writing in support of HB661 to help make the roads safer for cyclists. Treating bikes like cars is an outdated and dangerous mindset and it's much better to create laws that consider the size, speed and safety of cyclists and pedestrians in crosswalks and roadways. Allowing cyclists to proceed on a Walk signal and treat red lights and stop signs as yield signs, will assist in the flow of traffic and keep them safer when traveling on roadways, especially when there is no protected bike lane. Thank you for your consideration! Maggie Christ Richmond, VA

I believe HB661 is important for the safety of Virginia citizens, for both the bicyclists and the vehicle drivers who want to avoid the bicyclists. The law has been proven to be beneficial in other states and is recommended by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I also believe in the importance for safety in HB812 and HB1010.

Drive Electric RVA supports the provision of HB661 that creates an exception to the stopping requirement at intersections with stop signs for electric bicycles and scooters. These forms of electrified transportation are being increasingly used by Richmonders for their daily tasks, not just for recreation. Enacting the "safety stop" in Virginia could save several lives every year while increasing the popularity of riding with associated safety, public health and environmental benefits.

I am writing in support of HB661 from Delegate Willett. This bill will improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states.

I am highly supportive of these bike safety improvement bills as they will help reduce crashes, increase visibility and make me and my family much safer while we are traveling by bike which is our main method of transport (we do not have cars). Please support these bills and all of the provisions in them. Thank you

Please pass this bill and save our lives. I bike every day and each time wonder if I will go home maimed or in a body bag.

Hello Legislators, I’m writing to you to voice my strong support for HB661. These three changes are supported by the evidence to make roads safer for cyclists. The average person’s main reservation about cycling as an everyday form of transportation, is that our roads are not safe for cyclists. Promoting the option of cycling, which is a cheap and zero emission form of transportation, is critical to meeting Virginia’s climate goals. This should be a cheap and easy win, because unlike almost every other method to promote cycling, these changes cost nothing and take have no negative impacts on traffic flow. Please think about our safety and our future, and pass this bill.

To the members of the subcommittee: I am writing in support of HB661. I am a daily bike commuter, and frequently ride from northern Virginia into downtown DC for my job. Being able to commute by bike allows me avoid sitting in traffic and contributing to that traffic. I am a confident and experienced biker, but biking in NoVA is frequently scary. The roads are not designed for cyclists, and drivers are not always careful. The measures before you all represent improvements in bike safety. Allowing cyclists to proceed on walk allows me to get out ahead of cars in an intersection, increasing the chance they see me and avoid hitting me. Allowing cyclists to cautiously proceed through a stop sign helps me not get caught in a clump of cars. And, riding two abreast helps me ride with friends, which is safer. It also helps me, the more experienced biker, ride with someone who is less comfortable. I urge you to support this package, to protect the life and safety of people like me.

Dear Delegate, I am writing to enthusiastically encourage your support for HB661: Proceed on Walk Signal. As a commuting and recreational cyclist for nearly a decade, two rules have proven consistently true: stay as far from cars as possible, and when that isn’t an option—as is often the case in a city with limited but improving bike infrastructure—be clearly visible. At red lights, cyclists need the same head start pedestrians get, for the same reason: visibility and safety. Currently, under Virginia law, cyclists cannot can proceed on a walk signal only if they’re in a crosswalk, but not if they’re riding legally in a bike lane or travel lane. This inconsistency reduces safety and actually incentivizes cyclists to move into crosswalks or onto sidewalks just to follow the law. HB661 addresses this by allowing cyclists to proceed on a walk signal when going straight or turning right. At intersections with Leading Pedestrian Intervals, this gives cyclists a short head start that improves visibility and reduces conflicts with turning vehicles. LPIs are proven to work: the Federal Highway Administration found a 13% average safety benefit, and NACTO has found safety improvements of up to 60%. Importantly, this bill does not reduce anyone’s responsibility. Cyclists must still yield to pedestrians and other traffic, it does not apply to left turns or mopeds, and it reflects technical input from VDOT, including guidance for all-walk intersections. This approach has been successfully implemented for years in Washington, DC and New York City, and more recently in California and Vermont. It is a practical, low-cost way to improve safety for people biking while also making intersections more comfortable for pedestrians. I truly hope you’ll consider supporting HB661. Bills like these supporting biking infrastructure make a huge difference, and save lives. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Hannah McHugh

Please support bicyclists riding to abreast. This is consistent with safety on our roadways and other states who have adopted successfully this perspective.

Please advance this bill. As a parent and a cyclist I would like to see improvements within the laws that protect cyclists. These changes can help to continue to encourage more people to cycle which is a benefit to the existing infrastructure, and environment. It will also help to make the mode of transportation safer for those that use it including children.

Please support HB 661, HB 812, and HB 1010! As someone who frequently bikes, walks, and drives throughout the Richmond region and elsewhere in Virginia, these are common sense bills that have worked in other states and localities and will make our streets safer too!

I am writing in support of HB661, which contains several measures to increase the safety of bicyclists and all other road users. I regularly use a bicycle as transportation, and I believe these measures reduce risk for all road users. Regarding yielding a stop sign, a bicycle can approach an intersection slow enough without stopping, that rolling through a stop sign if there is no approaching traffic, while maintaining momentum, is safer because it means that cyclist spends less time and has more control going through the intersection. This measure is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is already legal in 11 states (and DC), and in the case of Delaware reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23%. Regarding bicycles using the pedestrian crosswalk, this provision is not only safer, because it allows the cyclists to move through the intersection before motor vehicles, and thus not in conflict with them, but also sometimes necessary. In Harrisonburg, for example, there are many traffic lights that are set to change from red to green when triggered via camera by the presence of a vehicle. Many of those cameras in many situations do not recognize the presence of a bicycle in the travel lane, and so that cyclist is given a few options: travel through the red light when safe, "become" a pedestrian and move to the crosswalk, or wait indefinitely for another vehicle in the same travel lane to trigger the camera. This bill makes it clear that bicycles can and should use the crosswalk in instances like this. And finally, it has been proven that cyclists riding two abreast increases visibility, and hence safety. The change to this provision makes sense given that on slower moving roadways moving into single-file as quickly as possible may not always be safest in a given instance and so we should give those road users more flexibility here. For example, when approaching an intersection, or traveling through a hazardous section of road, it could be safer to briefly impede traffic behind the cyclists in order not to create a situation wherein motorized traffic is attempting to pass cyclists in a dangerous section of road. Thank you for considering my comments.

I support the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety will, including provisions: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. As someone who bikes, walks, takes the bus, and drives, these policies are incredibly important for the safety and positive movement for all users along streets. Thank you in advance for supporting this bill.

I am an avid cyclist, and my young children are as well, we love riding in Richmond frequently to run errands and explore the city, and the three measures proposed as part of HB661 are evidence-based changes that will greatly improve the safety of my family and all other cyclists in Virginia. As Richmond moves into a lead role in Virginia for improving bicycle safety, please approve this bill...it will signal an openness to evidence-based changes and an improvement in safety for all, cars included!

I urge the committee members to support HB661. The roads of Virginia should be safe for all, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. This bill provides data-backed, common-sense strategies to protect all. Lisa Hamilton Richmond, VA

I am a commuter cyclist in Richmond, Virginia, where a recent rash of vehicle collisions resulted in the death of six pedestrians. I encourage you to pass HB661. I believe that the bill is a step in promoting more awareness and acceptance of cyclists and will ultimately have a cultural impact on the way motorists approach and understand cyclists and pedestrians. When cyclists ride "two abreast", they become more visible to drivers. I believe this rule will also force drivers to make more calculated decisions when overtaking cyclists. Instead of performing a risky and hasty pass, that may come illegally close to cyclists, drivers may be forced to wait until there is an opportunity to pass in the opposite lane, giving cyclists more clearance. This law will increase accountability for motorists and will ultimately lead to more cautious and aware driving habits in Virginia. I urge you to vote yes on HB661 and help make Virginia a safer place for all commuters.

I support bicycle and pedestrian safety. Bicycles are not cars and don’t have the communication that vehicles do when making decisions. Different rules for cyclists are necessary to keeping everyone moving smoothly and safely On the roads

I support bicycle and pedestrian safety. Bicycles are not cars and don’t have the communication that vehicles do when making decisions. Different rules for cyclists are necessary to keeping everyone moving smoothly and safely On the roads

I support bicycle and pedestrian safety. Bicycles are not cars and don’t have the communication that vehicles do when making decisions. Different rules for cyclists are necessary to keeping everyone moving smoothly and safely On the roads

Thank you for championing this bill - it is important for our state to provide protections to bicyclists. Here's why: Improves the safety of people bicycling. Where installed, Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) allow people in a crosswalk to start walking 3-7 seconds earlier than drivers heading in the same direction, giving people a head start for better visibility and improved yielding from turning drivers. ○ The Federal Highway Administration found that LPIs lead to a 13% average safety benefit.1 ○ The National Association of City Transportation Officials found up to 60% safety improvement and recommended this safety measure for bicyclists.2 ○ This legislation extends applicability to a person bicycling in a bike lane or travel lane. ○ Does not negate a bicyclist’s responsibility to yield to pedestrians and to other traffic before crossing an intersection. ● Improves safety and comfort for pedestrians by removing the current incentive for people bicycling to use crosswalks and sidewalks. ● Addresses technical input from VDOT staff, including the following: ○ Requires yielding the right-of-way to pedestrians within a crosswalk. ○ Does not apply to a person on a bicycle turning left, i.e. only to a bicyclist proceeding straight or turning right. ○ Applicable to intersections with an “All-walk” phase. Requires yielding to pedestrians in any crosswalk and to vehicles approaching from the right. ● Legal in Washington DC (since 2013), in New York City (since 2019, after a successful pilot study in 2018 ), California (2024) and Vermont (2026) .

Dear House Transportation Committee Members, As a Virginia recreational road and commuting cyclist I support HB661 to help keep pedestrians riding bicycles more visible to automobiles while riding on the roads. Yield safety by treating stop signs as a yield to look before riding across to avoid rolling with cars from a congested stop light. Proceed with care, yielding to pedestrians on a walk signal. Ride two-abreast riding, if road visibility permits to allow cyclists to be more visible on higher speed roads, again for increased pedestrian safety. Thank you. I appreciate your time and consideration. Sincerely, Jennifer Hearn Bethesda, Maryland A long-time Virginia road cyclist

I urge you to support this omnibus bicyclist safety bill. This group of bills would promote this healthy and clean form of transportation. Support for such initiatives can help to transform our transportation system so that it embraces a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. It has worked in other parts of the country, and it can work here, too. Sincerely, Paul Kolhoff

I support this bill with the following justification: Purpose: To improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycle (and similar low-speed devices) to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules.

I support and encourage the passage of HB661.

Hello and thank you for the opportunity to provide written comments in support of HB 661. I live in neighboring Washington DC, and I’m a cyclist who rides in Virginia as well. I am very supportive of Virginia adopting more policies like Washington DC has that keeps bicyclist like me safer on the roads. My son and I ride to and from school, to the grocery store and other errands, and recreationally on trails and bike lanes around the whole DMV area. Passing a bill like HB661 helps to keep me and my son safe as we enjoy getting around on two wheels and our own power. Studies indicate these policies like safety yield, proceed on walk, and specifying the situations where we may ride two abreast can help reduce crashes and save people from the life altering and costly outcomes from crashes. Again , I appreciate the opportunity to provide testimony and hope these bills move forward favorably out of subcommittee and full committee and through the chambers and get signed into law by Governor Spanberger. Thank you.

As a cyclist, being forced to share the road with drivers puts me in a great deal of danger. The provisions in this bill will help to alleviate this danger for long-time cyclists & create a safer, more welcoming environment for new cyclists too afraid to ride.

I often bike around the city, and with distracted drivers, it's hard to feel completely safe. Riding side by side with another bicycling always helps visibility and it would allow me to commute to work more easily - part of my route often requires roads of higher speed. Enabling safer biking practices would not only help to decrease deaths and injuries, but would also make us healthier by providing means for exercising in our city streets and town roads.

Please pass as these are all common sense rules that make riding a bike safer. Thanks

I am writing in support of HB661. The proposed increases safety for cyclists. Allowing a person riding a bicycle to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions, vastly increases their visibility and does NOT impede traffic flow. If anything, we get ourselves into safer spaces, faster. It is recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is legal in 11 states (and DC). Utilizing a pedestrian crossing as a cyclist, while yielding to pedestrians, increases their visibility to motorists. Additionally, riding 2 abreast on “sharrows” is vital for cyclists- it increases their visibility to cars, is actually EASIER for a car to pass because they take up less space side by side than they do in a pace line. I support the proposed HB661.

I urge you to pass HB661 to enhance the safety of all Virginians that travel by foot and by bicycle across our state. My family of 5 - including 3 children from age 10-16 - are daily cyclists on the streets of Richmond. All three provisions of HB661 - the safety yield, proceed on walk signal and two abreast riding - will improve our movement around this city. I worry daily about the safety of my children as they navigate their daily commutes to school, practices and events. These measures will greatly improve the likelihood that they will arrive to their events safely. Thank you for your consideration. Pass HB661.

Any efforts to improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states should be taken. The measures in this bill would help keep riders safe and could make the option of cycling more appealing to less experienced riders. More bikes and less cars is better for our environment, our minds and bodies, and our wallets; any precautions helping make this a safer option should be taken.

I am writing to express my strong support for HB661, the Virginia Bicyclist Safety Bill. I strongly support this bill as it is data driven and evidence based. We need to make biking safer across Virginia, and this is one way to accomplish that. HB661 represents a practical and reasonable step toward improving safety for all road users by clarifying expectations, reducing preventable crashes, and promoting mutual respect between motorists and cyclists. This bill is not about giving special treatment to one group; it is about recognizing the reality that bicyclists are more vulnerable in traffic and deserve clear, consistent protections under the law. Measures like those in HB661 help save lives, reduce serious injuries, and make our transportation system safer and more predictable for everyone. I appreciate your commitment to public safety and responsible transportation policy, and I urge you and your colleagues to support and advance HB661.

As a city resident who tries, whenever possible, to bike instead of drive on city streets for commuting, errands, and other local transportation, I strongly support all the provisions in HB661. Yielding instead of coming to a complete stop at stop signs, under safe conditions, keeps riders from becoming traffic hinderances and thus enhances their safety. Allowing cyclists to proceed with walk signs, again, under the right conditions, has the same effect and allows cyclists to clear dangerous intersections more quickly. Finally, allowing riders to cycle two abreast would simply codify a practice that is already an essential safety practice for parents riding with children on low-speed neighborhood streets.

I support HB661 and its three provisions: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. As a cyclist, these enhance my safety. Please support them too by voting for HB661. Yes, this is a real person, not AI! Thank you.

Any efforts to improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states should be taken. Alllowing cyclists to treat a stop sign as a yield sign is helpful for cyclists, especially in harsh biking conditions. It is also recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Allowing a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic is recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. Allowing bicyclists to ride two-abreast makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders.

I love riding my bike with my kids. But the intersection are by far the most dangerous area to bike with them. Please make it safer for families to get around.

Please support HB 661

Please support safer bicycling in Virginia with this Bill. Purpose: To improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycle (and similar low-speed devices) to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules.

I am writing in support of HB661 Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill. As a biker in Richmond I support these safety measures as they may help save my life. Biking around the city has become more dangerous as cars get larger, people drive more distracted, and have less respect for bikers. Please help make Virginia and Richmond a safer place for bikers.

I am writing to you as a constituent who relies on a bicycle as my primary mode of transportation. I strongly urge you to support HB661. Because I ride every day to get where I need to go, I experience firsthand the dangers of navigating intersections and sharing the road with faster, heavier vehicles. This bill proposes three common sense, evidence based changes that would significantly improve my, the safety of other vulnerable road users, and doesn't hindering traffic flow. The Safety Yield: Allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs (the "Safety Yield") allows me to maintain momentum and clear intersections, where the majority of crashes occur, more quickly. By spending less time in the intersection and having the ability to move through when the coast is clear, I can reduce my exposure to cross traffic. Proceed on Walk Signal: Giving bicyclists the legal right to proceed on the Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) would dramatically improve visibility. Being able to start moving a few seconds before the green light allows me to get out ahead of turning vehicles, preventing dangerous "right-hook" and "left-cross" collisions. Clarifying Two-Abreast Riding: Updating the law to clearly allow riding two abreast increases visibility and actually makes it easier for drivers to pass. A shorter, compact group is safer and faster to overtake than a long line of single-file riders. These measures bring Virginia in line with best practices already successful in other states. They are not about giving bicyclists special privileges, but about acknowledging the physical reality that bicycles operate differently than cars and require updated rules to ensure safety. Please support HB661 to make Virginia’s roads safer for commuters like me.

Please support all bicycle and pedestrian legislation and pass HB 661 Thank you

I fully support this bill in order to improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states.

Please please pass this bill with important bicyclist safety provisions. Please! Purpose: To improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycle (and similar low-speed devices) to treat a stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Recommended by the National Association of City Transportation Officials to extend the safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals to people bicycling on a roadway. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules.

Support the provisions for bicyclist safety

HB661 contains three bicyclist safety provisions: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. All three are essential to bicyclist safety. Additionally, as a cyclist, I know in practice that Bicyclist Safety Yield and Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal are about allowing cyclists to get out of the way of automobiles and get to safety as quickly as possible. Riding Two Abreast is more of a social effort, but also allows drivers to pass quicker on rural roads. Thank you

I write to urge support (and ultimate passage!) of the Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, HB661. I work as an educator, and this bill impacts me in two ways: I do not drive to work, and I have been hit (!) by a vehicle while I was in an intersection on my bicycle. I see each of the components of this bill as key to reducing the risk to bicycle commuters like me across this Commonwealth. Thank you.

Pls approve this bill for the sake of cyclists of all ages. Accidents involving cyclists are increasing. It is a form of transportation and should be considered as such. Thank you.

The omnibus bicycle safety bill will improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states.

I am an avid bicyclist and have also cared for people injured by motorists and have lost friends hit by motorists. In the age of cell phones and distracted driving, bicycle safety is paramount to the continuation of this sport and mode of transportation. Please support HB661.

As a bicycle commuter who travels to work from Henrico county to Richmond on a weekly basis bicycle safety is my number one priority. It has been pretty alarming that in the last month there has been a number of pedestrian and cycling related deaths in Richmond already! Any measure that can help to distance drivers from pedestrians or cyclists I support. I cycle to work because bicycling is what I love to do and saving money on gas and celebrating a healthy lifestyle are major wins. I just wish the cycling infrastructure in this town was updated. If I had my way there would be bicycle highways that were separated from the main road by bollards. In the meantime, I will continue to do my best to remain visible to both pedestrians and drivers with the use of high-viz gear, flashing LED lights and bright colors. But, even high visibility can not stop a motorist from slamming into a pedestrian or a cyclist. We don't stand a chance if a motorist isn't paying attention or fails to stop at a stop sign or traffic light. Thank you for bringing this legislation to the table and supporting cyclists that just want to be safe. J. Burke

I support HB661 which will increase bike and pedestrian safety.

Honorable Members of the House Transportation Subcommittee for Highway Safety and Policy, I strongly urge you to support all provision of HB661 which will meaningfully improve safety for bicyclists, and by extension increase safety for all mobility modes. The three provisions (Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast) are not only reasonable but have been clearly demonstrated to increase cyclist safety. Cyclists sharing the road with motor vehicles are now too vulnerable to deadly and life-altering crashes. As a (now retired) career urban planner working for local government in Virginia, I acutely understand the multiple goals criteria we have for evaluating proposed transportation regulations. First among the goals must be public safety and first among our criteria must be that regulations are proven and data-backed, which these are. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Karl Moritz

I strongly support HB661 as a practical, data-backed step to improve safety for people who bicycle and to reduce crashes at dangerous intersections. As an avid cyclist, I see firsthand how small, well-designed changes in traffic law can prevent serious injuries and save lives. This bill modernizes Virginia law using proven best practices already adopted in other states. Allowing cyclists to safely yield at stop signs, proceed on walk signals while yielding to pedestrians, and ride two-abreast in appropriate conditions improves visibility, predictability, and safety for everyone on the road. These measures are supported by national transportation safety experts and have been shown to significantly reduce crashes. HB661 is a smart, balanced approach that protects vulnerable road users while maintaining clear rules of the road. I urge you to support its passage.

As someone who rides a bicycle for transportation, I am in favor of HB661. This bill would make it safer for people who ride bikes to work, get groceries, and visit their friends. Riding a bike on public roads without protected lanes is already very dangerous, and this bill would make it safer to do so.

I urge you to pass Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill, HB661. I ride my bike in the city, the suburb, and on rural roads. I firmly support the three bicyclist safety provisions in HB661, which are (a) Bicyclist Safety Yield, (b) Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and (c) Riding Two Abreast. Thank you, Peter Berty

I am writing to you in favor of the following topics: i am a recreational bike rider, but my son us using his bike as neans of transportation to universitz in Norfolk. To improve safety for people who bicycle, to reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Also to allows a person riding a bicycling (and similar low-speed devices) to treat stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Also to Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yield to pedestrians and other traffic. 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. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. This makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders.

I took up serious cycling 14 years again. At my age, trail riding isn't going to do it for me. I need safer roads to ride on, so I encourage you to support HR661. Safety Yield: This has been proven in multiple studies to be safer for everyone...drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. My personal experience also reflects that. Proceed on Walk Signal: With more and more intersections Leading Pedestrian Intervals, this safety improvement will have a bigger effect than ever. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifying these rules increases safety for drives and cyclists alike. I ask that you support this bill to make my riding safer, and at the same time making roads safer for drivers as well.

I just want to state that I am in support of the bill concerning speed cameras in school zones a nd bicyclists being allowed to ride two abreast in certain circumstances. I wish for our roadways to be safe for everyone, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Thank you for your attention to safety concern.

I’m a cyclist and support this legislation. Thank you.

Dear Committee, I am writing in SUPPORT of HB661. This bill increases bicycle safety, reduces bicycle crashes, and aligns Virginia law with national best practices. I urge the committee to vote YES to this bill, that will improve bicycle safety while maintaining driver and pedestrian safety..

As a cyclist who frequently rides on the streets in downtown Winchester I want to express my support for HB661 and encourage you to do likewise. This bill will increase my safety as I cross through the many intersections that are typical in any urban/city environment. In addition to the Safety Yield and Proceed on Walk provisions the riding Two Abreast updates confusing language in an existing Virginia law, making it easier to understand and enforce if needed. Specifically it removes any ambiguity for parents who want to ride side by side with their children on their neighborhood streets. Thank you for your considering this input as you vote on this important bicycle safety legislation.

This is a common sense bill that I hope goes through. I ride thousands of miles per year in multiple Virginia counties and anything that benefits cyclist safety is crucial to me. The 'yield on stop' would make motorists a little more aware of bicycles and this is a big thing! Motorists frequently behave like cyclists don't belong on the roads and I've had the current rule to give cyclists a minimum of 3' when passing ignored even by school busses. Every single cyclist I've ridden with already abides by the proposed rule requiring two abreast riders to give room for passing regardless of the width of the road and anyone who doesn't is certainly not adding to our popularity. I personally use a warning device to let me know when vehicles are coming up from behind in case I can't hear them and I always make room. I hope you'll proceed to make this bill law.

I want to lend my support to passage of HB661. I ride daily through and around Fredericksburg and often cross Williams Street at Sophia (both one-way streets at that point). Often, I find that I have to stop at the street light on Sophia even through there are no cars coming down Williams Street while cars que behind me on Sophia. When the light changes, the cars behind me either have to hesitate for me to climb the hill there and accelerate. It is uncomfortable for me to have cars waiting behind me, and unsafe. I can't keep an eye on the cars, cross the street, and accelerate. I would much prefer to pull ahead of the cars before the light changes and get in to position for the cars to pass me when they catchup. HB661, makes this legal. HB661 also has provisions for a bike to cross a street while the a street crossing sign is illuminated. That is another situation where moving ahead before cars do, increases safety for the biker. I hope very much that the subcommittee can advance HB661. -Robert

We relocated our family from Kansas City Missouri to Blacksburg Virginia 3 years ago in large part because we wanted to live somewhere that would allow us to grant our children greater exposure to the outdoors and independence of mobility prior to 16-yrs old. HB661 would further those desires. Research shows that children need increasing levels of autonomy and independence. The safety provisions in this bill move Virginia forward in making this beautiful state more accessible to all people, regardless of age and mode of transportation. For the sake of Virginia's children and their parents health, wellbeing, and happiness. I hope you vote in favor of this bill.

I support the changes in this bill. I have about 50 years of experience riding a bicycle on public and park roads, and the bill corrects some of the law that does not provide the safest way for cyclists to ride.

Please vote for these bills. People on bikes have been getting killed, we need better laws (and infrastructure) to support other non-car modes of travel.

I support HB661. I get around by bicycle and have a child who is learning to bicycle, and I support HB661 for its safety provisions proven in other states: Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. Thank you.

I am writing in in support of both HB661 and HB812 as both someone who bikes on our roadways and who is a Professional Transportation Engineer focusing on bike facility design. HB661 will increase bicyclist safety by allowing bicyclists to clear the most dangerous part of the road, intersections, in a shorter time frame be it by conducting a "Idaho Stop" (treating stop sign as yield) or by using the walk signal if it is on. I am also happy to see two-abreast riding rule modifications but wish the scope was broader. Riding two abreast when in a group creates a shorter group that takes less time to pass. Please consider if this could fit into the bill. Regarding HB812, I am writing in to support this bill to allow clearer and more widespread use of bike signals. Bike signals allow engineers to eliminate conflicts at intersections by allowing for turning vehicles and bicycles to have exclusive phasing. This means that we can eliminate cars turning over a bike lane while someone is biking in it and prevent these crash types. Thank you! -Greg

I support HB661. As an avid bicyclist, I support these important proven measures that will make our streets safer. Thank you.

I am a fan of HB661 and plan to speak in support of it at tomorrow's hearing. HB661 has three parts: Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast. It allow s cyclists to YIELD and not STOP at Stop Signs in certain situations (Yay!). It allows cyclists to proceed with pedestrians when the Walk Signal turns white in certain situations. It clarifies when cyclists can ride two abreast and expands the opportunities to do so (Yay!). One benefit would be that adults could shepherd children in the situations where adults and children are most likely to be riding together (Yay!). Experience in other states shows that the Safety Yield and Proceed on Walk SIgnal creates more distance between cyclists and automobiles and, therefore, reduces crashes and injuries. Since crashes between cars and cyclists usually harm the cyclist and I am an avid cyclist, I want to see the bill pass. Letting me shepherd my grandchildren LEGALLY in the situations stipulated by the bill would make me feel much better when I am riding with my grandchildren. I want to see the bill pass.

My husband and I organize a tandem bike group for blind and low vision people, with the sighted captain on the front and the blind/low vision on the back. As such, we are very interested in bicycle and pedestrian safety. We support bicyclists being able to yield at stop signs in limited instances, rather than having to come to a full stop, then get started again. This is a safer alternative, particularly when the rider is on an uphill. We also support the provision that a bicyclist can proceed on a walk signal, along with pedestrians, particularly when there is an LPI. Thank you..

Hello! I'm a frequent bicycle commuter around my town and county, and I ride recreationally, too. I support this bill and its key provisions as they increase safety and encourage cycling which has many individual and societal benefits. Thanks for considering and furthering this legislation! Patrick in Blacksburg

I am writing to show my strong support of the HB661. The included provisions of Bicyclist Safety Yield, Bicyclist Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast are all items that would positively impact the safety of my regular bicycle riding on the road and especially riding with my family on the road. Thank you

Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycling (and similar low-speed devices) to treat stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Many cyclists, such as myself, are clipped in. When completely stopping we need to clip out and then in again to start. This creates a safety risk, especially for my wife and I on our tandem bike. Gentling rolling through a stop sign is much safer! Proceed on Walk Signal: Much safer to move parallel to pedestrians rather than shoot out in front of and next to cars at intersections. Riding Two Abreast: This makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules. This should also shorten the length of a paceline when many riders are together.

As a pharmacist who has seen first-hand the impact that lack of exercise has on our society, I strongly recommend support of HB661 as it proposes to make bicycling safer and this will encourage more people to partake in this very healthy activity. This bill proposes nothing that is not already proven to increase the safety of cyclists. Many other states have these regulations in place and these states have a proven record of having improved cycling safety after implementing these changes.

I strongly support these commonsense measures to improve bicycle safety in the Commonwealth. I urge you to advance this bill for consideration by the full committee. Thank you!

Purpose: To improve safety for people who bicycle, reduce crashes at intersections, and update Virginia law with proven, data-backed best practices already in use in other states. Safety Yield: Allows a person riding a bicycling (and similar low-speed devices) to treat stop sign as a yield sign under limited conditions. Recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; legal in 11 states (and DC); reduced bicycle-involved crashes by 23% in Delaware. Proceed on Walk Signal: Allows a person riding a bicycle to proceed on a “WALK” signal when traveling straight or turning right, while yield to pedestrians and other traffic. 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. Riding Two Abreast: Clarifies when bicyclists may ride two-abreast and retains restrictions for riding two-abreast on higher-speed roads. Makes people on bicycles more visible to drivers, promotes safer overtaking, and allows parents and others to ride beside less experienced riders. Does not change right-of-way rules.

I write in support of this bill, HB661, which would make bicycling safer and easier in Virginia. This is important to me because bicycling is a major way that I get around. I also support HB812 and HB1010. Thank you very much. --Peter Harnik

Support the Omnibus Bicycle Safety Bill, HB 661. Vote YES to HB 661 to promote family cycling, functional intersection crossings and reduce motorist inconvenience to slower traffic. Bicycle tourism in SW Virginia is economic development. Rail to trail projects, New River Trail and the VA Creeper Trail, support local businesses. The Huckleberry Trail and Roanoke River Greenway, and the Danville Riverwalk, connect to population centers. National and International visitors cycle Bike Route 76, an on road signed trail, from Kentucky to Yorktown. Haysi, Damascus, Buchanan are small towns that welcome bicyclists. The 250th birthday celebration promotes Virginia: America - MADE IN VIRGINIA. Make VA safe for bicyclists. Support for the Omnibus Bicycle Safety Bill, HB 661, will encourage persons who come to Virginia to bicycle, to return to Virginia to bicycle because our state recognizes bicycles as a means of tourism and transportation.

I am in support of this bill and any legislation that makes it safer and more accessible for people to ride their bicycles.

Please pass these bills that support cycling safety.

Chair and Members of the House Transportation Committee, I’m writing to urge you to support HB661 and advance it out of committee. These updates are practical, proven safety measures that will help protect people walking and bicycling on Virginia roads—especially at intersections, where too many serious crashes happen. Safety Yield (stop-as-yield for bicycling under limited conditions): A data-backed approach recommended by NHTSA and already used in multiple states. It improves predictability and reduces risky “full stop / restart” moments at intersections. Delaware saw a 23% reduction in bicycle-involved crashes after adopting it. Proceed on WALK signal (straight/right with yielding): Extends the intersection-safety benefits of Leading Pedestrian Intervals by allowing bicyclists to clear the conflict zone earlier—while still yielding to pedestrians and other traffic. Riding two abreast (clarified rules, keeping higher-speed restrictions): Improves visibility, promotes safer passing behavior, and helps families and less experienced riders ride more safely—without changing right-of-way rules. Delegate Carr’s HB812 (Bicycle Signal Faces): Enables VDOT to use bicycle signal faces where appropriate, improving clarity at intersections and reducing conflicts by giving people biking a clear, dedicated signal indication. These are common-sense, evidence-based steps that bring Virginia in line with best practices already working elsewhere. Please support HB661 and HB812 and vote to pass them out of committee.

I am in full support of bills HB661 and HB812. I have spoken to many people who would love to bike, but feel it is too unsafe. These bills take actionable steps to remedy that and make biking more accessible.

I believe HB661 is important for the safety of Virginia citizens, for both the bicyclists and the vehicle drivers who want to avoid the bicyclists. The law has been proven to be beneficial in other states and is recommended by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I also believe in the importance for safety in HB812 and HB1010.

I am highly supportive of these bike safety improvement bills as they will help reduce crashes, increase visibility and make me and my family much safer while we are traveling by bike which is our main method of transport (we do not have cars). Please support these bills and all of the provisions in them. Thank you

Please support HB 661, HB 812, and HB 1010! As someone who frequently bikes, walks, and drives throughout the Richmond region and elsewhere in Virginia, these are common sense bills that have worked in other states and localities and will make our streets safer too!

I support and encourage the passage of HB661.

Please vote for these bills. People on bikes have been getting killed, we need better laws (and infrastructure) to support other non-car modes of travel.

I am writing in in support of both HB661 and HB812 as both someone who bikes on our roadways and who is a Professional Transportation Engineer focusing on bike facility design. HB661 will increase bicyclist safety by allowing bicyclists to clear the most dangerous part of the road, intersections, in a shorter time frame be it by conducting a "Idaho Stop" (treating stop sign as yield) or by using the walk signal if it is on. I am also happy to see two-abreast riding rule modifications but wish the scope was broader. Riding two abreast when in a group creates a shorter group that takes less time to pass. Please consider if this could fit into the bill. Regarding HB812, I am writing in to support this bill to allow clearer and more widespread use of bike signals. Bike signals allow engineers to eliminate conflicts at intersections by allowing for turning vehicles and bicycles to have exclusive phasing. This means that we can eliminate cars turning over a bike lane while someone is biking in it and prevent these crash types. Thank you! -Greg

I write in support of this bill, HB661, which would make bicycling safer and easier in Virginia. This is important to me because bicycling is a major way that I get around. I also support HB812 and HB1010. Thank you very much. --Peter Harnik

Testimony in Support of HB812 To the Members of the House Committee on Transportation: I am writing to express my strong support for House Bill 812, which legalizes the the use of bicycle signals in Virginia. Bicycle signals are already an option in the federal National Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 11th Edition but state code needs to be updated to allow their use. This bill will provide much-needed legal clarity and bring our state's traffic control standards into alignment with federal guidance. By providing traffic engineers with this federally approved tool, Virginia can, where appropriate, proactively design safer intersections for all road users. Currently, Virginia law creates a problematic legal ambiguity for bicycle signals. VDOT has stated an Attorney General's opinion exists that states bicycle signals are effectively not allowed under the existing code. This is because § 46.2-800 generally treats bicyclists as drivers of vehicles on roadways, while § 46.2-904 grants them "all the rights and duties of a pedestrian" when on sidewalks or shared-use paths. This binary framework leaves no clear legal standing for a traffic control device intended specifically for bicycles. Consequently, agencies like VDOT feel they are prevented from employing these devices on state projects. HB812 directly resolves this conflict by establishing a clear rule: where a bicycle signal is installed, the person operating the bicycle must obey it. This change would provide the legal certainty needed for state and local governments to use these traffic control devices. HB812 does not require the widespread installation of bicycle signals but simply allows traffic professionals to use them where appropriate. Furthermore, the bill in no way negates a bicyclist's existing responsibility to yield to pedestrians or other traffic. Because they are timed for bicycle speeds, and not vehicles or pedestrians, bike signals provide a safer and more efficient method for controlling bicycle movements at complex intersections, particularly those with dedicated bicycle facilities like cycle tracks and separated bike lanes. For the safety of Virginians and to empower our transportation professionals with the full suite of modern tools, I urge you to vote YES on HB812. Thank you for your consideration. John Bolecek

I support HB819. We must make all efforts to increase safety of pedestrians. I frequently walk or run along our highways and without our public throughfares this would be impossible however we have created a transportation infrastructure plan that nearly requires locking yourself in a car to leave you own property and without car you are unsafe. Please I urge you to support this bill and increase safety for venerable road users.