Bicycles; prohibits operating in willful or wanton disregard of safety of persons or property. (SB905)

Michael Perkins writes:

Dear Mr. Perkins:

Thank you for your email. Following a tragic bicycling (automobile/bike to be specific) last year, the City of Charlottesville convened a bike safety group to discuss possible changes to the law. Out of that group came three recommendation: three foot passing law, enabling legislation for the City to permit contraflow cycling on one way streets, and an addition to the Code for a citation below reckless driving. Delegate Toscano and Senator Deeds are carrying the bills.

The initial proposal for the third proposal was to add cycling to the improper driving statute. After some discussion during a meeting with Sen. Deeds, Del. Toscano's aide Sarah Buckley, David Blount with the TJPDC, and the Deputy City Attorney Richard Harris, the thought was a separate section of the code with a lesser fine would be more appropriate. The City researched laws in other states and identified some language, which was used in the drafting of the bill.

Having not served on the task force and only having knowledge about the one meeting with City folks that I was present during, it is difficult for me to give you a complete picture. I know several other bicycling organizations are communicating about the legislation. Sen. Deeds is extremely bike-friendly and has collaborated with the cycling community in the past. I'm uncertain at this point what the plans are for the bill.

I hope this at least clarifies the origination of the legislation.

Sincerely,

TE
Legislative Aide