Riding bikes at night is a popular summer activity at the boardwalk in Virginia Beach. However, violating local bicycle safety rules and cycling recklessly can result in a stiff penalty notes Herndon biker and lawyer Doug Landau
Biking in Virginia Beach is a fun way to see the Boardwalk and get around town. However, there are rules to keep pedestrians, motorists, skaters, boarders and cyclists safe at the shore. Tourists can rent single and family bikes all along the waterfront, and there are dedicated paths for walkers and cyclists. However, in order to ensure that unnecessary accidents and injuries are avoided, the local government has rules to protect City of Virginia Beach visitors. The
City Ordinances include the following rules and penalties:
- 1. Ride only on trails marked for bicycle riding adjacent to the boardwalk. Do not ride on city streets, sidewalks, boardwalk or grassy areas. City Law; Max. fine $250.
- 2. Ride in control and observe pedestrian crosswalks. Allow 10 feet for stopping distance. Reckless operation will result in fine. City Law; Max. fine $250.
Herndon bike injury lawyer Doug Landau finds the “Reckless operation” ordinance particularly interesting. To be cited for “reckless driving,” motorists are clocked more than 20 miles per hour above the speed limit, going the wrong way, or are seen weaving in and out of their lane. For enforcement of the “Reckless Biking” ordinance, what criterion should the police be looking for ? Can they use the speed radar gun on bicyclists ? Do intersection cameras pick up bikers ? Who gets the ticket if a multi-person, family bike is stopped by the authorities ? Evidence tends to suggest that these rules are enforced and working, as Landau did not see any accidents, “near misses,” or problems on the bike paths or City streets, despite Labor Day being one of the busiest holiday weekends of the summer season.
