Bicycle Safety

Starting July 1, cyclists in Virginia will have more room between them and passing cars.

Prior to July 1, drivers had to give two feet of clearance when passing a bicycle on Virginia roadways.  Now the law requires motorists to give a three-foot clearance.

New Rules for Mopeds

Also effective July 1 in Virginia, moped and scooter drivers will be required to carry government-issued photo identification.  It is still permissible to drive a scooter or moped, however, without a license.

However, the mopeds and scooters themselves must be titled and registered.  The fees are $10 for a title and $20.25 for annual registration.

Finally, drivers and passengers on a moped or scooter must wear a helmet, as well as a face shield or safety glasses or goggles.

Brendon’s Law

Brendan’s Law makes celebratory gunfire in which a person is wounded a Class 6 felony, punishable by up to five years in prison.  The law is named in honor of Brandon Mackey, a 7 year old boy who was killed last year by a falling bullet while walking with his father to an Independence Day fireworks show.