Chesapeake, VA Personal Injury Attorney Reports: Bicyclist Safety, Encouraging Bike Riding the Focus on VDOT Plan | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

In a year that has seen an almost unprecedented number traffic accidents that left bike riders in Virginia Beach, Norfolk and the other cities of Hampton Roads dead or seriously injured, the Virginia (VA) Department of Transportation has published its 2011 State Bicycle Policy Plan. According to VDOT, the plan is the first of three vision documents intended to guide decisions about upgrading existing roads and building new ones in ways that improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians while also encourages bike riding and walking for commuting, exercising and recreation.

The transportation agency makes these recommendations in its new bike plan:

  • Clarifying bicycle accommodation policies
  • Providing staff with resources to integrate the requirements of bicyclists in projects and programs
  • Improving outreach and coordination on this transportation alternative
  • Evaluating the established bicycle plan performance measures.

Virginia law defines bicycles as vehicles and makes bike rider subject to all the restrictions and regulations of drivers, with some allowances made for speed and where bicyclists can ride. Since bikers can, and often must, share roads with cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles, planning ahead for keeping bicyclists safe makes sense.

EJL