Current status of HB661 as of February 26, 2026: HB661 was filed by Delegate Rodney Willett (D, HD-58) on January 13, and the House of Delegates passed it unanimously (98Y-0N-0A) on February 9. On February 26, HB661 was reported 13Y-1N by the Senate Transportation Committee and re-referred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Virginia’s 2026 General Assembly session is well underway, and several bills this year could meaningfully improve safety for people who ride bicycles. The Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) has been advocating for practical, evidence-based safety measures, and supporter engagement is making a real difference.
Below is a quick update on where things stand and how you can help.
Action Request:
Please contact your delegate and ask them to support Delegate Willett’s Omnibus Bicyclist Safety bill (HB661) on the House floor. Its third reading is expected on Monday, February 9.
If your delegate serves on the House Transportation Committee, please thank them for supporting HB661 in committee. Personal stories about why bicyclist safety matters are especially effective.
You can read more about the safety benefits of HB661 on the VBF blog, and use “Who’s My Legislator” to confirm your delegate.
Highlights:
- HB661 (Omnibus Bicyclist Safety Bill) advanced unanimously from the House Transportation Committee and should receive a House floor vote on February 9.
- HB812 (Bicycle Signals Bill) also advanced with strong bipartisan support and should also receive a House floor vote on Monday.
- Three bills that could have negatively impacted bicyclist safety did not advance, with VBF advocacy playing an important role.
- Thank you to everyone who submitted comments or spoke up when asked — your voices matter.
Additional Bicycling-Related Bills:
E-Moto Safety:
Two delegates introduced legislation addressing safety concerns related to high-powered electric “e-motos,” which can reach speeds beyond legal e-bike limits.
- HB1120 would establish a stakeholder workgroup to develop solutions. VBF supports this collaborative approach.
- A related bill, HB269, was continued to 2027 to allow more time to find balanced solutions that protect safety without affecting responsible e-bike riders.
Traffic-Safety Cameras:
Several bills this session address traffic-safety camera programs, particularly in school zones. VBF supports:
- Speed cameras as a proven safety tool
- Increased transparency and reporting on how camera revenues are used
- Policies that prioritize safety in high-risk areas like school zones
Multiple camera-related bills are still under review this session. Two traffic-safety camera repeal bills, SB297 and SB306, were amended by their patron to merely prohibit charging any extra fees and to require an expanded annual operations report by each implementing agency.
We appreciate the growing support for bicyclist safety among members of the General Assembly. Please continue thanking legislators who support safer roads and urging support for HB661.
Please share this article to help build support for safer streets in 2026.
Questions or comments?
Contact the VBF Advocacy Committee at 703-508-0762 or vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com
About the Virginia Bicycling Federation
The Virginia Bicycling Federation works to make Virginia the most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Through advocacy, education, and community partnerships, we promote safe, accessible, and enjoyable bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. From historic trails to vibrant downtowns, bicycling connects us to our communities—and to Virginia’s rich past and promising future. Learn more at www.vabike.org. To join or donate to VBF, go to https://app.joinit.com/o/
This article was drafted by VBF board members Jim Durham and Susan Motley.
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