Subcommittee backs bicycle omnibus bill to expand safety rules for riders

Delegate Willett presented HB661 as a three‑part bicycle safety update intended to reduce crash risk and make streets safer for people who bike. The bill would (1) allow certain bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs under limited conditions (a "safety yield" or Idaho stop), (2) extend the ability to proceed on a walk signal to bicyclists in bike lanes or travel lanes, and (3) clarify existing two‑abreast provisions by permitting side‑by‑side riding except on two‑way roads with posted limits of 35 mph or greater.

"This law by itself, of course, is not gonna eliminate all of those issues, but it's certainly gonna help," Delegate Willett said, describing personal losses in the cycling community and the bill's safety intent. He cited the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's recommendation that states adopt safety‑yield rules and said Delaware saw a 23% reduction in bicycle crashes at stop signs after adopting a similar law.

Multiple advocacy and local officials testified in support. John Hamilton of the Virginia Bicycling Federation said the bill maintains protections for bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers while improving safety. "This bill is a safety focused update of the Virginia code," Hamilton said. Sonya Brehe of the Coalition for Smarter Growth and Fatima Kamara of the Virginia Conservation Network emphasized climate and active‑transportation benefits. Jen Millian noted that the Blacksburg Town Council had adopted a resolution supporting the bill in its 2026 legislative priorities.

Supporters highlighted limits in the bill: it targets adult riders for the stop‑sign provision and restricts two‑abreast riding on higher‑speed, two‑way roads so as not to impede traffic. Testimony emphasized predictability for motorists and improved visibility for groups and families riding together.

The subcommittee voted to report HB661 to the full Transportation Committee; the chair announced the subcommittee vote as 7–0. The bill will next appear before the full committee for further consideration.