2026 General Assembly Wrap-up: Progress Toward Safer Streets in Virginia

This piece is adapted from the Virginia Bicycling Federation’s post here. 

The 2026 General Assembly session has officially concluded. While things didn’t go quite as planned with our bicyclist safety omnibus bill (HB661), we did see some meaningful progress in other areas touching street safety as outlined below. 

Legislative advocacy is an iterative process and we’ll continue to learn from our experiences in the General Assembly, engage with key leaders and staff, and refine our messaging over these next few months. We’ve made progress every year because our coalition continues to grow, and grow louder. So stick with us as we continue the fight for better bicycling in Virginia!

Strengthening Traffic Safety Camera Programs

This year’s session introduced a spate of bills involving Virginia’s still-nascent traffic safety camera program, some good and some program-killing. Ultimately, commonsense won out with several useful updates aimed at boosting public confidence and ensuring fair, consistent enforcement. Highlights include:

• Transparency in funding: Localities must now use revenue from traffic camera penalties only for their photo monitoring programs and local traffic safety initiatives. (Del. Delaney’s HB1220)
• Consistent enforcement: Beginning January 1, 2027, all traffic camera program summonses will use a standard form created by the Supreme Court of Virginia. (HB1220)
• Professional training: By July 1, 2027, officers who affirm traffic camera summonses must complete a Department of Criminal Justice Services course. (Del. Hayes’ HB684 and Sen. Diggs’ SB59).

Expanding Tools for Safer Streets

Lawmakers also broadened options available to localities to help protect people on Virginia roads:

• Bicycle signal faces: Del. Carr’s HB812 will allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and localities to install “Bicycle Signal Faces” which can reduce bicycle crash rates by up to 45 percent. Previously, Bike Signal Faces were used provisionally in select jurisdictions including Arlington. 
• More locations for Speed Safety Cameras: Del. Seibold’s HB994 permits use of cameras in designated “Safety Red Zones,” initially limited to Planning District 8 (that’s us here in Northern Virginia).
• Extended school zone coverage: Sen. Jones’ SB221 allows cameras to operate up to 60 minutes before and after school arrivals and dismissals (up from 30 minutes).
• New programs in school and work zones: Sen. Williams-Graves’ SB84 lets localities use cameras to monitor pedestrian crossing and stop sign violations (in addition to vehicle speed) in school crossings and highway work zones.
• Accountability for unpaid summonses: Sen. Jones’ SB219 sets up a clear process if drivers don’t respond to summonses for traffic camera violations — a second notice after 30 days, and if there’s still no response, the DMV won’t register or re-register the vehicle.

Looking Ahead

These accomplishments mark meaningful progress toward safer streets statewide—but our work continues. Over the next year, the WABA and our partners at the Virginia Bicycling Federation (VBF) will focus on:

• Safety Yield, Proceed on Walk Signal, and Riding Two Abreast: Educating legislators before the 2027 General Assembly session about safety measures in Del. Willett’s 2026 HB661. While bicyclists may understand these provisions, non-riders may not fully grasp their use or impact. 
• Electric mobility safety: Contributing to a DMV-led work group studying ways to improve safety for electric-assist bicycles, scooters, mopeds, and similar devices, as directed in Del. Singh’s HB1120. E-bike safety (but more accurately e-moto safety) is dominating conversations and we need to get out ahead, correct misinformation, and ensure appropriate access to this transformative technology. 

Get Involved

Thanks to the dedication of advocates, legislators, and community partners, the foundation for safer streets in Virginia has never been stronger.

Special thanks goes to the bill patrons for their leadership and commitment to traffic safety: Delegates Willett, Carr, Delaney, Hayes, Seibold, and Singh, along with Senators Diggs, Jones and Williams Graves. Messages of gratitude go a long way with Senators and Delegates—if yours is listed above or otherwise supported our bills, send them a quick note. Find your legislators here.

The WABA and VBF also welcome your ideas and feedback on legislative or regulatory priorities that advance bicycling safety and infrastructure investment. Email your thoughts to vbfadvocacycommittee@gmail.com or advocacy@waba.org.

Together, we’re moving Virginia toward streets that are safer, fairer, and more connected for everyone.