Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with the governor's recommendation and pass a bill that increases the penalty for a person who operates a motor vehicle in a careless or distracted manner and is the cause of serious physical injury to a bicyclist or a vulnerable road user.

Highlights:

• Defines “vulnerable road user” as (Sec. 1):

• A pedestrian;

• The operator of or passenger on a bicycle;

• Electric personal assistive mobility device;

• Electric power-assisted bicycle;

• Wheelchair or wheelchair conveyance;

• Skateboard or roller skates;

• Motorized skateboard or scooter;

• An animal-drawn vehicle or any attached device; and

• Any individual riding an animal.

• Classifies the act of operating a motor vehicle in a careless or distracted manner in a way that causes serious bodily injury to a vulnerable road user who is lawfully present on the highway at the time of injury as a Class 1 misdemeanor (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that nothing in this act shall authorize a driver of a motor vehicle from crossing a solid line designating a bicycle lane to pass or attempt to pass another vehicle, except as authorized by a law enforcement officer, or where the roadway is otherwise impassable due to weather conditions, an accident, or an emergency situation (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Signed by Governor Ralph Northam