Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is an efficient form of transportation that offers many benefits, including independent mobility, ease of congestion, and the production of no air pollution. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), cycling is an excellent way to get around, especially for those traveling between work, school, and home.
Cycling Infrastructure in Virginia
Virginia has invested heavily in cycling infrastructure, with over 1,599 miles of shared use path facilities, 967 lane miles of bicycle lanes, and 466 lane miles of shared lane markings and locally designated routes. These facilities provide a safe and convenient way for cyclists to travel throughout the state.
| Facility Type | Length (miles) |
|---|---|
| Shared Use Path Facilities | 1,599 miles |
| Bicycle Lanes | 967 miles |
| Shared Lane Markings | 466 miles |
Upcoming Bike Month Events
Several Bike Month events are planned throughout Virginia, including National Ride a Bike Day on May 4, Bike & Roll to School Day on May 7, and Bike to Work Day on May 16. These events aim to promote the benefits of active transportation and bicycle safety.
Key Dates
- May 4: National Ride a Bike Day
- May 7: Bike & Roll to School Day
- May 16: Bike to Work Day
Safety Reminders
VDOT has a few reminders for drivers and bicyclists to ensure everyone stays safe on the roads.
For Motorists:
- Slow down and pass bicyclists on the road with care. Allow at least three feet clearance or change lanes, if possible.
- Look for bicyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
- Yield to bicyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals, as you would for pedestrians and vehicles.
- Follow the speed limit, and slow down on busy streets with more bicyclists.
- Respect designated bicycle lanes. Motorists should not drive, idle or park in bicycle lanes except when necessary to cross or turn right.
- Motorists turning must yield to bicyclists continuing straight through an intersection.
- Drivers should be aware when turning for potential contraflow bike traffic in two-way cycle lanes and contraflow bike lanes and must yield to both directions of bike traffic.
For Bicyclists:
- Be a responsible bicyclist. Obey all traffic control devices and use proper hand signals.
- Always ride with the flow of traffic, and do not swerve or make sudden movements.
- Ride defensively. Anticipate the actions of other road users and watch for road hazards.
- Pass vehicles with extreme care. Turning vehicles may not see you.
- Be aware of motor vehicle blind spots whether while riding or when stopped at an intersection.
- At night, dress in brighter colors and ensure your reflective gear is clean.
- Do not ride side by side with a vehicle. Two cyclists should go into a single file line when a vehicle is passing.
Quote from Governor Glenn Youngkin
“Bicycling is an efficient form of transportation and offers independent mobility for many Virginians traveling between work, school and home.