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We have reached the time in the Virginia General Assembly known as “Crossover,” which is the half way point of the 60 day session. This means that, other than the budget bill, the Senate may now only consider legislation that has passed out of the House of Delegates, and the House of Delegates may only consider legislation that has passed out of the Senate.

Here are the mid-point updates of the legislation that the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM) has been supporting, opposing, or watching. I have included links to the bills that are still “alive” and working their way through the General Assembly. You may use these links to follow the progress of any legislation which interests you.

House Bills

HB10 – This bill concerns the number of headlights allowed on the front of a motorcycle. The bill was introduced by request of a constituent of Delegate Cole and is identical to SB25 which was introduced by Senator Reeves by request. The bill would allow motorcyclists to burn five lights rather than four for general illumination on the front of the motorcycle. The purpose of this bill is to improve visibility of motorcycles from the front in order to help prevent left turns in front of motorcycles.

Neither HB10 nor SB25 have met any opposition and have therefore moved through their respective bodies on the uncontested calendar. That means that they were voted on in a block with many other bills which were also unopposed. Both bills are on the fast track to become law.

VCOM will be watching the potential conflict in law that these bills create. The bills allow motorcycles to “be equipped with and use not more than five approved lights in order to provide general illumination ahead of the motorcycle.” However, Section 46.2-1012 prohibits motorcycles from being equipped with more than two auxiliary lights. This may require a legislative fix in the future. VCOM will continue to monitor this.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB10

You may follow the progress of its companion, SB25, and read its text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=sb25

HB870 – This bill concerns unfair claim settlement practices and was introduced by Delegate Hugo. It is identical to SB193 which was introduced by Senator Stuart.

Under current law insurance companies and repair facilities are prohibited from making an appraisal of a damaged automobile without making a personal inspection. This bill would also allow appraisals to be done using photographs. This code also requires that any estimate of an automobile that is prepared based on the use of parts not made by the original manufacturer must conspicuously state that to be the fact.

VCOM has worked with both patrons to amend their bills. As a result, each was amended to replace automobile with motor vehicle. As a result, motorcyclists will enjoy this protection that has to date only been extended to owners of automobiles.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=hb870

You may follow the progress of its companion, SB193, and read its text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=sb193

HB939 – This bill was introduced by Delegate Wilt by request of VCOM. It would allow motorcyclists to utilize LED type auxiliary lights to increase visibility of motorcycles, especially at night. Auxiliary side lighting lessens the chance of a collision caused by an automobile or truck changing lanes into a motorcycle. The problem is that most of this type of lighting is not approved by DOT, ANSI or SAE and is therefore illegal under Virginia law. This bill would allow certain unapproved lighting on motorcycles as a safety device

This bill has faced heavy opposition from the Virginia State Police who insist that all motor vehicle lighting be approved by one of the aforementioned organizations. Despite such opposition, VCOM has, with the assistance of motorcyclists who rallied to email their legislators, worked this bill through committee and onto the House floor where it passed on a vote of 100-0. VCOM will continue to work on this bill in the Senate where it will once again face opposition from the Virginia State Police.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=hb939

Senate Bills Not Yet Discussed

SB35 – This bill, introduced by Senator Carrico, incrementally adds fees to yearly motor vehicle registrations in order to provide additional funds to the Virginia State Police. By July 1, 2025 that fee would be $12.50 per motor vehicle per year. This means that a household with two cars and two motorcycles would pay $50 per year in additional fees.

To give a better idea of the impact of this bill, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 7,898,197 registered motor vehicles in Virginia in 2014. $12.50 per vehicle per year comes to $98,727,462 per year (That is almost ninety-nine million dollars per year)

VCOM opposed this bill. We believe that this would have a disproportional effect on our community since we tend to own more motor vehicles than the average household.

This bill was sent to the House Committee on Finance and has been carried over until next year. No further action will be taken on this bill during this General Assembly session.

Finally we have SB697. This bill, introduced by Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth, would have exempted motorcycles from paying tolls in Virginia. While VCOM very much appreciates the efforts of the Senator, the fate of this bill was sealed upon its introduction. Previous attempts at similar legislation have been met with strong opposition from a legislative body that frowns on removing transportation funding sources of any kind. It was no different this year. The bill was rejected in the Senate Transportation Committee’s sub-committee on tolls.

We will continue to update you on all of the legislation throughout this year’s session. If anyone has any questions concerning these or any other bills, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Once again let me say thank you to all of you who have ever taken your time this year to support Virginia motorcyclists. Your efforts matter more than you know. There is not another group I would rather be affiliated with than you.

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Our Auxiliary light bill, HB 939, passed today in the House of Delegates on a vote of 100-0. We now move to the Virginia Senate. Thank you to all who took the time to email their legislators.

This bill would allow motorcyclists to utilize auxiliary lighting, such as LED accent lighting, in order to be more visible at night. Current Virginia law requires that all lighting be approved by the superintendent of the Virginia State Police. That means that all lighting must go through an approval process. The vast majority of smaller lights appropriate for motorcycles have never undergone such a process, and due to the size of the manufacturers making such lighting, most likely never will.

You can view HB 939 at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB939

We will post additional information on HB 939 as it moves through the Senate.

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Our Auxiliary light bill, HB 939, is going to be heard this Thursday (February 4th) before the Full House Transportation Committee. This bill would allow motorcyclists to utilize auxiliary lighting, such as LED accent lighting, in order to be more visible at night. Current Virginia law requires that all lighting be approved by the superintendent of the Virginia State Police. That means that all lighting must go through an approval process. The vast majority of smaller lights appropriate for motorcycles have never undergone such a process, and due to the size of the manufacturers making such lighting, most likely never will.

You can view HB 939 at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB939

VCOM has worked with Delegate Tony Wilt to fashion this bill which allows motorcycles the protection of side lighting currently enjoyed by operators of cars and trucks. Below is the name and email address of every Delegate on the committee hearing this bill. VCOM encourages all motorcyclists to email the members of the committee in support of this bill. When doing so remember to point out the following:

• The bill increases visibility of motorcycles, especially at night;

• Unlike automobiles which are required to have side marker lights or wrap around headlights / tail lights which are visible from the side, motorcycle lights are often only visible from the front and rear and do not have the same illumination as automobiles;

• NHTSA published a report on the effectiveness of side marker lights on motor vehicles.The report concluded that side marker lights are a cost effective safety device which reduce the number of nighttime angular collisions that occur in the United States;

• Several surrounding states, including Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have passed similar legislation and motorcyclists from those states are currently riding on Virginia roads with similar lighting. It makes sense to give Virginia motorcyclists the same safety tools that out of state riders already use on Virginia roads.
Please support this sensible bill which makes motorcycles more visible at night. The list of committee members is below. When you send emails it is best to send an email to each Delegate individually. It is also helpful to include your address if you are a constituent.

Delegate Villanueva (Chairman) DelRVillanueva@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Hugo – DelTHugo@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Habeeb – DelGHabeeb@house.virginia.gov Delegate Anderson – DelRAnderson@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Minchew – DelRMinchew@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Yancey – DelDYancey@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Dudenhefer – DelMDudenhefer@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Davis – DelGDavis@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Austin – DelTAustin@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Taylor – DelSTaylor@house.virginia.gov
Delegate LaRock – DelDLaRock@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Toscano – DelDToscano@house.virginia.gov
Delegate McQuinn – DelDMcQuinn@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Carr – DelBCarr@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Filler-Corn – DelEFiller-Corn@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Bagby – DelLBagby@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Ward – DelJWard@house.virginia.gov

The following Delegates have already voted in favor of this bill in sub-committee. Please send a thank you email to them for supporting this sensible legislation.

Delegate Garrett – DelSGarrett@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Adams – DelLAdams@house.virginia.gov
Delegate LeMunyon – DelJLeMunyon@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Pillion – DelTPillion@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Plum – DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Our Auxiliary light bill, HB 939, passed out of House Sub-Committee # 1 with the help of the Sub-Committee Chairman, Delegate Scott Garrett. The many emails sent by motorcyclists on this list was crucial to getting out of sub-committee. When we know the date we will be going to the full House Transportation Committee we will post the emails of all of the committee members.

This bill would allow motorcyclists to utilize auxiliary lighting, such as LED accent lighting, in order to be more visible at night. Current Virginia law requires that all lighting be approved by the superintendent of the Virginia State Police. That means that all lighting must go through an approval process. The vast majority of smaller lights appropriate for motorcycles have never undergone such a process, and due to the size of the manufacturers making such lighting, most likely never will.

You can view HB 939 at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB939

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Our Auxiliary light bill, HB 939, is most likely going to be heard this Monday (February 1st) before the House Transportation Sub-committee chaired by Delegate Scott Garrett. This bill would allow motorcyclists to utilize auxiliary lighting, such as LED accent lighting, in order to be more visible at night. Current Virginia law requires that all lighting be approved by the superintendent of the Virginia State Police. That means that all lighting must go through an approval process. The vast majority of smaller lights appropriate for motorcycles have never undergone such a process, and due to the size of the manufacturers making such lighting, most likely never will.

You can view HB 939 at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB939

VCOM has worked with Delegate Tony Wilt to fashion this bill which allows motorcycles the protection of side lighting currently enjoyed by operators of cars and trucks. Below is the name and email address of every Delegate on the sub-committee hearing this bill. VCOM encourages all motorcyclists to email the members of the sub-committee in support of this bill. When doing so remember to point out the following:

• The bill increases visibility of motorcycles, especially at night;

• Unlike automobiles which are required to have side marker lights or wrap around headlights / tail lights which are visible from the side, motorcycle lights are often only visible from the front and rear and do not have the same illumination as automobiles;

• NHTSA published a report on the effectiveness of side marker lights on motor vehicles.The report concluded that side marker lights are a cost effective safety device which reduce the number of nighttime angular collisions that occur in the United States;

• Several surrounding states, including Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, have passed similar legislation and motorcyclists from those states are currently riding on Virginia roads with similar lighting. It makes sense to give Virginia motorcyclists the same safety tools that out of state riders already use on Virginia roads.
Please support this sensible bill which makes motorcycles more visible at night. The list of sub-committee members is below. When you send emails it is best to send an email to each Delegate individually.

Delegate Garrett (Chairman) – DelSGarrett@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Adams – DelLAdams@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Anderson – DelRAnderson@house.virginia.gov
Delegate LeMunyon – DelJLeMunyon@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Pillion – DelTPillion@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Plum – DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Ward – DelJWard@house.virginia.gov

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Virginia State Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth has introduced SB697 which would allow motorcyclists to use Virginia toll roads free of charge. The pertinent language of the bill reads as follows:

“Any motorcycle operated by the holder of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth or any other state shall be allowed free use of all toll bridges, toll roads, and other toll facilities in the Commonwealth.”

Previous attempts at similar legislation have been met with strong opposition by a legislative body that frowns on removing transportation funding sources of any kind. We expect similar opposition to this bill.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the entire text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+SB697

VCOM will keep you updated on the status of this bill along with any other bills affecting Virginia motorcyclists. If you have any questions or comments concerning this legislative year please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

This year’s Virginia Motorcycle Lobby Day was another success. We had over 100 motorcyclists attend the Sunday informational session where we discussed this year’s legislation that affects Virginia motorcyclists. The next day we drove to the capitol and spoke to the delegates and senators about the legislation.

As Jim and I continue to make our rounds at the General Assembly Building, House and Senate staffers are telling us how much they enjoyed seeing the motorcyclists again. Thank you to each and every one of you who participated in this year’s Virginia Motorcycle Lobby Day. Your efforts and sacrifices make a difference for Virginia motorcyclists.

While we discussed numerous bills, I would like to call attention to those which directly affect motorcycles and motorcyclists. Below is an overview of this year’s legislation. You can view all of the legislation at vcomonline.org

House Bills

HB10 – This bill concerns the number of headlights allowed on the front of a motorcycle. The bill was introduced by request of a constituent of Delegate Cole and is identical to SB25 which was introduced by Senator Reeves by request. The bill would allow motorcyclists to burn five lights rather than four for general illumination to the front of the motorcycle. The purpose of this bill is to improve visibility of motorcycles from the front in order to help prevent left turns in front of motorcycles. The bill may require a change to Section 46.2-1012 which prohibits motor vehicles from having more than two auxiliary headlights.

While VCOM supports additional illumination for motorcycles, attendees of the Virginia Motorcycle Round table wanted to ensure that this bill remained separate and apart from HB 939 which is our auxiliary light bill.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB10

You may follow the progress of its companion, SB25, and read its text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=sb25

HB870 – This bill concerns unfair claim settlement practices and was introduced by Delegate Hugo. It is identical to SB193 which was introduced by Senator Stuart.

Under current law, insurance companies and repair facilities are prohibited from making an appraisal of a damaged automobile without making a personal inspection. This bill would also allow appraisals to be done using photographs. This code section also requires that any estimate of an automobile that is prepared based upon the use of parts not made by the original manufacturer must conspicuously state that to be the fact. We would like to see motorcycle estimates receive the same protection. We are working with the patrons of these bills to have the code amended to include all motor vehicles and not just automobiles.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=hb870

You may follow the progress of its companion, SB193, and read its text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=sb193

HB939 – This bill was introduced by Delegate Wilt at the request of VCOM. It would allow motorcyclists to utilize LED type auxiliary lights to increase visibility of motorcycles. Auxiliary side lighting lessens the chance of a collision caused by an automobile or truck changing lanes into a motorcycle.

The problem is that most of this type of lighting is not approved by either DOT or SAE and is therefore illegal under Virginia law. This bill would allow certain unapproved lighting on motorcycles in order to make this type of lighting available to all motorcyclists.

Several states neighboring Virginia have adopted similar legislation in order to increase the visibility of motorcycles. There have not been any reported problems associated with such legislation. Virginia Code and federal regulation require side lighting for automobiles and trucks but not motorcycles. We want motorcycles (and more importantly motorcyclists) to be able to have the same protection.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=hb939

HB1043/1185 – Both of these bills concern reckless driving by speed. HB1043 was introduced by Delegate Rasoul, and HB1185 was introduced by Delegate Sickles.

Under current law it is per-se reckless driving to drive at a speed of 20 mph over the speed limit or at any speed in excess of 80 mph regardless of the speed limit. Both of these bills would make the threshold for reckless driving 85 mph when in a 70 mph zone.

Reckless driving is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,500 fine. These bills are directed at speed traps such as the Million Dollar Mile on 295 in Hopewell where people doing 81 mph in a 70 mph zone are receiving reckless driving tickets.

You may follow the progress of these bills and read the text at the following links:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB1043

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+sum+HB1185

HB1276 – This bill was introduced by Delegate Robinson at the request of VCOM. It defines the term Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Course in a manner so as to apply the numerous statutory requirements, including the requirement that courses be approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles, only to those courses which may be taken for the purposes of obtaining a waiver for (i) both two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycles, (ii) two-wheeled motorcycles, or (iii) three-wheeled motorcycles.

Currently the term applies to any course which teaches the operation of a motorcycle. There are many excellent courses taught in the Commonwealth which, while defined as a Motorcycle Rider Safety Training Program, do not meet all the requirements set forth in Virginia Code. This bill corrects that problem so that training centers may continue to offer ongoing training and education to Virginia riders.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?161+ful+HB1276

Senate Bills Not Yet Discussed

SB35 – This bill, introduced by Senator Carrico, incrementally adds fees to yearly motor vehicle registrations in order to provide additional funds to the Virginia State Police. By July 1, 2025 that additional fee would be $12.50 per motor vehicle per year. This means that a household with two cars and two motorcycles would pay $50 per year in additional fees.

To give a better idea of the impact of this bill, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2014 there were 7,898,197 registered motor vehicles in Virginia. $12.50 per vehicle per year comes to $98,727,462 per year (That is almost ninety-nine million dollars per year)

VCOM opposes this bill. We believe that this would have a disproportional effect on our community since we tend to own more motor vehicles than the average household.

You may follow the progress of this bill and read the text at the following link:

http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=161&typ=bil&val=sb35

We will continue to update you on all of the legislation throughout this year’s session. If anyone has any questions concerning a particular piece of legislation, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Finally, let me say thank you again to all of you who have ever taken your time to support Virginia motorcyclists. By working together we make Virginia a better place for all riders.

Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists and Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group would like to invite all interested motorcyclists to attend this year’s Motorcycle Lobby Day. This year it will be held on Monday January 18, 2016. This is a holiday, so many people are off. That morning Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists, as well as members of other state motorcycle rights organizations, independent motorcyclists and any other interested people will go to the Virginia General Assembly to speak to the Delegates and Senators about upcoming legislation that affects motorcyclists in Virginia.

On Sunday January 17th, beginning at 1:00 p.m., Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting at the Holiday Inn at 2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA, 23230 to discuss this year’s legislation affecting motorcyclists. We will also discuss how to talk to your legislators about these issues in case you have never done that. Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a free homemade BBQ dinner.

On Monday the 18th, we leave the hotel at 8:00 a.m. sharp for our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will head to Penny Lane Pub where The Motorcycle Law Group provides lunch to all who attended as a thank you for coming to support Virginia motorcyclists.

This year we know that there will be another bill to amend the Code of Virginia to allow motorcyclists to use auxiliary lights in order to increase visibility to other motorists. This bill faces heavy opposition from the Virginia State Police and will require strong support from the motorcycling community in order to become law in Virginia.

As always, there will be numerous bills submitted at the last minute which may negatively affect motorcycling. As these bills are filed, we will identify them and discuss them at Lobby Day so that we can convince legislators to oppose them. Those who have participated in Lobby Day in the past remember bills that we have defeated such as the one that would have required proof of insurance before one person could sell another person a motorcycle, even if the person buying the motorcycle had no intention of putting the bike on the road. We defeated that one with the help of all of those who participated at Lobby Day. A few years ago we defeated a bill that would have prohibited children under eight from riding on a motorcycle as passengers. We pointed out that the proposed law improperly infringed on the rights and responsibilities of parents. Those at Lobby Day also pointed out the fact that in the prior ten years not a single child under eight was killed on a motorcycle. Both of these bills may have become law if it were not for the efforts of Virginia motorcyclists who took the time to come to Richmond and oppose them.

I encourage everyone who can to join us. It is a lot of fun, it is educational, and most importantly it shows the legislators that motorcyclists are a significant and active portion of the electorate.

For more information you may call VCOM at (804) 353-3971. For Room Reservations call 1- (888) 465-4329. Make sure to ask for the VCOM rate. We hope to see you at Lobby Day.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

My office has received numerous emails and telephone calls in recent weeks concerning a rumor spreading through the motorcycling community that it is now legal in Virginia to operate your motorcycle on the shoulder of the highway when traffic is heavy or stopped. I am sending this email in order to correct this misunderstanding. It is not legal to operate your motorcycle or any other motor vehicle (emergency responders excluded) on the shoulder of the highway in Virginia.

46.2-841(B) of the Code of Virginia reads as follows:

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. Except where driving on paved shoulders is permitted by lawfully placed signs, no such movement shall be made by driving on the shoulder of the highway or off the pavement or main traveled portion of the roadway.

There is no exception under Virginia law for motorcycles. While I can certainly understand the argument in favor of allowing this for air cooled engines, it is still prohibited behavior in Virginia.

If you are interested in discussing a change to the law as it pertains to this issue or any other issues faced by motorcyclists, I would invite you to join us for the Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable on October 17, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia. The Roundtable will start at1:00 pm at the Richmond Marriott West, which is located at 4240 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23060. The Legislative Roundtable is where Virginia Motorcyclists gather to discuss issues of importance to the motorcycling community, and to have input on the 2016 legislative agenda to be presented to the Virginia General Assembly by the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists.

If you are interested in attending, we would welcome you around the table. If you are unable to attend but want to express your ideas, or if you have any questions concerning this year’s Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

This year’s Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2015 at the Richmond Marriott West, which is located at 4240 Dominion Boulevard, Glen Allen, VA 23060. The Legislative Roundtable is where Virginia Motorcyclists gather to discuss issues of importance to the motorcycling community, and to have input on the 2016 legislative agenda to be presented to the Virginia General Assembly by the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists.

The Roundtable will start at 1:00 P.M. in order to give attendants time to arrive and grab lunch before we start. The Roundtable usually lasts three to four hours. If you can make it we would welcome your voice in deciding the issues that need to be addressed in 2016. In past years the Roundtable was the starting point for legislation such as Virginia’s red light bill, our prohibition against motorcycle only checkpoints, the modification of the Virginia Code to allow two two-wheeled motorcycles to travel abreast in a single lane, legislation improving Virginia’s Rider Education Program, and the creation of the autocycle category which removed three wheeled automobiles from Virginia’s motorcycle crash data.

If you are interested in attending we would welcome you around the table. If you are unable to attend but want to express your ideas, or if you have any questions concerning this year’s Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com