The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM) will be making a change to the annual January legislative meeting. Lobby Day is usually held on Martin Luther King Day. For two decades Virginia motorcyclists have gathered on that day to go the state capital in order to urge their legislators to support motorcyclists in Virginia. However, this year’s legislative agenda hinges more on working with state agencies than it does on winning support of individual legislators. For this reason, VCOM has decided not to hold a traditional lobby day. Instead, on a date to be determined, VCOM will host a reception in Richmond in order to give attendees a chance to visit their legislators and show support to those legislators who support us. It will also be a great opportunity to engage in fellowship with other riders interested in protecting the rights of motorcyclists.
VCOM continues to work with the Virginia State Police to create acceptable standards to allow motorcyclists in Virginia to utilize accent lighting in order to increase rider nighttime visibility. At this time, we foresee this as the one issue which may require legislative action. If it does, we will attempt to schedule the reception on a day that the Senate Transportation Committee meets. It will be important to have as many supporters there as possible if we are not able to work out an agreement with the State Police.
VCOM is also working with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in order to create a Driver Improvement Clinic for motorcyclists. Currently in Virginia, Driver Improvement Clinics, which allow drivers to add positive points to their driver’s license, are held strictly in classroom settings and are geared for automobile drivers. VCOM is working with the DMV to create a Driver Improvement Clinic for motorcyclists which will include classroom training as well as actual riding time on a range. We will keep you updated as we move forward on this project.
Finally, VCOM is actively monitoring every bill that is being introduced in the General Assembly this year. If one is introduced which affects motorcyclists, we will immediately report it on this list and formulate a strategy to either support or oppose the legislation depending on its merit. In the meantime, if anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns about this or any other matter concerning motorcycling in Virginia, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Matt Danielson
McGrath, Danielson, Sorrell & Fuller
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com