Vermont
Vermont – no specific legislation (2022 ranking: 23)
Summary: Vermont attempts to provide a safe passing distance of four feet but the wording in the law if absurd:
The operator of a motor vehicle approaching or passing a vulnerable user as defined in subdivision 4(81) of this title shall exercise due care, which includes reducing speed and increasing clearance to a recommended distance of at least four feet, to pass the vulnerable user safely, and shall cross the center of the highway only as provided in section 1035 of this title. A person who violates this subsection shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $200.00.
So, what happens if a vehicle passes a cyclist at less than the recommended four feet? Absolutely nothing.
For details, search with the following keywords: “Vermont Title 23 Chapter 013 1033.”
From Justia.com:
https://law.justia.com/codes/vermont/2021/title-23/chapter-13/section-1033/
The League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle Friendly State Report Card:
https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/BFS_Report_Card_2022_Vermont.pdf
Groups to check out:
- Local Motion: https://www.localmotion.org/
Virginia
Virginia – legislation passed in 2014 (2022 ranking: 7 – TOP 10!)
Summary: Virginia has a passing law that defines the safe passing distance as “at least three feet.” Virginia’s law also applies to passing electric personal assistive mobility devices (EPAMDs), electric power-assisted bicycles, mopeds, animals, or animal-drawn vehicles.
For details, search with the following keywords: “Virginia Title 46.2-839.”
From FindLaw.com:
https://codes.findlaw.com/va/title-46-2-motor-vehicles/va-code-sect-46-2-839.html
From Justia.com:
https://law.justia.com/codes/virginia/2022/title-46-2/chapter-8/section-46-2-839/
The League of American Bicyclists - Bicycle Friendly State Report Card:
https://bikeleague.org/sites/default/files/BFS_Report_Card_2022_Virginia.pdf
Groups to check out:
- Virginia Bicycling Federation: https://www.vabike.org/
