Bicyclists frequently are victims of vehicle accidents, so should wear bicycle helmets to minimize wrongful death and brain injuries. Although Virginia does not have a statewide law, the following Hampton Roads and other localities have ordinances mandating bike helmets based on age: Albemarle County, City of Alexandria, Amherst County, Arlington County, Clarke County, City of Falls Church, Floyd County, City of Hampton, James City County, Town of Luray, City of Manassas, City of Manassas Park, City of Norfolk, Orange County, City of Petersburg, Prince William County, Stafford County, City of Vienna, Town of Wise, and York County.
Virginia law does require a bicycle light and reflector statewide to avoid vehicle accidents. A bike must have a white headlight visible 500 feet away when ridden from sunset to sunrise. Also, a bike must have a red reflector visible 600 feet away at all times.
Maintaining visibility at all times remains critical since being struck by motorists is by far the leading cause of wrongful death to bicyclists in Virginia and elsewhere. Hundreds of bicyclists are killed and injured every year by cars, trucks, and other vehicles across the United States.
