State has a Far Right as Practicable Requirement

Virginia requires riding as close as safely practicable to the right curb or edge when slower than traffic, with exceptions for passing, turning, hazards, and one-way roads.

Allows Two Abreast Riding

Two-abreast riding is allowed, but riders must not impede the normal movement of traffic.

Single File is Required

Riders going two abreast must move to single file as quickly as practicable when overtaken by faster traffic, though failing to do so is not automatically negligence in a civil claim.

Has a Safe Passing Law

Motorists must pass at least three feet to the left of a bicyclist, moving fully into another lane first if the current lane is too narrow to allow that distance.

Helmets are required on the road

No statewide bicycle helmet requirement exists. Localities may, but are not required to, pass an ordinance requiring a helmet for riders age 14 and under; violating such an ordinance cannot be used as evidence of negligence in a civil case.

If Bike Lanes are present, they are required ( except when unsafe )

Virginia has no statewide law requiring a cyclist to use a bike lane or path when one is available; a rider may lawfully use the general travel lane.

Riders may use the sidewalks

Allowed statewide, subject to local ordinances or posted signs that may prohibit it on specific sidewalks; riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.

Does the Impeding Statute Apply to Bikes

Virginia's general minimum-speed law applies only to motor vehicles, not bicycles. Bicyclists riding two abreast, however, may not impede the normal flow of traffic and must move to single file when overtaken by faster traffic.

Whether cyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs (the "Idaho stop").

Virginia has no stop-as-yield ("Idaho stop") law; a cyclist must come to a full stop at a stop sign. Legislation to add a limited stop-as-yield allowance has been introduced in recent General Assembly sessions but has not been enacted.

Restrictions exist on e-bikes and usage

Virginia regulates electric power-assisted bicycles and related devices, including equipment and speed standards, and requires riders under 14 on a class 3 e-bike to be under adult supervision.

Allows the concept of Contributory Negligence that allows any contributory fault resuls in 'no fault'

Virginia is one of a small number of jurisdictions that still follow pure contributory negligence, a common-law rule (not a statute) reaffirmed by the Supreme Court of Virginia in Litchford v. Hancock. If a cyclist is found even slightly at fault for a crash — for example, for a minor equipment or positioning violation — Virginia law bars any recovery at all from an at-fault driver, no matter how much more at fault the driver was. This makes documenting fault-free conduct unusually important for an injured Virginia cyclist.