WALKING & BIKING
Our Commitment
Ensuring safe and equitable access to walking and biking transportation options.
THE ISSUE
Every trip in Virginia starts off on foot. Walking and biking are important modes of transportation on their own but prove even more critical as first- and last-mile connections to rail and transit. Most Virginians don’t walk or bike nearly as much as they would like because our infrastructure does not allow them to do so safely and conveniently. Biking on our roads often feels unsafe and pedestrian fatalities have surged across the Commonwealth over the last decade. Virginia needs to dedicate funding and enact policies that not only keep us safe while walking and biking but actually expand access to these two healthy, affordable, and sustainable ways of getting around.
ROUNDUP: Growing Concern for Pedestrian Safety
With a sudden increase of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured while appropriately walking or crossing the street, we explore state and local level solutions to better protect people who walk.
New Laws: Protecting Vulnerable Road Users
On July 1st, all bills that passed the 2025 General Assembly session became laws in Virginia. One of the bills that became law will strengthen traffic penalties for drivers who seriously injure or kill vulnerable road users.
Land Use & Transportation Recap: 2025 Bill Outcomes
Virginia Conservation Network advocated for 19 land use & transportation bills this General Assembly session that supported electric vehicle accessibility, making streets safer, supported smart growth, and more.
New Laws: Safely Bicycling and Walking to School
On July 1st, all bills from the 2024 General Assembly session became law in Virginia, including one that streamlines the process for improving bus stops. This law allows local building officials to review and approve plans for bus shelters, benches, and sidewalks.
Bill of the Day: Simple Solutions for Safer Streets
VCN is supporting efforts to support pedestrian and bicyclist safety, further reducing fatalities on Virginia's roads.
Land Use & Transportation Policy: 2023 General Assembly Review
Policies to defend Clean Car Standards, make streets safer for people who walk and bike, and support public transit funding.
RESOURCES
Resource Guide: Creating Walkable Piedmont Communities
Piedmont Environmental Council and the Coalition for Smarter Growth released a guidebook for local governments and stakeholders to implement projects to promote walkable communities.
Multi-Use Trails Initiative Report
See the Multi-Use Trail Initiative, a report on multi-use trail master planning, prioritization, and funding.
