Bike Bill Bust: Virginia is for Swinging Car Doors

A bill has failed in the Virginia House that would have created a $50 fine for swinging a car door open into traffic lanes — an action known to cause dangerous collisions with passing cyclists.

The bill, SB225, was defeated 4-3 in a House transportation subcommittee. It was the second attempt by Northern Virginia legislator Chap Petersen, D-Fairfax City, after a similar bill failed in 2013.

What do you think? Should a parking driver be fined for opening a car door as bikes are trying to pass? Tell us in the comments!

As The Washington Post notes in a report, these collisions are typically reported as "no fault," making it difficult for injured cyclists to file medical insurance claims.

Another bike safety bill did make it through a subcommittee vote Monday: SB97 would increase the minimum distance between a passing driver and a cyclist or moped driver. If approved, the distance required goes from 2 feet to 3 feet. 

Sponsored by Sen. Bryce Reeves (R-Spotsylvania), with support by Petersen, the bill was approved by the subcommittee in a 5-2 vote.