Concerned motorcyclists from around the Commonwealth met today in Richmond for the annual Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists legislative roundtable, sponsored by Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group.The first half of the meeting consisted of participants presenting and discussing various concerns that may be actionable for the 2025 General Assembly session. There were several.
VCOM Director Liz Sorrell and VCOM lobbyist Susan Gaston are going to look into several actionable topics. While lane splitting/filtering have negative public perceptions due to irresponsible riders, the fact remains that slow moving or stopped traffic can present dangers to motorcyclist. Two obvious ones are getting sandwiched between heavier vehicles and overheated air-cooled engines. Susan will poll legislative leaders about the possibility of allowing EMERGENCY EXITING of the traffic pattern in certain cases. Got to start somewhere folks.
By statute, public driver education courses must include motorcycle awareness training. However, many schools are not following the regulations, others are closing down driver ed programs. Private driver training corporations do not currently have to provide that training. This will also be examined.
Class M licensing fees and part of motorcycle registration and inspection fees go into the DMV Rider Education program. VCOM will file a Freedom of Information request to find out how the money is being allocated. Creating and funding a Defensive Rider Course for those convicted of offenses while riding motorcycles will also be explored.
And finally, due to the large crowds, especially the gun lobby, at the capitol on MLK Jr. Day, our Lobby Day will be on President’s Day, February 17. It is a Monday holiday also and we should be able to have a bigger, more positive impact. Any committee hearings and other meetings cropping up earlier in the session can be handled by Tom Mcgrath , myself, and others near the capitol with more flexible schedules.
(UPDATE: Lobby Day has been moved BACK to the January 20 Monday holiday with a pre-meeting on January 19. Sorry about the confusion.)
Remember, just because something does not appear here does not mean it will not be addressed. For example, VCOM is waiting for our lead on helmet legislation. I told Liz that I have advised ABATE to not present a bill this year. We need to develop a cohesive, CONSISTANT strategy, build political relationships, and come up a with a simple, passable bill, WITHOUT GIMMICKS, for the 2026 session.
Ride Safe, Ride Free,
Dave “Prof” Sutton
Legislative Director/ABATE of Virginia Inc.
Asst. Virginia State Representative
Motorcycle Riders Foundation