Many people think of reckless driving as excessive speeding. Driving over 85 mph or 20 mph over the speed limit are forms of reckless driving, but they are not the forms of reckless driving that bicyclists need to worry about.
Types of Bicycle Reckless Driving
Most of the Virginia reckless driving statutes apply to vehicles, and since a bicycle is a vehicle, many of the reckless driving statutes apply to bicyclists. Therefore, a Virginia police officer could issue a reckless driving summons to a bicyclist for things such as:
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Riding a bike in such a way to endanger life, limb, or property.
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Riding a bike that is not under control because it has faulty brakes.
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Passing on or at the crest of a grade or curve.
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Passing at a railroad grade crossing.
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Failing to give proper signals.
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Failing to yield right of way.
If you are a bicyclist who has received a summons from a Virginia police officer, then you need to take it seriously and you need to start protecting your rights as soon as you receive the summons.
Reckless Driving Lawyers Can Also Help Bicyclists
Do not assume that the court will dismiss the charges against you just because you were on a bicycle and not in a motor vehicle at the time you were charged with reckless driving. If the state can prove that you violated one of Virginia’s reckless driving statutes, then you may be convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and you may face significant penalties such as jail time, fines, and other consequences.
Contact The Wilson Law Firm today for more information about your rights and potential defenses. We would be pleased to provide you with a free and confidential consultation so that you can make an informed decision about what to do with the summons that has been issued to you. Please call us today or reach out to us via this website to schedule your free meeting.
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