Following a month-long public awareness campaign in April, the City of Richmond will begin issuing citations in May for vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes and designated buffer zones. This enforcement action supports the City’s continued commitment to roadway safety for all users.

Throughout April, the Department of General Services Parking Division and the Richmond Police Department conducted a targeted warning campaign to educate people who drive and park about the dangers and legal implications of obstructing bike lanes. Beginning May 1, officers will issue violations under City Code Section 27-197 to any vehicle found parked in a bike lane or in the buffer area separating bike lanes from on-street parking.

Under the applicable City ordinance, it is unlawful to stop, stand, or park a vehicle in:

• A designated bicycle lane (2019); or
• The painted or marked buffer zone between a bicycle lane and a travel or parking lane. (NEW adopted April 27, 2026)

These buffer zones are not excess space; they are critical safety features designed to reduce the risk of “dooring” incidents. Dooring occurs when a vehicle occupant opens a door into the path of a person riding a bicycle, often resulting in serious injury. By keeping both the bike lane and its adjacent buffer clear, the City helps ensure a safer, more predictable travel lanes for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Clear signage and pavement markings are in place throughout the city to indicate restricted areas.

“Keeping bike lanes and their buffer zones clear is one of the simplest and most effective ways we can improve safety on Richmond’s streets,” said Andy Boenau, Director of the Department of Transportation. “These spaces are designed to protect people riding bikes from preventable crashes and dangerous dooring incidents. After a month focused on education and awareness, we’re moving into enforcement to reinforce that bike lanes are travel lanes, not parking spaces. This effort supports Richmond’s broader commitment to safer, more connected streets for everyone.”

Enforcement and Penalties

Effective May 1, violations will result in a citation issued to the registered owner of the vehicle. The penalty structure is as follows:

• Base fine: $65
• Additional fees: May apply if unpaid within the designated period
• Escalation: Continued violations may result in increased penalties or towing, where applicable

This enforcement initiative reflects Richmond’s broader Vision Zero and multimodal safety goals. Keeping bike lanes and buffers clear:

• Reduces crash risk
• Improves visibility for all road users
• Encourages safer cycling for both transportation to services, jobs, and housing as well as recreation

The City urges all residents and visitors to respect our bike infrastructure and remain attentive when parking. Before exiting a vehicle, drivers and passengers should check for approaching cyclists and use the “Richmond Reach” method—opening the door with the far hand—to see approaching people on bikes.

For more information about parking regulations and bicycle safety, visit https://rva.gov/public-works/new-engineering-transportation.