Bicycle Safety Information
Whether you're riding a traditional bike or an e-bike, follow these simple rules to stay safe and respectful:
Where You Can Ride:
You can ride on sidewalks, bike paths, trails, and roads — unless signs say otherwise.
You cannot ride on Interstate Highways or roads with posted signs that ban bikes.
On the Road:
Bicyclists are subject to many of the same laws as motor vehicle drivers.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Follow all traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings — just like a car.
Stop and look both ways before entering the road from a driveway, alley, or private road.
On Sidewalks, Paths, and Crosswalks:
You have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.
Slow down at intersections and always look for cars.
Cross with the green light or “walk” signal, and watch for turning vehicles.
Be Courteous to Others:
Yield to pedestrians.
Give a clear audible warning (like saying “on your left!”) before passing.
Pass carefully and leave plenty of space.
Always ride safely, legally, and respectfully — no matter where you're biking!
Being prepared before you ride helps keep you safe and confident on the road or trail. Here's how:
Protect Your Head:
Always wear a properly fitted helmet — it can reduce the risk of serious brain injury in a fall or crash.
Be Visible:
Use a white front light and red rear light when riding at night — flashing or solid.
Add reflectors to the front, rear, wheels, and pedals of your bike.
Wear bright-colored or reflective clothing, and consider reflective gear on your helmet, shoes, or bike.
Daytime Visibility:
Even during the day, lights can help you stand out. Use front and rear lights for extra visibility.
Avoid Clothing Hazards:
Secure loose pant legs and shoelaces so they don’t get caught in your chain or pedals.
A little preparation goes a long way. Gear up before every ride to stay safe and be seen!
Parent Tips for Bike Safety
Help your child enjoy biking safely with these key tips:
Make sure the bike fits your child and is in good working condition.
Always provide and properly fit a helmet—teach kids to wear it every time they ride.
Supervise children under 9 while they ride.
Decide if older kids can ride in the street based on traffic, bike paths, and their maturity and understanding of bike rules.
Teach kids how to care for their bike—check brakes, tires, and adjust the seat and handlebars as they grow.
Safety starts with the right equipment, supervision, and good habits!
To Learn More About Bike Safety click HERE to Access the DMV Bicycle Safety Webpage.
CLASS 1 & 2 E Bike
No License Needed
Afforded all rights, privileges as a bicycle
MUST abide by all rules of the road, including:
- Traffic Signals, Signs, and Lane Markings
- Speed Limits
May be ridden in places where bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roads, shoulders, bicycle lanes, and bicycle or shared-use paths
CLASS 3 E Bike
Same as Class 1 & 2 EXCEPT:
MUST be age 14 or older
Must have speedometer
Helmets Required
A locality may prohibit the operation of class three electric power-assisted bicycles on a path or trail
LOWA Enforcement- Consequences
SCOPs May Issue Summons to ADULTS for the following infractions:
Speed Violations
Passing a stopped school bus with lights flashing
Failure to come to a complete stop
Reckless Endangerment
Other traffic violations listed in Regulation VI, Use of LOW Roads and Parking Lots, or laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia that pertain to secondary roads, including causing an accident, failure to maintain control, etc.
Understanding E-Bike Classification in Virginia
Virginia law categorizes e-bikes into three distinct classes based on their motor capabilities and operational features:
Class 1 e-Bike: Pedal-Assist Only Class 1 e-Bikes in Virginia are equipped with a pedal-assist system that operates only when the rider is pedaling. Assistance stops when the bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 e-Bike: Throttle-Assist Class 2 e-bikes feature a throttle-actuated motor that allows the bike to be propelled without pedaling. Assistance is limited to 20 mph.
Class 3 e-Bike: Higher-Speed Pedal-Assist Class 3 e-Bikes are pedal-assist bikes that provide assistance up to 28 mph.
Riders must be at least 14 years old to operate one.
Helmets are required for all operators and passengers.
These bikes must include a speedometer that displays in miles per hour.
Additionally, any e-Bike manufactured after January 1, 2021, must have a label affixed stating its class, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. All e-bikes made after January 1, 2021, need to have a label attached to the bike that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric bike.
IV. INDIVIDUAL BEHAVIOR
H. WHEELED DEVICES (9/16/20)
- The use of skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, or other similar wheeled recreational devices is prohibited on Lakeview Parkway, Mt. Pleasant Drive, Yorktown Boulevard, parking lots, mail stations, Clubhouse Point, the Clubhouse entry and driveways (see VIII.B.9), Clubhouse Pool/Fitness Center sidewalks and entryways, the golf course (see IX.A.2b), pickleball and tennis courts (see XIII.D.2.), park and campground pavilions and park equipment, the Holcomb Building, Community Center sidewalks, and the Stables.
[“or other similar wheeled recreational devices” does NOT include Bicycles]
- Parents and guardians are responsible for use of helmets and other appropriate protective gear by minors who are using skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, bicycles or other similar wheeled recreational devices.
- The use or operation of skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, scooters, bicycles or other similar wheeled recreational vehicles on LOWA property is done at the sole risk of the user, including injury and/or property damage.
VI. USE OF LOW ROADS AND PARKING LOTS
A. Except as otherwise noted in paragraph VI.A.1., the laws governing the use of its secondary roads in the Commonwealth of Virginia shall apply to the use of the streets and roads owned by LOWA. Secondary roads are defined as Roads and Highways owned and maintained by the Commonwealth of Virginia. This includes, but is not limited to, those laws applicable to pedestrians, title to vehicles, vehicle licenses and operator’s licenses as well as all laws required for bicycles, motorcycles, mini-bikes, mopeds or scooters. Further, for vehicles and operators not licensed in Virginia, the laws of Virginia with respect to reciprocity for out of state vehicles and operators shall apply as regulations at LOW. (8/4/07)
- 2. The following privately owned vehicles are not allowed on LOWA-owned property: Any one, two, three, four or more wheeled gas or electric powered vehicle which is sold as “for off road use only” or cannot be licensed by a state department of motor vehicles (DMV) (1/2005); or cannot be licensed by a state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) other than mopeds driven by otherwise qualified operators (3/2005); cannot be operated on LOWA property. This includes roads, trails, parking lots, parks, golf course, mail stations, lots, beaches, dams, clubhouse point, LOW Campgrounds, athletic fields, tennis courts, stables and related facilities, other LOWA owned property, or on property belonging to other residents. (12/13/17) Failure to comply with this regulation could result in sanctions for each infraction as shown in Regulation XIV, CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS. (8/17/2022)
XIV. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS
A. General. LOWA may impose sanctions for violations in the form of charges, suspensions, and legal actions, depending on the nature of the violation. (8/17/2022)
B. Legal and Compliance Committee (LCC) Authority. The LCC, under the authority of the Board of Directors pursuant to the Articles of Incorporation, may impose a charge up to $50 for violations as follows: (8/17/2022)
- Speeding. Violations of the speeding regulations in Section VI.C, Use of LOW Roads and Parking Lots pursuant to Section 13 of the Restrictive Covenants. In addition, multiple violations committed during the same incident or three or more violations within a 12 month period from the first offense may result in LOWA pursuing legal sanctions through the Orange County General District Court for corrective action (e.g., an injunction) against the appropriate party. This provision will not limit LOWA pursuing legal sanctions through the court as described herein if the Board determines in any event that such action is in the best interests of LOWA under the circumstances. The LCC will keep records of LCC findings of guilty and make recommendations to the Board.
D. Processing Measures for Violations (8/23/2023)
- 2. Damaging LOWA property will result in LOWA charging the offender for actual damage to LOWA property (See Section VI.A). Failure of offenders or their insurance to pay for such damage may result in legal action to collect for cost of the same
- 9. Trespassing/Unauthorized Access on LOWA Common Areas (other than criminal trespass) will result in a written warning, thereafter the offending Member, Family Member, Tenant, Authorized Occupant, and/or Guest may have their use of the specific amenity or common area suspended by the General Manager for up to one (1) month or for a longer period to be determined by the Board of Directors. LOWA may pursue instances of criminal trespassing through the Orange County court system for action at its discretion.
- 10. Violations of specific Amenity Rules and Regulations by individuals may result in sanctions including temporary loss or suspension of amenity privileges, as defined in those rules or regulations and determined by the Management.
To Access LOWA Regulations page click
HERE