Virginia anti-mask law is still on the books

[DismalScientist]

What do you expect from Southerners? I hear they cancel school when it gets too “cold,” even when the temperature is above zero!

[rcannon100]

Dang, halloween and mardi gras must suck in Virginia.

(any enforcement would probably be so rife with civil rights problems I am not sure I would worry)

((If you are really concerned, just right “Winter Sucks” across your mask and then it is a first amendment issue))

[Arlingtonrider]

Yes, I think we had this discussion last year or maybe the year before that. Thanks for mentioning that perhaps the law could be modified, but I doubt that anyone will want to re-open it and risk having the inability to enforce it where it should be enforced. Unless there is a real problem, aside from that one individual who stopped the VBF board member, I’m not overly concerned about it. I think good safety/health arguments could be made to challenge any enforcement efforts against cyclists, skiers, etc.

[mattotoole]

Quote:

((If you are really concerned, just right “Winter Sucks” across your mask and then it is a first amendment issue))

Best idea yet! Sadly, no bill to get behind this year.

[Fast Friendly Guy]

@PotomacCyclist 73964 wrote:

§ 18.2-422. Prohibition of wearing of masks in certain places; exceptions.

It shall be unlawful for any person over sixteen years of age while wearing any mask, hood or other device whereby a substantial portion of the face is hidden or covered so as to conceal the identity of the wearer……However, the provisions of this section shall not apply to persons …. (ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons;

Lucky thing Trish N lives in MD. (seen her Strava photo lately?) I think we’re okay based on (ii), however, I intend to do my part by almost never robbing either a bank or a 7-11 while riding my bike on a really cold day. I ask all my fellow riders to join me in setting this good example. Note: if you do feel compelled to do a hold-up, please, for all of us, leave your bike at home. Dave

[Rod Smith]

I briefly acquired a bit of notoriety when the bicycle riding bank robber was discovered to be a contractor with Quick Messenger Service named Rod (it was the other Rod, not me).

[Brent]

@PotomacCyclist 73964 wrote:

(ii) engaged in professions, trades, employment or other activities and wearing protective masks which are deemed necessary for the physical safety of the wearer or other persons;

I am not a lawyer, but I’m pretty sure this puts cyclists in a safe position. Protecting your face from the cold is definitely a physical safety issue.

Sent from my XT1056 using Tapatalk

[Amalitza]

@Rod Smith 74003 wrote:

(it was the other Rod, not me).

So you say…

[Terpfan]

Kind of surprising they still haven’t changed it given the broad range of folks it would encompass from cyclists to skiers, hunters, teenagers playing paintball, Halloween, etc. Or at least change the designation from felony to misdemeanor. I wonder what stopped the change before? My guess is prosecutors probably argued for it claiming they only use it judiciously (heard that argument about small scale poker games several times from similar organizations in another life/career).

[Author]

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