Virginia
Electric bikes raise safety concerns among Virginia Beach city leaders
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Electric bikes have become increasingly popular along Virginia Beach’s Oceanfront, but city leaders are growing concerned about safety issues related to their speed and young operators.
The issue was discussed during last week’s city council retreat, where officials said they’re hearing from residents who are worried about how fast the bikes are traveling and the age of some riders.
“The thought of having, I mean literally a six or seven-year-old on a bicycle doing 25 miles per hour out on the public road or worse yet on a trail in a neighborhood, or worse yet on the boardwalk at the Oceanfront, it’s just unsettling,” Stacy Cummings, a Virginia Beach city councilman, said.
The electric motor-powered bikes allow riders to travel faster than conventional bicycles, contributing to their growing popularity. Nevertheless, city leaders say that e-bikes are subject to the same regulations as traditional bicycles in Virginia Beach.
City leaders have established a task force to examine the issue and develop better safety measures. The task force is also working on a campaign to inform riders about the rights of the road.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Engines roared and tires smoked at Virginia International Raceway on Friday as Hyperfest returned to Halifax County for a three-day festival that draws thousands of automotive fans to Southside Virginia.
The event is known for putting spectators close to the action, from drift cars to racing on the Patriot Course and off-road ride-alongs. Attendee John Campbell described the up-close experience: “You’re going to get rubber all over your face,” he said.
For some, the appeal is the unpredictability. “Chaos, and that’s the most fun thing you’ll ever do,” said attendee Dkoven Hunter.
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Hyperfest also features novelty events, including Barbie car races scheduled for the evening. Festival founder and director Chris Cobetto said the hands-on nature is what sets it apart: “You can come, and you can do stuff, and you can see stuff, and that’s what the fun part is.”
Organizers expect the weekend to bring more than 24,000 people to Halifax County, including visitors traveling long distances to attend. Bryer Schiesser, attending for the first time, said he chose Hyperfest over a traditional graduation ceremony. “Instead of walking at graduation, I decided to come here,” he said. Schiesser and his friends drove from Pennsylvania for the festival.
Attendee Haley Brennan called the event a standout for car enthusiasts. “It’s awesome, it’s just a great place to come if you love the car community, it’s just the best thing you can do!” she said.
Tickets cost $100 per day or $155 for the whole weekend.
Those honks you heard on I-66? They weren’t from cars.
Police officers in Northern Virginia herded a family of Canada geese off the highway Thursday afternoon, as lanes were shut down to keep everyone safe.
The geese were spotted on I-66 westbound near the exit for Sycamore Street. Metro Transit Police got to them first, and Arlington County officers and Virginia State Police also responded to help, acording to Arlington County Police.
Video shows police vehicles slowly following the geese — two adults with a cluster of fuzzy yellow goslings — as they waddled along the far right shoulder toward milemarker 69.6.
Lane closures were put into effect about 1:30 p.m., and police were able to escort the geese off the highway within about 15 minutes.
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County police quipped on Facebook: “What’s good for the goose…is probably to stay of I-66. 🪿 Virginia State Police , Metro Forward Police Department, Virginia Department of Transportation and ACPD officers worked together to assist a family of geese off a busy highway in a feat so great it gave us goosebumps!”
BRISTOL, Va. (WCYB) — More than 300 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1 million were seized this month in Bristol, according to the Virginia State Police.
Multiple search warrants were executed this month by VSP and the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force in at various areas across the city between May 1 and May 13.
On May 1, a search warrant was executed at a business on Euclid Avenue. Around three pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $13,500. The location was within a school zone and a childcare facility.
On May 6, another search warrant was executed at a warehouse in Bristol. Virginia State Police seized 250 pounds of marijuana (street value of $1,135,000), 192 marijuana plants ($576,000), 50 pounds of THC edibles ($22,700). Charges are forthcoming, police said.
Another search warrant was executed on May 13 at a business on West State Street. Around 25 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $112,500. Additional evidence was also seized.
In addition, another search warrant was executed on May 13 at a business on Paulena Drive. About 30 pounds of marijuana was seized with a street value of $135,000. Additional evidence was also seized.
The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions.
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The Holston River Regional Drug Task Force includes the Town of Abingdon Police Department, Bristol Police Department, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Town of Lebanon Police Department, as well as Virginia State Police.
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