"The drivers of vehicles entering, crossing, or turning at intersections shall change their course, slow down, or stop if necessary to permit pedestrians to cross such intersections safely and expeditiously."

From https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodefull/title46.2/chapter8/article16/

And yes, I agree it says that pedestrians should not disregard oncoming traffic, and I agree there is mutual responsibility here, but again, the onus is on the multi-ton vehicle operator because if something bad happens, the potential for damage/death is SIGNIFICANTLY higher at their mass and velocity.

From a legal perspective, I think you're correct here but that pedestrian could choose to step into the crosswalk at any point; I think it is totally appropriate to preempt that in a car.

Even if they ARE in the crosswalk and I stop in my car, I would still be blocking the view of them from cars in other lanes; they should be driving slow enough and aware enough to perceive what is happening and react in time.

The onus should be on the folks wandering the city in multi-ton metal boxes to be as safe and cautious as possible.

I literally had to stop watching 2 episodes in because it hit too close to home.

In case you are open to learning more, here are some stories from the last year - two of VA cyclists getting killed while seemingly adhering to the law and one of a seeming group of organized drivers out to maim/kill cyclists by dooring them.

https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/02/14/vehicle-attacks-against-cyclists-on-east-bay-streets-draw-scrutiny/

https://www.13newsnow.com/article/news/local/mycity/norfolk/beloved-norfolk-bike-store-owner-killed-in-south-carolina-crash-michael-shipp/291-5b43e21a-22a7-4a99-9450-b430e0ae6cd7

https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/henrico-county/police-drunk-driver-kills-richmond-bicyclist-critically-injures-another/

There are lots of groups like that. Some drive through Richmond occasionally doing doughnuts in intersections (here's a fun one from last year: https://www.carscoops.com/2022/02/police-stop-car-club-plan-to-takeover-richmond-virginia-for-donuts-and-drifts/). There are drag racing groups, there's the old cannonball run across the country - tons of car groups that love to skirt the law.

Then there are just the tons of unaffiliated drivers who speed, drive while texting, DWI (it was JUST a few beers!), hop into the shoulder if there is traffic, etc. Ignoring the law and other people's well-being doesn't require a group affiliation! The potential for damage is significantly higher from a single driver on a highway texting than nearly anything a cyclist is capable of.

I am all down for you wanting to advocate for better adherence to infrastructure and legislature, but trying to call out the bullies as some kind of cyclist-only anomaly is weak.

Yeah those car drivers sure never block intersections! Or bike lanes... Or bus stops... Or driveways... Or alleys....

Pot meet kettle. Move along.