From the State Highway Administration:
Have you ever driven along a road and encountered a bicyclist? Did you know what to do? Did you know how to pass safely? Did you know what the law requires?
Several new Maryland laws are taking effect today to help clear up any confusion and make sure everyone shares the road safely. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Maryland, but bicyclists typically travel at much lower speeds than automobiles.
“People often bike as an alternative to driving, which is better for their health, traffic congestion and the environment,” said SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen. “By respecting each other, following traffic laws and using common sense, we can all share the road safely.”
Sharing the road takes on new meaning as laws go into effect October 1 that define road space for bicyclists. The new law, passed during the 2010 Legislative Session and signed into law by Governor Martin O’Malley, requires motorists to pass bicyclists at a safe distance of at least three feet, except in certain circumstances. Additionally, bicyclists are allowed to use crosswalks in areas where bicycling on sidewalks is permitted. A previous law that required bicyclists to travel on roadway shoulders was repealed.
“These bills modernize Maryland law,” said Senator Brian Frosh, who sponsored one of the measures. “They’ll increase bicycle safety and help all of us by encouraging people to leave their cars at home.”
On average, from 2005 through 2008, seven bicyclists were killed and more than 650 were injured in traffic crashes annually in Maryland. According to preliminary data from the Maryland State Police, 10 bicyclists died in traffic collisions in 2009.
Information on all of the Maryland laws pertaining to bicycling, as well as tips for bicyclists and drivers are available at www.choosesafetyforlife.com. You can read more on the common causes of a bicycle accident in New York on this site.
LAW SUMMARIES
Senate Bill 51 requires a driver of a vehicle to safely overtake a bicycle, electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD), or a motor scooter at a distance of at least three feet, unless at the time, the bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter rider fails to ride to the right side of the roadway, comply with a requirement to ride in a bike lane or shoulder, or maintain a steady course. The passing rule under the bill also does not apply if the highway on which the vehicle is being driven is not wide enough to lawfully pass the bicycle, EPAMD, or motor scooter at a distance of at least three feet.
Senate Bill 624 repeals the general requirement that a bicyclist use the shoulder if it is a paved smooth surface. Senate Bill 624 also specifies that, in a place where a person may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk, a person may ride from the curb or edge of the roadway in or through a crosswalk to the opposite curb or edge. The bill alters the definition of “bicycle” by repealing provisions that specify that a bicycle must have a rear drive and a specified wheel configuration and establishes instead that a bicycle is a vehicle that (1) is designed to be operated by human power; (2) has two or three wheels, with one being more than 14 inches in diameter; and (3) has a drive mechanism other than by pedals directly attached to a drive wheel. The definition of “crosswalk” is expanded to mean the connection of lateral lines of a bicycle way where a bicycle way and roadway of any type meet as measured from the curbs or the edges of the roadway. The law also requires vehicle operators to yield the right-of-way to bicyclists riding in bike lanes and shoulders when these vehicle operators are entering or crossing the occupied bike lanes or shoulder.
How about when they’re riding two abreast and taking up the whole lane, effectively like a car? Also, do the ones who wear the spandex super hero costumes have any special status under the law? I think any guy who goes out in public in spandex must be “special”, if ya get my drift.
Yah! I live on Franklinville Road just above Little Gunpowder river. It looks like a circus parade when 6, 8, 10 of them Lance Armstrong wannabes come rolling by the house.
I don’t mind sharing the road I just dislike when they don’t follow traffic laws and go the wrong way.
I completely understand and appreciate this law. I knew one of the 10 killed last year and it saddens me that people lose their lives doing what they love.
Unfortunately, this law isn’t going to save lives. Those who died did not die because people weren’t respecting the bikes. They died because they were riding in locations that were not designed for bikes and cars to share. People make mistakes and roads without shoulders lead to catastrophic mistakes. I’m OK sharing the road, but when I come around a corner of a back road I get scared for the life of the person on the bike that appears out of nowhere right in front of me.
Cyclist seem to have this arrogance that everyone should be on the look out for them. However, when someone makes a mistakes, they lose… bottom line.
Ride intelligently where your life is not at risk because someone looked at the radio to change the station or reached back to give their kid a tissue. It just isn’t worth your life.
I ride recreationally for my health. So I take responsibility for my safety while on the road by following the same traffic laws as vehicles. I won’t ride on any road that has less than a 3-foot shoulder or during rush hour. I have had my share of sideways glances from motorists who obviously frown at the site of a bicyclist waiting in the same turning lane for a light to turn green. I’ve even remember seeing a man start screaming in the cab of his truck when he pulled up behind me while we were waiting at the same red light. I understand these prejudices exist from that stem from people who have a low tolerance for sharing the road arguing that bicyclist “go to slow”. The opposite can be said and is more often the truth from my experience that some motorist “are going to fast” and are often distracted. Stop screwing with your cell phone, pay attention at intersections, and use your turn signals. Those are the same things you are suppose to do for any other motorist and that is all bicyclist on the road expect too.
MDOT does provide maps that designates which roads are recognized for large shoulder space. (http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Planning/Bicycle/Bicycle_Maps.html)
The large group of bikers that someone already referenced is probably the Harford Velo Club (http://harfordvelo.org/) a recreational road bicycling group (I don’t belong to them, just aware of their group). They seem strict about bicycle safety on the road. The reason you will see them in groups is because statistically most bicyclist get killed when they ride alone.
The bright colors of the lycra shirts and pants is designed so drivers see the bicyclist during the day. The fabric is also breathable since bicycling works up a sweat and cotton will hold to much moisture. The allusion a previous post made to men wearing lycra/spandex while bicycling are gay is just a bigoted cheap stab. There are plenty of women who also enjoy riding who you wouldn’t complain about wearing lycra/spandex. Just pointing out that double standard and calling it what it is.
I would welcome anyone for his or her health and enjoyment to go out bicycling on the road while the weather is still nice. Harford county has wonderful scenic routes and lots of mileage to accrue on your bike for those willing to go out.
Contrary to the comment in the article I think more people bike for recreation than to replace driving, although there are some in that group but I believe it’s pretty much the minority. A guy in my office decided to bike to work to save money on gas and had to be asked nicely to stop because no one could stand the smell of him on a moderately warm to hot day. That particular side effect is a good reason why people aren’t trying to replace their cars (it’s not Europe where your job is in the same tiny little village) with bikes (motorbikes, yes; pedaling, no).
It’s too bad special laws are needed for what people should just do out of common courtesy. Given that drivers can have a hard enough time being courteous to other drivers, it’s best to have the laws. But some bikers could exercise more sense while exercising and make things safer for themselves, and drivers as well. I’ve had to swerve to avoid hitting someone on a bike who almost lost control of it because they were doing something stupid (about 2 or 3 weeks ago a guy on a bike, riding against traffic, almost rode into my car while I was slowing to stop at a light –that was hands down in the top 10 list of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen on the road). I’ve had to come break hard at least a few times because a cyclist decided to just cross the middle of the road because they felt like it with no regard for motorists. When I cycle I try to be as courteous as I am when I’m driving. I look forward to seeing how people respond to the new laws. I hope it does save lives.
I ride a road bike and I also drive a car. Admitedly, there are some people who really fo stupid things while riding a bike. Now, is that enough reason to justify anger and aggressive behavior on the part of drivers? Please remember, when you are behind the wheel, you have a lot of power… if you combine that power with anger you can become a dangerous individual capable of harming another human being, by turning your vehicle into a lethal weapon. Please don’t take your anger out on cyclists, whether they behave in a stupid manner or not. Think about this: if stupidity was a moral justification for hurting or killing someone else, how much of humanity should be allowed to go on living? We need less stupidity and less anger in this society and on the road.
I ride a road bike and I also drive a car. Admitedly, there are some people who really fo stupid things while riding a bike. Now, is that enough reason to justify anger and aggressive behavior on the part of drivers? Please remember, when you are behind the wheel, you have a lot of power… if you combine that power with anger you can become a dangerous individual capable of harming another human being, by turning your vehicle into a lethal weapon. Please don’t take your anger out on cyclists, whether they behave in a stupid manner or not. Think about this: if stupidity was a moral justification for hurting or killing someone else, how much of humanity should be allowed to go on living? We need less stupidity and less anger in this society and on the road.
As a child,thankfully,I was taught to think originally and recognize danger in all it’s guises both animal and intellectual.Trusting other humans with your life is dangerous,yet we teach our children just that when we mandate that they ride with traffic.Adult wheelmen are fully aware of their mortality in a way totally alien to a a 10 year old boy.Their demanding need and resultant lobbying to own their share of the road has led to the deaths of many children across this country.Does anyone remember the 3 boys hit and one killed in the 80s on Conowingo road in Forest Hill? Never saw the car coming over in the shoulder.Tragedy that could have been avoided if they were riding against traffic.Two pedestrians were killed on Singer Road as was a popular lady jogger in Bel Air in the 90s. In rural southern New Jersey where I grew up, we were taught to ride against traffic and look for recognition in the eyes of approaching drivers to be sure they were aware of you.We were taught to get off the bike and walk it through intersections as pedestrians.This option should be made part of any new bicycle law for no other reason than the safety of children.Why mandate the inevitable death sentence of riding with traffic on our children?Give children(and their parents)the option to make the decision.My father told me emphatically to NEVER ride with my back to traffic.Sound instinct,Dad.Thanks,You loved Me.The guarantee of a spanking helped too!As youngsters we rode all over the local towns of Richwood,Ewan,Pitman,Glassboro and Mullica Hill and not once was a kid ever killed or even hit to my recollection in the whole of Glouster County.This was in the era of no cellphones,single car families and a slower paced USA of a more focused nature all around.If a bicycle rider chooses to ride with his back to traffic,fine.Let him gamble his life.He is fully aware of the danger.He often is in a group,has a mirrored helmet and a combat mentality.Protect our children from ill conceived legislation fostered by agenda bearing,well financed adults and politicians who miss the abstract points of logic and instinct.We must remember that they ARE children and must be given every device at OUR disposal to guarantee they grow up to bear their own agendas.