Originally published by Maryland Department of Motor Vehicles 2018
BACKGROUND
Riding a bicycle is great exercise, good for the environment, and just plain fun. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous. Therefore, both bicyclists and motorists need to work together to be safe on the road. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Maryland, so bicyclists must devote as much attention to riding a bike as they would when operating a motor vehicle.
Equally as important, motorists must allow cyclists the same respect and caution they would allow another vehicle. Motorists can safely share the road with bicyclists by maintaining a (3) three-foot gap when passing a bicyclist, stopping for cyclists in crosswalks, and being alert when making turns. Wearing a helmet properly, being visible and being alert and aware of surroundings, are a few ways that bicyclists can be safer while riding. When we “share the road,” we all get to enjoy Maryland’s roadways safely.
MARYLAND’S BICYCLE SAFETY LAWS
By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles. Bicyclists are authorized users of the roadway, and bicyclists have rights-of-way and the same duty to obey all traffic signals as motorists. But bicycles are less visible, quieter, and don’t have a protective barrier around them. Motorists should drive carefully near bicyclists; even a slight mistake can result in serious injury or even death.
Traffic Laws for Motorists
• The driver of a vehicle passing another vehicle, including a bicycle, must pass at a safe distance and leave plenty of space. The driver should be able to see the past vehicle in the rear-view mirror before returning to the original lane. After passing a driver must make sure they are clear of the bicyclist before making any turns.
• Drivers shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle, Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Device (EPAMD), or motor scooter being ridden by a person.
• The driver of a vehicle must not pass any closer than three (3) feet to a bicycle or motor scooter if the bicycle is operated in a lawful manner. It is not lawful to ride against traffic.
• The bicycle has the right-of-way when the motor vehicle is making a turn, and motorists must yield to bicyclists. • Motorists must yield the right-of-way to bicyclists riding in bike lanes and shoulders when these vehicle operators are entering or crossing occupied bike lanes and shoulders.
• When riding on a sidewalk—where such riding is permitted—or a bike path, a bicyclist may ride in a crosswalk to continue their route. Motorists are required to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist operating lawfully in a crosswalk. Drivers must look for bicycles coming from both directions. (TR §21-101, §21-202, & §21-1103)
• A person may not throw any object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter.
• A person may not open the door of any motor vehicle with intent to strike, injure, or interfere with any person riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter.
• Failing to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist, resulting in a crash in which the bicyclist is seriously injured, can result in a $1,000 fine and three points on a driving record.
2018 Maryland Bicycle Safety Program Area Brief 4 Traffic Laws for Bicyclists
• Maryland’s traffic laws apply to bicycles and motor scooters. (TR§21-1202)
• A bicycle may not carry a passenger unless it is specifically designed for and equipped with a seat for each passenger. (TR§21-1203)
• Bicycles, motor scooters, and EPAMDs are not permitted on any roads where the speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour (MPH) or higher. (TR§21-1205.1)
• A person riding a bicycle shall ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable and safe, except when:
o Making or attempting to make a left turn;
o Operating on a one-way street;
o Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle;
o Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards;
o The right lane is a right turn only lane; or
o Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane (TR§21-1205).
• Where there is a bike lane, a person must use those and not ride a bicycle or motor scooter in the roadway except: (TR§21-1205.1)
o If passing safely cannot be done within the bike lane or shoulder;
o When preparing for a left turn;
o To avoid hazards; or
o When the bike lane is also a right-turn or merge lane.
• Persons riding a bicycle or motor scooter may not cling to a vehicle on the roadway. (TR§21-124)
• A motor scooter may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 MPH. (TR§21-1205.1)
• An EPAMD may not be operated at a speed in excess of 15 MPH. (TR§21-1205.1)
• A person cannot carry anything that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars or that interferes with the view or balance of their bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD. (TR§21- 1206)
• A bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD may not be secured to a fire hydrant; a pole, meter, or device in a bus or taxi-loading zone; a pole, meter, or device within 25 feet of an intersection; or where it would obstruct or impede traffic. (TR§21-1206)
• A person may not ride a bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD while wearing a headset or earplugs that cover both ears. (TR§21-12010)
2018 Maryland Bicycle Safety Program Area Brief 5
Helmets
• Helmets are required for everyone under the age of 16, including passengers, who ride their bicycles on the road, bicycle paths, or any public property. (TR§21-1207.1)
• Helmets are also required for everyone under the age of 16 who is riding on a scooter or on inline skates. (TR§21-1207.2)
• The helmets must meet or exceed the standards of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American Society for Testing and Materials. (TR§21- 1207.1)
Required Equipment
• A lamp is required on the front of a bicycle or motor scooter if the bicycle or motor scooter is used on a highway when people and vehicles are not clearly visible at 1,000 feet. (TR§21-1207)
• A red reflector on the rear is required if the bicycle or motor scooter is used on a highway when people and vehicles are not clearly visible at 1,000 feet. (TR§21-1207)
• A bicycle or motor scooter may be equipped with a bell or other audible device, but not a siren or whistle. (TR§21-1207)
• A bicycle or motor scooter must be equipped with a brake. (TR§21-1207)
