{"id":184359428,"date":"2010-11-04T18:57:08","date_gmt":"2010-11-04T18:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=184359428"},"modified":"2010-11-04T18:57:08","modified_gmt":"2010-11-04T18:57:08","slug":"recommended-changes-to-the-drivers-handbook","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=184359428","title":{"rendered":"Recommended changes to the Drivers’ Handbook"},"content":{"rendered":"

[B’ Spokes: Just to give you a heads up this is what your Bicycle Advocacy groups have been up to. If there are any updates, I’ll post them here.]<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Statement of Purpose<\/b>
\nThe Maryland Driver\u2019s Handbook should clarify how automobile drivers interact with bicycles. Goal 4 of Maryland\u2019s Twenty Year Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan states. “Develop education and encouragement programs that will increase levels of bicycling and walking and foster a pro-bicycle and pro-pedestrian ethic in individuals, private sector organizations, and all levels of government.” We strongly urge adopting the following language to clarify how drivers of automobiles should safely anticipate and interact with bicyclists.<\/p>\n

The general public, including drivers, bicyclists, and police officers, use the Maryland Drivers’ Handbook as the basis for learning how to use our roadways. However, experience over the past decades has shown the Handbook to be out of date. For example, bicyclists have been told to ride as far right as practical, but that has given motorists the mistaken impression that they can then easily pass a bicyclist within the same lane which has resulted in an astounding two-thirds of all bicyclist fatalities happening in non-intersection areas. We believe that we must bring the Drivers\u2019 Handbook up to date to clarify everyone\u2019s expectations, educate all parties, and foster a more positive cycling and driving experience. Simply put, we must get all rightful roadway users on the same page.<\/p>\n

Guiding Principles<\/b>
\n
\u2022 Clarification of Maryland\u2019s \u201cdueling handbooks.\u201d<\/b> We consider Safe Bicycling in Maryland to be the de facto bicyclists\u2019 roadway handbook. Thus, when MVA’s Drivers’ Handbook sets forth a rule for cyclists, there must be a reference explaining how to obtain a more complete set rules and guidelines. Also, both the Drivers\u2019 Handbook and Safe Bicycling in Maryland must clarify and reconcile any conflicts between them.
\n
\u2022 Clear Identification of Bicycling Rules.<\/b> The Drivers\u2019 Handbook is generally intended for new drivers, so to the extent that the Handbook sets forth general rules specifically for cyclists, we urge MVA to clearly and separately identify those rules.
\n
\u2022 Continued Communication.<\/b> We hope to see continued involvement with the bicycling community and we very much appreciate MVA’s first draft and the respect it shows to bicyclists.<\/p>\n

Signed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Carol Silldorff – Bike Maryland<\/td>\nShane Farthing – Washington Area Bicycle Association<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Jon Morrison – Montgomery Bicycle Advocates   <\/td>\nJack Guarneri – Bicycling Advocates of Howard County<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Barry Childress – Baltimore Spokes <\/td>\nBaltimore Bicycling Club<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

Our Recommendations:<\/b> (Note the following has also been approved by MBPAC<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\n

Markings for Bicyclists and Pedestrians<\/b>
\nBicycles share most of Maryland\u2019s streets with motor vehicles without specific traffic signs or pavement markings. Some streets, mostly in urban areas, do have shared-use lane markings (see photo). These markings alert motorists that bicyclists may be on the road, indicate to bicyclists where to ride, and discourage bicycling in the wrong direction.<\/p>\n

\"image\"
\n(Photo for example only; permission needed to reproduce.)<\/p>\n

Some streets have pavement markings that show lanes specifically designated for the exclusive use of bicycles. Solid or broken white lines separate these bike lanes from motor vehicle travel lanes. You may see bike lanes marked with bike lane signs or by a combination of bicycle symbols and arrows. Where parallel parking is allowed, similar lines may separate the bicycle lanes from the parking lanes.<\/p>\n

Pedestrians also use roads in areas without specific signs or pavement markings. By Maryland law, any intersection with a sidewalk has a crosswalk–whether it is marked or not. Marked crosswalks generally have two parallel, white, solid lines that define where pedestrians should cross the street. Some marked crosswalks also have lines between (or instead of) the two parallel lines. But most crosswalks in Maryland do not have pavement markings at all. (See photo of unmarked crosswalk). Drivers must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks whether they are marked or unmarked.<\/p>\n

Sharing the Road with Bicyclists<\/b><\/p>\n

Right-of-Way<\/b>
\nBicyclists are authorized users of the roadway. Bicyclists have the same rights-of-way and the same duty to obey all traffic signals as motorists. Violating a bicyclist\u2019s right-of-way can result in a fine of $500 and 3 points on your driving record. Bicyclists are your family, friends and neighbors, so please share the road with care and consideration. Motorists must drive carefully near bicyclists: even a slight mistake can result in serious injury or even death.<\/p>\n

Expect Bicyclists on the Road<\/b>
\nExpect to find a bicyclist on all types of roads (except interstate highways and toll facilities), at all intersections and roundabouts, in all types of weather, and at all times of the day and night. Bicyclists may ride out in the travel lane for their own safety due to narrow roads, or to avoid obstacles or pavement hazards. On roads without shoulders, or with cars parked along the right side, often the safest place for a bicyclist to ride is in the center of the lane. In Maryland, a bicyclist may use the full lane even while traveling substantially below the speed of traffic if the lane is too narrow for a car to safely pass a bicycle within the lane (i.e. narrower than 14-15 feet). Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind. Do not drive on a shoulder (to the right of the white ‘fog’ line) even to pass another vehicle.<\/p>\n

Following a Bicyclist<\/b>
\nAs you approach a bicyclist, slow down. Avoid honking your horn. Bicyclists can usually hear an approaching vehicle and loud noises can startle bicyclists, causing a crash. Bicycles do not have turn signals so bicyclists use hand and arm signals to alert you of their intentions.<\/p>\n

Do not follow a bicycle too closely. Remember that small holes, glass, and other hazards can be particularly dangerous to bicyclists. Bicycles can stop and maneuver quickly so a bicyclist may swerve or change speed to avoid a road hazard that a motorist cannot see.<\/p>\n

Pass with Care — Give Bikes at Least 3 Feet<\/b>
\nPass a bicyclist as you would any slowly moving vehicle. Be prepared to slow down, wait until oncoming traffic is clear and then allow at least 3 feet of clearance between your car and the bicyclist when passing. The same 3-foot clearance applies if you are passing a bicyclist in a bike lane, on the shoulder, or in the same lane as your car. After passing a bicyclist, check your mirror to ensure that you have completely passed the bicycle with enough room before you move back to the right.<\/p>\n

Use Caution at Intersections, Bridges and Driveways<\/b>
\nAlways assume that bicyclists are traveling straight through an intersection unless they signal otherwise, and yield to bicycles just as you would to any other vehicle. Bicyclists often ride on sidewalks and trails along highways, so look both ways before crossing a sidewalk or trail when turning into a driveway. A bicycle may come from an unexpected direction.<\/p>\n

Never make a right turn from a through lane immediately after passing a bike on a shoulder or bike lane. Doing so is as dangerous as turning right from the left lane after passing a car on your right, so stay behind the bicycle. Try to avoid any chance that a bicycle will be to your right or in your right blind spot when you turn right. Before starting a right turn, move as far to the right as practicable within the bike lane, shoulder, or right turn lane.<\/p>\n

Yield to bicycles as to any other vehicle proceeding straight. Do not turn left immediately in front of a bicycle. Experienced bicyclists often ride very fast (as fast as 35 mph!) and may be closer than you think. If you are passing a left-turning vehicle by moving right, first look closely for bicycles. Wherever a travel way narrows for a bridge, parked cars, or other obstructions on the right, be prepared for a bicyclist riding on the shoulder to merge left into the main traffic lane.<\/p>\n

Driving at Night<\/b>
\nIf you see a dim reflective object at night do not assume that it is outside of the roadway. It could be a bicycle in the main travel lane. Bicyclists sometimes avoid shoulders at night when cars are not present because tree branches, potholes, debris, and even the edge of the pavement are difficult to see. Your headlights may provide enough light for the bicyclist to safely move into the shoulder for you to pass, but it takes longer at night. When approaching a bicycle, use your low beam headlights.<\/p>\n

Watch for Children<\/b>
\nChildren on bicycles are sometimes unpredictable. Expect the unexpected and remember they are small in stature and may be hard to see. Young bicyclists are especially likely to make surprising changes in direction. Be aware of bicyclists entering the roadway from driveways or near parked cars. Strictly observe speed limits in school zones and in residential areas to allow time to see, and safely share the road with, young bicyclists.
\n<\/p>\n

\n

The following remains largely unchanged except for the braking requirement and flashing rear light both of which was changed in recent years. <\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Rules and Tips for Bicyclists<\/b>
\nLike motor vehicle operators, bicyclists have both rights and
\nresponsibilities for operating on the road safely. Do your
\npart by being a safe and courteous bicyclist. Below are a
\nfew rules and suggestions for safe, enjoyable bicycling.<\/p>\n

Obey the Rules of the Road<\/b>
\nRide straight and single file in a predictable manner.
\nPlan ahead and allow time to maneuver around road
\nhazards and to negotiate with traffic and open car
\ndoors. Yield to pedestrians and obey all traffic signals
\nand signs.<\/p>\n

Ride with Traffic<\/b>
\nAlways ride on the right side. Use caution if passing
\nother traffic on the right. When approaching an
\nintersection, use the appropriate lane for the direction
\nyou intend to travel (left, straight, right).<\/p>\n

Signal All Turns<\/b>
\nLook back before you make a lane change or turn.
\nSignal safely in advance using one of these signals.<\/p>\n

Make Left Hand Turns Safely<\/b>
\nYou may turn left as a vehicle (1) by moving into the left
\nside of the travel lane (or left turn lane) OR cross like a
\npedestrian (2) by stopping, dismounting, and walking
\nacross crosswalks.<\/p>\n

Be Prepared for Slick Road Conditions<\/b>
\nWhen braking in the rain or snow, allow extra distance
\nto stop and look for pavement markings and utility
\ncovers, which may become slippery.<\/p>\n

Be Visible – Use Lights at Night<\/b>
\nWhen riding at night, Maryland State Law requires
\na white headlight on the front and a red reflector on
\nthe back visible from at least 600 feet. In addition, it
\nis recommended that you wear bright clothing in the
\ndaytime and reflective clothing for night riding.<\/p>\n

Bicycle Equipment<\/b>
\nHelmets are required for operators or passengers
\nof bicycles under the age of 16. They are, however,
\nstrongly recommended for all operators or passengers
\nregardless of age.<\/p>\n

By law, all bicycles must be equipped with:
\n
\u2022 brakes capable of stopping from a speed of 10 miles per hour within 15 feet on dry, level, clean pavement.
\n
\u2022 a white beam headlight visible at a distance of 500 feet, and a red rear reflector visible at a distance of 600 feet if night time or during unfavorable visibility conditions. Alternately, a bicyclist may be equipped with a functioning lamp that acts as a reflector and emits a red light or a flashing amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear instead of, or in addition to, the red reflector above.
\n
\u2022 a safety seat, firmly secured to the bicycle, or a
\ntrailer must be used if traveling with a small child;
\n
\u2022 a bicycle basket, rack or bag must be used in
\ntransporting small articles so that both hands may
\nbe kept on the handlebars.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

Just to note this is what the MVA originally offered (mostly from https:\/\/www.choosesafetyforlife.com\/pdfs\/Bicycle_Booklet.pdf<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\n


\n
\nMarkings for Bicycles and Pedestrians
\nAlong most of Maryland\u2019s streets and roads, bicycles
\nshare travel lanes with motor vehicles without any
\nspecial traffic signs or pavement markings. In some
\ncases, shared-use lane markings, consisting of bicycle
\nsymbols and pairs of chevrons (broad arrows without
\nstems) are applied to the roadway, mostly in urban
\nareas. These markings alert motorists to the possible
\npresence of cyclists, indicate where in the travel lane,
\ncyclists should ride, and discourage wrong way cycling.<\/p>\n

Some streets and roads have pavement markings which
\nestablish lanes that are designated for the exclusive
\nuse of bicycles. These bike lanes are separated from
\nmotor vehicle travel lanes by solid or broken white lines.
\nWhere there is on-street parking, similar lines may be
\nused to separate the bicycle lanes from the parking
\nlanes. Bike lanes may be marked with a combination of
\nbicycle symbols and arrows and sometimes by bike lane
\nsigns. These symbols also may be used to designate
\npreferred travel paths along shoulders.<\/p>\n

Pedestrian crosswalk lines are white, solid lines that emphasize
\npedestrian crossing points. Crosswalks may have additional lines
\nbetween the white, solid lines or in place of the parallel lines.<\/p>\n

Rules and Tips for Motorists Sharing the Road with
\nBicycles<\/p>\n

Bicycle Right-of-Way
\nBicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as
\nmotor vehicles. Motorists should drive carefully around
\na bicyclist; even a slight mistake can result in death. Most
\nbicycles do not have turn signals and their operators use
\nhand and arm signals to alert you of their intentions.<\/p>\n

Following a Bicyclist
\nAs you approach a bicyclist, slow down. Avoid the use
\nof your horn. Bicyclists can usually hear an approaching
\nvehicle and loud noises can startle the bicycle operator,
\ncausing an accident. Do not follow a bicycle too closely.
\nBicycles can stop and maneuver quickly and a bicyclist
\ncan swerve or change speed to avoid a road hazard.
\nYoung bicyclists, in particular, are more likely to make
\nsurprising changes in direction.<\/p>\n

Expect Bicyclists on the Road
\nAlways expect to encounter a bicyclist on the road; on
\nall types of roads, in all types of weather and at all times
\nof the day and night. Bicyclists may be riding out in the
\ntravel lane for their own safety due to narrow roads, obstacles,
\nor pavement hazards, which you may not see.
\nBefore opening your car door, check for bicyclists who
\nmay be approaching.<\/p>\n

Pass with Care, Give Bikes at Least 3 Feet
\nPass a bicyclist as you would any slow-moving vehicle.
\nSlow down, wait until oncoming traffic is clear and allow
\nat least 3 feet of clearance between your car and the
\nbicyclist when passing. After passing a bicyclist, check
\nover your shoulder to make sure you have allowed
\nenough room before moving over. Experienced
\nbicyclists often ride 20 to 25 mph and may be closer
\nthan you think.<\/p>\n

Be Careful at Intersections
\nAlways assume bicyclists are traveling through an
\nintersection unless they signal otherwise, and yield to
\nthem as you would to any other vehicle. Do not turn
\nleft or right in front of bicyclists unless you can do so
\nsafely. You must yield the right-of-way to the bicyclist if
\nyour vehicle is about to cross the designated bike lane.
\nYou can be fined $1000 and receive 3 points on your
\ndriving record if you injure a bicyclist by violating their
\nright-of-way.<\/p>\n

Watch for Children
\nChildren on bicycles are sometimes unpredictable \u2013
\nexpect the unexpected. Be aware of bicyclists entering
\nthe roadway from driveways or around parked cars.
\nStrictly observe speed limits in school zones and in
\nresidential areas to give yourself time to see and safely
\nshare the road with young bicyclists.
\n<\/em><\/small>oldId.20101026001608737<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[B’ Spokes: Just to give you a heads up this is what your Bicycle Advocacy groups have been up to. If there are any updates, I’ll post them here.] Statement of Purpose The Maryland Driver\u2019s Handbook should clarify how automobile drivers interact with bicycles. Goal 4 of Maryland\u2019s Twenty Year Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Recommended changes to the Drivers’ Handbook”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"1","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-184359428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-biking-in-maryland"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184359428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=184359428"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/184359428\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=184359428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=184359428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=184359428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}