{"id":264086738,"date":"2013-05-15T13:25:38","date_gmt":"2013-05-15T13:25:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=264086738"},"modified":"2013-05-15T13:25:38","modified_gmt":"2013-05-15T13:25:38","slug":"proposed-changes-to-uvc-chapters-1-and-11","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=264086738","title":{"rendered":"Proposed Changes to UVC Chapters 1 and 11"},"content":{"rendered":"

[B’ Spokes: These changes are cool! So ATTENTION MARYLAND BICYCLE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE<\/b>]<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

If you would like to make comments to the proposed changes to the Bicycle Technical Committee see the main page.<\/a><\/p>\n

To highlight a few of proposed changes (my best attempt at preserving formatting):<\/p>\n

\n

ARTICLE
\nIII-DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; OVERTAKING AND PASSING-USE OF ROADWAY
\n(Sections especially concerning bicycling)<\/h2>\n

\u00a7 11-301 Drive on right side of
\nroadway\u2014exceptions<\/h3>\n

(a)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle
\nshall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:<\/p>\n

1. 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> When overtaking and passing another vehicle
\nproceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement; <\/p>\n

2. 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> When an obstruction exists making it
\nnecessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway; provided any
\nperson driving to the left of the center of the highway shall yield the right
\nof way to all vehicles traveling in the proper direction upon the unobstructed
\nportion of the highway within such distance as to constitute an immediate
\nhazard;<\/p>\n

3. 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> Upon a roadway divided into three marked
\nlanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon; or<\/p>\n

4. 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> Upon a roadway restricted to one-way traffic.<\/p>\n

(b)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less
\nthan the normal and lawful speed of traffic at the time and place and under the
\nconditions then existing shall be driven in the right-hand lane then available
\nfor traffic, or as close as practicable to the
\nright\u2014hand curb or edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing
\nanother vehicle proceeding in the same direction or when preparing for a left
\nturn at an intersection or into a private road, alley, or driveway.<\/del><\/span> or far enough to the right to allow overtaking and passing
\nby faster vehicles if such passing is safe and reasonable, except under any of
\nthe situations listed below.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

1.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in
\nthe same direction.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
\nprivate road or driveway.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b> When the operator must necessarily drive in a lane other
\nthan the right-hand lane to continue on such operator\u2019s intended route.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(c)  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> The intent of this subsection is to facilitate the
\novertaking of slowly moving vehicles by faster vehicles, and shall not require
\nthe drivers of such slowly moving vehicles to risk their own safety in order to
\nfacilitate overtaking. If there is a marked bicycle lane at the right side of
\nthe road, operators of bicycles shall not be required to use such lane.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

(d) 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Upon any roadway having four or more lanes for
\nmoving traffic and providing for two-way movement of traffic, no vehicle shall
\nbe driven to the left of the center line of the roadway, except when authorized
\nby official traffic-control devices designating certain lanes to the left side
\nof the center of the roadway for use by traffic not otherwise permitted to use
\nsuch lanes, or except as permitted under subsection (a) 2. This subsection
\nshall not be construed as prohibiting the crossing of the center line in making
\na left turn into or from an alley, private road or driveway.<\/p>\n

Specific justifications for \u00a7 11-301 changes:<\/p>\n

This section is being expanded to include all
\nslow-moving vehicles. The changes enhance safety and clarity. An operator of a
\nbicycle, moped or motorcycle can facilitate overtaking in a wide lane while
\nstill maintaining a position in the lane which maintains visibility and avoids
\npotential hazards. Section (b) 3 applies to situations where the right-hand
\nlane is obstructed or unsafe, or is a right-turn lane, or is to the right of a
\nright-turn lane. <\/p>\n

\n

\u00a7
\n11-303 Overtaking a vehicle on the left<\/h3>\n

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing
\nof vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to those limitations,
\nexceptions and special rules hereinafter stated:<\/p>\n

(a)  <\/span><\/span><\/span> The
\ndriver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction
\nshall pass at a safe distance to the left of the vehicle being overtaken and
\nshall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of
\nthe overtaken vehicle.<\/p>\n

(b)  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> Except
\nwhen overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an
\novertaken vehicle shall give way to the right in
\nfavor of the overtaking vehicle on audible signal and <\/del><\/span>not increase the
\nspeed of the vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle. If the roadway is of sufficient width to permit safe
\npassing, the overtaken driver shall not unnecessarily obstruct the overtaking
\nvehicle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Specific justifications for \u00a7 11-303 changes:<\/p>\n

The current language in part (b) requiring an audible
\nsignal is an antiquated leftover from the days of Model T Fords and dirt roads.
\nThen, people drove towards the center of such roads to avoid ruts at the edge.
\nA faster driver would signal with the horn to alert the leading driver to move
\nover. On modern roads, people normally drive near the right; therefore this
\ninstruction has little meaning. Occupying a lane is not unnecessarily
\nobstructive if another lane is available for travel. Use of horns must be
\nreserved for emergency situations, not to intimidate or startle slower drivers,
\nand avoiding noise pollution. <\/p>\n

\n

\u00a7
\n11-307-No-passing zones<\/h3>\n

(a)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> The (State highway commission) and local
\nauthorities are authorized to determine those portions of any highway under
\ntheir respective jurisdictions where overtaking and passing or driving on the
\nleft side of the roadway would be especially hazardous and may by appropriate
\nsigns or markings on the roadway indicate the beginning and end of such zones.<\/p>\n

(b)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> When such signs or markings are in place and
\nclearly visible to an ordinarily observant person every driver of a vehicle
\nshall obey the directions thereof.<\/p>\n

(c)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Where signs or markings are in place to define a
\nno-passing zone as set forth in paragraph (a) no driver shall at any time drive
\non the left side of the roadway within such no-passing zone or on the left side
\nof any pavement striping designed to mark such no-passing zone.<\/p>\n

(d)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> This section does not apply under the conditions
\ndescribed in 11-301(a)2, nor to the driver of a vehicle turning left into or
\nfrom an alley, private road or driveway.<\/p>\n

(e)        
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> Division (<\/span>c<\/span>) of this section does not
\napply when all of the following apply:<\/span><\/p>\n

1.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span> The slower vehicle is proceeding at less than half the
\nspeed of the speed limit applicable to that location.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span> The faster vehicle is capable of overtaking and passing the
\nslower vehicle without exceeding the speed limit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

3.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/b><\/span> There is sufficient clear sight distance to the left of the
\ncenter or center line of the roadway to meet the overtaking and passing provisions
\nof sections 11-305 and 11-306, considering the speed of the slower vehicle.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Specific justifications for \u00a7 11-307 changes:<\/p>\n

Overtaking slow vehicles does not require as much
\ndistance as overtaking vehicles traveling near the speed limit. In particular,
\nit is often only necessary to merge partway into the oncoming lane to overtake
\na bicyclist, and so the distance required for overtaking is even shorter then.
\nSuch overtaking is common and has not been shown to be a problem. Ohio, Maine
\nand New Jersey have adopted provisions to make this legal. This change is
\nnecessary for safe and legal passing distances on many roads. The wording is
\nfrom Ohio statute, and is also relevant to farm equipment and animal-drawn
\nvehicles. See https:\/\/codes.ohio.gov\/orc\/4511.31<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a7 11-601 Required position and method of
\nturning<\/h3>\n

(a)       
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> The driver of a vehicle intending to turn shall
\ndo so as follows:<\/p>\n

1.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> Right
\nturns<\/i> – Both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made
\nas close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. Where there is a separate lane for bicycles at the right
\nedge of the roadway, a driver making a right turn must merge into this bicycle
\nlane before turning. <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

2.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Left turns<\/i>
\n– The driver of a vehicle intending to turn left shall approach the turn in the
\nextreme left lane lawfully available to traffic moving in the direction of
\ntravel of such vehicle. Whenever practicable, the left turn shall be made to
\nthe left of the center of the intersection so as to leave the intersection or
\nother location in the extreme left lane lawfully available to traffic.<\/p>\n

3.    
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> Two-way left-turn lanes – Where a special lane
\nfor making left turns by drivers proceeding in opposite directions has been
\nindicated by official traffic-control devices:<\/p>\n

               
\n<\/span>i. <\/span><\/span><\/span> A
\nleft turn shall not be made from any other lane.<\/p>\n

             
\n<\/span>ii. <\/span><\/span><\/span> A
\nvehicle shall not be driven in the lane except when preparing for or making a
\nleft turn from or into the roadway or when preparing for or making a U turn
\nwhen otherwise permitted by law.<\/p>\n

(b)       
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span> The state highway commission and local
\nauthorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause official
\ntraffic-control devices to be placed and thereby require and direct that a
\ndifferent course from that specified in this section be traveled by turning
\nvehicles, and when such devices are so placed no driver shall turn a vehicle
\nother than as directed and required by such devices.<\/p>\n

Specific justifications for \u00a7 11-601 changes:<\/p>\n

The first sentence of \u00a711-601(a) already implicitly
\nrequires drivers to merge into a bike lane, parking lane or other
\nspecial-purpose lane before turning right. Language added to \u00a711-601(a) will
\nhelp prevent the dangerous error called the \u201cright hook\u201d. This is similar to California CVC \u00a7
\n21717<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Reorganization of the section clarifies that standard
\nrules for left turns, as well as the option to specify special rules, apply to
\nall vehicles. Also see section 11-1208, which describes <\/span>the two-step left-turn option for bicyclists.\n<\/p>\n

\n

\u00a7 11-505–Pedestrians to use right half of
\ncrosswalks and shared-use paths.<\/h3>\n

Whenever practicable,
\npedestrians shall move upon the right half of crosswalks and shared-use paths, unless indicated otherwise by traffic-control
\ndevices.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Specific justifications for \u00a7 11-505 changes:<\/p>\n

The narrowness of most shared-use paths, and the slower
\ntravel speeds of bicycles compared with those of motor vehicles, make it more
\npractical and reasonably safe for pedestrians to keep to the right. This is the
\npractice in most states. Then bicyclists can at least keep moving at a slow
\nriding pace, or by walking. If pedestrians walk on the left, head-on conflicts
\nwith bicyclists occur and the capacity of the path is greatly reduced when it
\nis congested. This addition refers to the new definition of \u201cshared-use path\u201d
\nproposed for Chapter 1 of the UVC.<\/p>\n

\n

\nPlease see Proposed Changes to UVC Chapters 1 and 11<\/a> for all the proposed changes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[B’ Spokes: These changes are cool! So ATTENTION MARYLAND BICYCLE LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE] If you would like to make comments to the proposed changes to the Bicycle Technical Committee see the main page. To highlight a few of proposed changes (my best attempt at preserving formatting): ARTICLE III-DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROADWAY; OVERTAKING AND PASSING-USE … <\/p>\n

Continue reading “Proposed Changes to UVC Chapters 1 and 11”<\/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":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-264086738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bike-laws"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264086738","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=264086738"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/264086738\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=264086738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=264086738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=264086738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}