{"id":277375635,"date":"2013-10-16T08:47:15","date_gmt":"2013-10-16T08:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=277375635"},"modified":"2013-10-16T08:47:15","modified_gmt":"2013-10-16T08:47:15","slug":"bicycle-safety-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.baltimorespokes.org\/?p=277375635","title":{"rendered":"BICYCLE SAFETY"},"content":{"rendered":"

From MDOT!!!<\/b><\/p>\n

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\"Respect<\/div>\n

We\u2019re on this road together, expect and respect <\/em>is the theme of SHA\u2019s new bicycle safety education effort geared to both drivers and bicyclists.  In an expansion of past \u201cShare the Road\u201d efforts, the new campaign issues a plea to both drivers and bicyclists to follow the rules and laws of the road and anticipate the needs of each other.  Bicycle safety is a two-way street \u2013 the safety of bicyclists not only depends upon the bicyclist, but the drivers with whom bicyclists share the road. Bicycles are less visible, quieter, and don\u2019t have a protective barrier around them.<\/div>\n
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\"We'reAs the popularity of bicycling grows as a healthy and environmentally friendly way to commute, as well as exercise, SHA is committed to providing \u201cComplete Streets\u201d in Maryland.  With each roadway resurfacing project, SHA evaluates the road for bicycle markings and amenities.  <\/div>\n
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Most drivers tend to look for other drivers, and may unintentionally overlook our friends on two-wheels. Even the slightest mistake on the part of the driver can result in tragic consequences for the bicyclist.  <\/div>\n
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Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles.  By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles.  Staying visible to drivers is key, so bicyclists need to ride in a predictable manner and take important steps to wear the proper gear and equip bicycles appropriately.<\/div>\n
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\"DriveTips for drivers:     <\/div>\n
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    Expect bicyclists on the road.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Always keep a safe following distance.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    In certain conditions, bicycles may position in the center of the lane.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Allow at least 3 feet when passing.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    When turning, yield the right-of-way to bicycles as you would other vehicles.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Merge into bike lanes before turning right.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Look for bicyclists before opening a car door.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Be vigilant when pulling out of driveways or side streets.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Watch for children.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.  It\u2019s illegal to text and use hand held devices while driving.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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    Use turn signals and obey the speed limit.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
    Tips for bicyclists:<\/div>\n
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      \"BikeBikes are vehicles; obey the rules of the road.  Stop at all red lights and stop signs.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Ride defensively \u2013 expect the unexpected.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Ride with traffic, never against it.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Use hand signals when turning or stopping.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Stop for pedestrians.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Pass on the left when overtaking a vehicle.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Use marked bike lanes when present.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Never ride more than two abreast.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Maryland law restricts bicycles on sidewalks, except where allowed by local ordinance.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Make yourself visible day and night with lights, reflectors and gear.<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Wear a helmet correctly \u2013 not tilting back. <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

      <\/p>\n

      Maryland Laws
      \"line\"<\/h2>\n

      By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles, and bicyclists have rights and responsibilities just as do drivers of motor vehicles \u2013 but bicycles are less visible, quieter, and don\u2019t have a protective barrier around them. <\/p>\n

      Motorists should drive carefully around a bicyclist; even a slight mistake can result in serious injury or death. Bicyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles.<\/p>\n

      Traffic Laws for Motorists<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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      • The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle, including a bicycle, which is going in the same direction, shall pass to the left of the overtaken vehicle at a safe distance. <\/li>\n
      • The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle that is going in the same direction, until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle, may not drive any part of his vehicle directly in front of the overtaken vehicle. <\/li>\n
      • Drivers shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle, 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.<\/li>\n
      • After passing you must make sure you are clear of the bicyclist before making any turns. The bike has the right of way, and you must yield to bike, when you are turning. 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 your driving record.<\/li>\n
      • 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. <\/li>\n
      • When riding on a sidewalk, where such riding is permitted, or a bike path, a bicyclist may made ride in a crosswalk to continue on their route. Motorists are required to yield right of way to a bicyclist operating lawfully in a crosswalk at a signalized intersection. (TR \u00a721-101, \u00a721-202, & \u00a721-1103) look for bikes coming from both directions.<\/li>\n
      • A person may not throw any object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle, an EPAMD, or a motor scooter. <\/li>\n
      • 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. Don\u2019t open door into traffic.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n
      		\"Bicycle<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

      Traffic Laws for Bicyclists<\/strong> <\/p>\n

      Maryland law provides for the right-of-way of bicyclists, just as it does for the operators of motor vehicles. Bicyclists also have the duty to obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings, just as do drivers.<\/p>\n

      Riding in Traffic Lanes and on Shoulders<\/em><\/p>\n

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      • A bicyclist riding slower than the speed of traffic is confined to the right hand through lane (much the same way as a slow moving vehicle is) and as close to the right side of the road as is safe. A bicyclist can move further left to:\n
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        • Make or attempt to make a vehicular style left turn;<\/li>\n
        • Pass a stopped or slower moving vehicle; or<\/li>\n
        • Avoid pedestrians or road hazards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
        • This ride-to-the-right provision does not apply when operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle to travel safely side-by-side with another vehicle within the lane. The provision also does not apply where the right-hand lane is a turn lane, or the bicyclist is operating on a one-way street. (TR \u00a7 21-1205(a)) <\/li>\n
        • A bicyclist riding at the speed of traffic can operate in any lane, just as any other vehicle can..Where there is not a bike lane, a bicyclist may also use the shoulder of the roadway. (TR \u00a7 21-1205.1(b)) <\/li>\n
        • Bicycles may not be ridden in the travel lanes of any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles an hour; however, bicycles may be operated on the shoulder of these roadways.<\/li>\n
        • Bicycles may not be operated on expressways (access-controlled freeways and interstate highways), except on an adjacent path or facility approved by the State Highway Administration. (TR \u00a7 21-1205.1(a)(2))<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Riding in Bike Lanes<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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          Where there are marked bicycle lanes paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle must use the bike lane and may not ride on the roadway, except in the following situations: <\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

          \"Bicycle<\/td>\n\n