Warning: MDSHA is till trying to kill cyclists

What is it with Maryland road crews? Why can't they post adequate warning about road surface irregularities?

This morning, at approximately 6:20am, I was travelling on Taylor Avenue heading toward Perring Parkway--my normal bike commute route to work. Monday through Thursday's commute went by without any problems. Friday was shaping up to be the same. I'm about 10 minutes away from work.

The road is downhill approaching Perring Parkway. I was exceeding 20 MPH as I approached the intersection, positioned in the drops of my handlebars, accelerating because I see that the traffic control light is in my favor. I enter the intersection. My attention is on what other road users are doing around me. I didn't see any warning signs about road surface irregularities, only orange barrels. Then, I realize there's a 1-2 inch square-cut elevation in the road surface. I hit it dead on, full force. I hear my water bottle skitter across the road behind me. Something gives. It's my handlebar. The left handlebar drop breaks away, but the handlebar tape keeps my weight from shifting off center too much. I quickly grab the tops of the handlebars and slow down using the rear brake expecting one or both of my tires to go flat. I managed to shift the front deraileur to the small ring. I keep on going. I'm forced to use the rear break for stopping as all controls on the left have nothing to brace against. Another mile up the road, I realize that my front wheel is out of true and my rear tire is going flat.

By approximately 6:35pm, I get to work. I'm livid about the damage done to my bike and having to take time off from work to get it repaired all because Maryland road crews can not post adequate warning for all road users. Why is that? I could very well have gone down in the middle of Perring Parkway, acquiring major road rash, and braking bones.

I hope there is someone out there, who reads this board and can do something about this situation. This is not the first time that unmarked road surface irregularities have been written about. (Ref. BBCTalk listserv)