Md.'s new bicycling laws now in effect
By Kate Ryan, wtop.comWASHINGTON - Rules of the road are changing in Maryland, and it's not just a texting ban or the fact that drivers have to go hands free on cell phones. There are some other new rules of the road that will affect drivers and bicyclists.
Peter Moe is the Maryland State Highway Administration's Bicycle Safety Coordinator. WTOP talked to Moe about Maryland's new rules of the road regarding cyclists. These are rules drivers need to be aware of and cyclists need to keep in mind as they travel the roadways.
One law welcomed by cyclists is the "three foot rule." Moe explains what that means for drivers.
"What you need to do now in the state of Maryland is give bicyclists at least three feet of space when overtaking them."
Another change repeals the law that basically forced cyclists to stick to the shoulder of roadways. Why shouldn't cyclists be required to stay on the shoulder?
"Because sometimes on that shoulder, there may be debris or obstacles that a cyclist has to avoid in order to travel safely," says Moe.
Moe says the repeal of the law means that cyclists now have some discretion. They can stay on the shoulder if they feel safest there, but can now "take the lane" on the road if they prefer.
Isn't that having it both ways?
Many drivers feel bikes should not be on state roads - like Route 355 or Route 202 - in the first place. Moe says the law is on the side of the cyclist.
"You can and should expect to see bicyclists on any roadway, apart from our interstates. Bikes are considered a legal vehicle, and they have a right to the roadway."
But Moe adds, cyclists have responsibilities that come along with those rights: they are required to obey all traffic laws. And yes, that means stopping at red lights and at stop signs.
"That's really for everyone's benefit. For the bicyclist and for the motorist."
Moe says it's the predictability, the understanding that you can expect the other guy to do the expected thing, that helps keep everyone safer.
The new laws took effect Friday.
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