Latest Bike/Ped News From DNR and Around the State
[Via email]
Maryland Trail Projects
The Trails Division of the Department of Natural Resources is working with our federal, state, county, municipal and private partners on a wide variety of projects. Not every project listed below is necessarily a DNR initiative; for some we are merely providing technical assistance.
DNR Activities
DNR Trail Atlas – DNR is updating the Trail Atlas on our website. The Trails Atlas shows all of the trails - federal, state, county and municipal - in the state and combine DNR's interactive trail atlas with <a href="http://www.mdmerlin.net/">http://www.mdmerlin.net/</a>;. This will be an on-going effort that will eventually include non-state trails. The trail atlas will provide a link to the MDOT/SHA map, showing on-road connections and levels of service for each state road. It will also provide a link to the Tourism's website at <a href="http://visitmaryland.org/Pages/MarylandHome.aspx">http://visitmaryland.org/Pages/MarylandHome.aspx</a>; showing tourist-related information, and the visitmaryland map at <a href="http://visitmaryland.org/map/Pages/Maryland.aspx">http://visitmaryland.org/map/Pages/Maryland.aspx</a>; SHA, MDOT and DNR have agreed to continue making their map data available to one another as needed. SHA is also beginning to develop a standard template for attribute fields and symbology. State agencies will be working together on these mapping efforts so that our maps are consistent.
Bicycle Friendly Building – DNR recently installed a new bicycle rack in the basement of the Tawes Office Building near the shower facilities as part of the Green Team's Office of Sustainability efforts to achieve Bicycle Friendly Building status. The rack was generously donated by long-time bicycle advocate Bill Kelly of Ellicott City.
DNR Map Tech – DNR is planning to hire a seasonal map tech with GIS experience to begin a state-wide GPS mapping of all DNR trails. This position was funded by the Recreational Trails Program.
State Trail App – DNR is working with a private firm OhRanger to provide a free app for smart phones so the public can access park and trail information. The trail app is constantly being updated, but is currently available with limited content on the OhRanger website: <a href="http://www.ohranger.com/">http://www.ohranger.com/</a>;
Get Social with DNR! – The advent of social media has presented DNR with the opportunity to reach stakeholders in an unmediated setting. We have developed a hub & spoke business model at DNR with an overall umbrella account based in communications devoted to sharing your information, calls to action or good works.
<a href="https://twitter.com/AccessDNR">https://twitter.com/AccessDNR</a>;
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/AccessDNR">http://www.facebook.com/AccessDNR</a>;
DNR Trails Committee – DNR is creating a trails committee comprised of volunteers from regional and state-wide trail user groups from around the state of Maryland. DNR will provide a staff person from the Trails Division to facilitate the meetings, prepare minutes, and provide technical support. Staff from state agencies will be available outside the scheduled meetings to provide technical assistance to DNR as needed. State staff will not attend meetings and will work directly with DNR. Most of the DNR Ttail Committee's work will be conducted outside meetings via e-mail, fax, mail, and phone. The Committee's mission will be to review the previous State Land Preservation & Recreation Plan (SLPRP), the current conditions of state DNR trails, and provide recommendations to DNR for the Trails Section of the 2013 LPRP.
Western Maryland Trails – DNR has allocated $300,000 for the design of a stacked-loop mountain bike trail system at Herrington Manor/Swallow Falls state parks, connector trails from Deep Creek State Park, and ORV trails in Western Maryland. DNR is working with Garrett Trails and our land unit managers to design and build a premiere trail system that will make Western Maryland a mountain bike destination and economic generator.
Stony Run Path – DNR is working with local community leaders and Baltimore City to construct the Stony Run Path in Baltimore City, connecting Gilman School with Wyman Park and the Jones Falls Trail.
Patapsco Trails – DNR is working with park managers, and private groups like Mid-Atlantic Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE), to address erosion problems on our park trails and create a Patapsco Trail group that can help regularly maintain park trails.
Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail Task Agreement – Under a recently approved Task Agreement, DNR will be working with the National Park Service to develop a color map and feasibility analysis for developing a walking/mountain bike trail along the Potomac River, from the Wilson Bridge to Point Lookout State Park through multiple DNR land units.
Off Road Vehicles (ORV’s) – DNR and the ORV Advisory Committee continue to explore potential sites on public & private lands that could be developed for ORV’s. DNR and the Maryland Department of Environment are reaching out to private mine owners regarding the use of their properties as ORV facilities during the reclamation process. DNR has visited potential mine sites around Maryland and is exploring potential partnerships with private land owners and user groups, including the Maryland Competition Riders, Inc., a private motocross group, to re-open the Antietam Motor Sports complex, and the owner of the Wicomico Motorsports Park, utilizing Recreational Trails Program funds.
PG County Trails – DNR Trails Team is working with PG County Recreation & Parks staff to develop a trail through DNR land to connect the Bowie Heritage Trail and the WB&A Trail, beginning at Bowie State University.
Conowingo Dam – DNR staff is working with local cycling advocates regarding a trail crossing below the dam connecting to DNR lands @ Conowingo Village which is owned by DNR. As part of the EXELON’s federal relicensing, DNR is in the process of developing a comprehensive recreational master plan. DNR is also working closely with the Vulcan Mining Company to develop a trail through the outside perimeter of the property, connecting Havre de Grace and Susquehanna State Park. This trail was recently GPS'd following the existing, blue-blazed Mason-Dixon Trail and will be part of the Lower Susquehanna Greenway.
Children in Nature – The Maryland Children in Nature Committee has finalized its 2012 Action Plan. CIN is looking for organizations willing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that commits them to partnering in the program. Please let us know if your group would like to partner with DNR on this initiative.
Equestrian – DNR is working with TROT and Maryland Horse Industry Council to determine where equestrian use is permitted on each state land unit, and then update the DNR website to reflect equestrian opportunities. Developing regional equestrian camping facilities will also be a high priority.
Deep Creek Trail Master Plan – DNR staff @ Deep Creek Lake State Park have initiated a Deep Creek Trails Master Plan.
Montgomery County – DNR met with reps from the Montgomery County Recreation & Parks Department about extending the Patuxent River Greenway between Damascus and Georgia Avenue, making trail connections to state lands, the county’s trail sign plan, and enhancing the Rachel Carson trails.
Runner’s World Trail of the Month – Trail Stats - Situated between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland, Patapsco Valley State Park offers more than 170 miles of trails, spread across 16,043 acres and eight developed recreation areas. At the southern end of the park, the Orange Grove and Avalon areas provide multiple trail options that can be linked together for runs of just about any length or difficulty level. Whatever combination of trails you choose, you'll traverse hardwood forests interlaced with numerous creeks and occasional ridge-top vistas overlooking the river valley. The rockier and steeper routes—trails like Buzzard's Rock and Forest Glen—will test your agility as much as your endurance.
The labyrinth trail network means you'll want to study a map closely before heading out—stuffing one in your pack or pocket isn't a bad idea. A relatively easy-to-follow, six-mile route starts at the Avalon parking area. Take the Ridge Trail to the Rockburn Loop and return on the Morning Choice Trail. The Avalon recreation area offers several great options for trail runners. Reach it by taking Interstate 95 to Route 1 (Exit 3). Head toward Elkridge and turn right on South Street. The park entrance is on the left. In the summer months, you'll want to get out early to avoid the oppressively hot and humid weather. Fall is glorious here, and the winters are usually mild enough for running. Spring brings enough rain to occasionally flood the rivers and wash out sections of trail, but things dry out quickly when the sun shines. The southern areas of Patapsco are popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians, but everyone gets along well on these well-marked trails. Keep an eye out for big groups of fast-moving runners: The cross-country squads from the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, as well as other local colleges and high schools, train here regularly. Trail running clubs like the Howard County Striders and the Montgomery County Road Runners host frequent events and group runs in Patapsco. You might encounter strange trail markings made with flour—the Hash House Harriers (Motto: "A drinking club with a running problem") have been known to frequent these trails. "The trails are continually interesting and challenging. You'll face steep climbs but they don't last too long, and you've got to watch your footing on the flats and the descents." —Amy Lutsko, trail runner and Patapsco Valley State Park ranger.
DNR Launches New Interactive Newsroom – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Office of Communications today unveiled the brand new AccessDNR Newsroom ─ a more interactive, user-friendly way for DNR to share its latest news and happenings with the public and members of the media. “The internet and social media have opened the stream of information directly to our customers and stakeholders,” said Josh Davidsburg, DNR senior communication manager. “Through this new format, we’re going to make it easier ─ and more importantly, faster ─ for the public to get critical information directly from our scientific experts, resource managers and policy makers.” The new format will allow anyone to sign up for email alerts and RSS feeds, and allows users to easily find their way through news, videos and social media. Users will be able to share news posts with their Facebook friends and Twitter followers with the simple click of a button. “Social media is quickly becoming an alternative outlet for the public to consume news,” said Lori Livingston, DNR social media manager. “The newly designed newsroom will give our followers the opportunity to learn, share and discuss what’s going on in the department with others.” As news has broken away from the cycle system and developed into a constant flow, 24 hours a day, DNR is also moving towards a daily posting cycle. DNR will post news as it breaks, allowing readers the fastest access to what is happening in the department. These updates can be easily accessed from a computer, tablet or Smartphone.To check out the newsroom or to sign up to receive RSS feeds, citizens may visit <a href="http://news.maryland.gov/dnr">http://news.maryland.gov/dnr</a>;
MORE – Volunteers are welcome to help work on the Valley View Trail at Patapsco Valley State Park, the 1st Sunday of the month until further notice. They will be working on the top of the lower section, demonstrating full bench work with grade reversals, proper outslope and sustainable grades. Bring some sturdy footwear, something to drink, a smiling face and your favorite tool. If it's dry some may ride in.
Directions for the Avalon Pavilions ( #104 ):
• From the Beltway (I-695) Take Rt. 1 (Exit 12-A) toward Elkridge. Follow Rt. 1 South about 3 miles to South St. Turn right. Park entrance is on the left.
• From I -95 take I-195 to Rt. 1 (Exit 3) toward Elkridge to South St. Turn right. Park entrance is on the left.
• From Howard County follow Rt. 1 through Elkridge and into Baltimore County. Turn left onto South St. Park entrance is on the left.
• from the main entrance off of Route 1 and South St. ( South Rolling Road ).
• Buy your yearly pass at the gate, turn left at the T intersection, follow the road as it turns right the pavilions are on the right. Contact: ecraw4d@gmail.com
State-Wide Activities
Bikeways Grants – The $3.5 million program for 2013 received 31 applications from all parts of the state. Several projects have been amended for approval since the review committee made their award recommendations - Indian Head, Williamsport, and Annapolis. Baltimore City will get $320,000 for design and construction of a cycle track running north/south through the city and east/west bike lanes. Garrett Trails will scratch the bridge design project and go with a trail connection through Friendsville from the Kendall Trail to the Community Park. There will be $500,000 in un-appropriated Bikeways funds which will be rolled over for special projects this year, or into next year's grants. Federal (TEP & RTP) funds were leveraged for some of the projects. Several projects have been amended for approval since the review committee made their award recommendations - Indian Head, Williamsport, and Annapolis. Baltimore City will get $320,000 for design and construction of a cycle track running north/south through the city and east/west bike lanes. Garrett Trails will scratch the bridge design project and go with a trail connection through Friendsville from the Kendall Trail to the Community Park. There will be $500,000 in un-appropriated Bikeways funds which will be rolled over for special projects this year, or into next year's grants. The Bikeways Program supports assessment, design and construction of bicycle transportation projects, including on-road bike routes and off-road trails. The Bikeways program focuses on making bicycling a transportation option, by closing missing links to connect trails and bike routes with town centers, main streets, transit stops, schools, and other destinations. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Office%20of%20Planning%20and%20Capital%20Programming/Bike/Bikeways.html">http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Office%20of%20Planning%20and%20Capital%20Programming/Bike/Bikeways.html</a>;
Recreational Trails Program – Congress reauthorized the Federal Highway Transportation bill (MAP21) for the next two years. The RTP program gives each state the option of opting out of the program. This years round of applications includes 37 DNR projects totaling $759,000 and 35 non-DNR projects totaling $1 million annually. There are motorized and non-motorized projects as required by federal law. Secretary Griffin sent a letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation and the State Highway Administration in support of the program. The Recreational Trail Program funds the development of motorized and non-motorized recreational trail projects. RTP focuses on improving multimodal transportation, economic prosperity, improved health and environmental stewardship by enhancing access to recreational, natural, cultural and historic resources. RTP funds benefit recreation including hiking, bicycling, water trails, in-line skating, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, all-terrain vehicle riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=98">http://www.roads.maryland.gov/Index.aspx?PageId=98</a>;
Transportation Alternatives Program (formerly Transportation Enhancements Program) is a reimbursable, federal-aid funding program for transportation-related, community projects designed to improve the quality of life for citizens. TA funds projects that enhance the cultural, aesthetic, historic and environmental aspects of the intermodal transportation system. The program can assist in funding projects that create bicycle and pedestrian facilities, conversion of abandoned railroad corridors for trails, construction of turnouts and viewing areas, inventory and control of outdoor advertising, historic preservation of transportation facilities, vegetation management in transportation rights-of-way, archeological activities relating to impacts from transportation projects and environmental mitigation. For more information, go to <a href="http://www.roads.maryland.gov/index.aspx?pageid=144">http://www.roads.maryland.gov/index.aspx?pageid=144</a>;
MDOT Website – MDOT has a new website for all bicycle and pedestrian programs, beyond just Cycle MD. Check it out at: <a href="http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/IncludedContent/New%20MDOT%20Site/tabPages/Bike_Walk.html">http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/IncludedContent/New%20MDOT%20Site/tabPages/Bike_Walk.html</a>;
New State Bicycle Guidelines – The State Highway Administration has recently completed its draft Bicycle Design Guidelines. DNR submitted comments on the guidelines as it relates to DNR lands. Here is the link to the zip file: <a href="http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Office%20of%20Planning%20and%20Capital%20Programming/Bicycle/Documents/Bicycle_Guidelines.zip">http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/Office%20of%20Planning%20and%20Capital%20Programming/Bicycle/Documents/Bicycle_Guidelines.zip</a>;
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) – The new law took effect on October 1, 2012. The most important change with MAP-21 is that it gives far more power to the Maryland Department of Transportation and regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations, like the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, to determine how money goes to bicycling and walking. For instance, states are still required to have a bicycle and pedestrian coordinator but there is no specific funding source to pay for them. And the requirement to have Safe Routes to School Coordinator is gone, but it's still an eligible position to fund. Those choices are up to the state DOT. States and MPOs for urbanized areas with more than 200,000 people will conduct a competitive application process for use of the sub-allocated funds; eligible applicants include local governments, transit agencies, and school districts. Options are included to allow states considerable flexibility in the use of these funds.
Critical Trail Links – DNR/MDOT/SHA will continue to explore making critical On-Road & Off Road Connections between BWI Trail & Patapsco State Park, and from the Torrey C. Brown Trail to the Baltimore City trail system.
The 3-Foot Passing Law – Motorists are now required to give cyclists 3 feet of clearance when passing. ...
State Bike/Ped Master Plan Update – MDOT will soon begin updating their master plan which will be completed by the end of 2013 as part of the Maryland Transportation Plan, which is done every 5 years. This update will contain two new elements: (1) Designate Bike/Ped Priority Areas; (2) Integrate trails with on-road connections through a two-tiered network based on user groups - casual rider & experienced rider. This two-tiered approach has evolved out of the Manetta Report which examined low stress connectivity. The latest AASHTO guidelines will also have to be incorporated into this update.
TrailStat – Currently, trail connection information is hard to track through the SHA data base. All SHA projects, including trails, are tracked and then included in the Annual Attainment Report, but the projects do not specifically track projects that made trail connections, primarily because connections has yet to be defined. MDOT anticipates that the Bike/Ped Master Plan update should make a recommendation that connections be defined and tracked annually.
Cycle Maryland Activities - Social Media is being utilized by our state agencies to promote on-going events. MDOT welcomes your contributions through their website.
Star-Spangled Banner Trail – The comprehensive management plan and environmental assessment for the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is now complete. The plan will guide development and management of the trail. <a href="http://www.nps.gov/stsp/index.htm">http://www.nps.gov/stsp/index.htm</a>;
9/11 National Memorial Trail – The 1,140-mile 9/11 National Memorial Trail will connect New York City’s National September 11 Memorial, the Pentagon Memorial in Virginia near Washington, DC, and the Flight 93 National Memorial to commemorate the worst terrorist attack in America, and to honor those heroes who gave their all that fateful day. The Pentagon Memorial-to-Flight 93 link will use the C&O Canal Towpath and Great Allegheny Passage to Rockwood, but an on-road link is needed at least temporarily from Rockwood to Flight 93.
WB&A Trail – The recently approved Bikways Maryland Grant to Anne Arundel County will authorize SHA to design the bridge over the Patuxent River. PG County is working with DNR to extend the trail on the P.G. County side of the river to Bowie State and the MARC station. SHA is hoping to perform an alternatives analysis to determine the appropriate location for the bridge and recommend that the county conduct public outreach for the project.
Anacostia Trail – The D.C. Department of Transportation just received a $10 million TIGER Grant, combined with $3.5 million from the District and $1.5 million from Maryland, to complete four missing miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths on the Kenilworth Gardens Trail, connecting hundreds of miles of existing trail networks in Maryland and DC. This path will create new options for bicycle commuters and bring economic and health benefits to communities along the trail. The overall project includes the construction of five bridges, raised pathways, and multi-use paths. It will connect 16 waterfront neighborhoods to the Anacostia River, as well as the Southwest Waterfront, the Nationals baseball stadium, the Navy Yard, RFK Stadium, the National Arboretum, and other popular destinations. Mayor Vincent Gray invites the public to attend the design unveiling for the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail – Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Segment 0n Monday October 15, from 11AM – Noon @ River Trace Park.
The Lower Potomac River Trail – “One Hundred Thousand Paddle Strokes to Improving Recreational Access on the Tidal Potomac” is a new initiative from the Potomac Riverkeeper. The goal of the program will be to improve access for kayakers and other recreational paddlers on the Lower Potomac from Washington D.C. to the Chesapeake Bay by proposing the creation of a Lower Potomac River Trail. The proposal would utilize existing Federal, state and local parks, along with private recreational facilities, to create a series of riverside landings, campsites and public access points to create a river trail for the approximately one hundred miles of the tidal Potomac.
Citizen Soldiers Trail (CST) – Mr. Robert Reyes, the CST trail champion, has been meeting with various federal, state and county officials about the trail that runs from North Point State Park through Baltimore County land, making it a local government project supported by DNR.
Anacostia Trail – USDOT recently announced the latest TIGER grants recipients and the Anacostia Trail was awarded a $10 Million grant. Most of the project is in DC, but it will be a welcome trail connection for the region.
Howard County Trails – The Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks offer an extensive system (183 miles) of natural surface trails and paved pathways with the park and open space lands located in the County. Opportunities exist for hiking, biking, horseback riding, trail running and bird watching. Here is the link: <a href="http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HowardCountyParks.htm">http://www.howardcountymd.gov/HowardCountyParks.htm</a>;
County Annual Program LPRRP's – The 5-year recreational master plans for all Maryland counties and Baltimore City were due by July 1st. DNR has received most of the plans and is reviewing and providing comments. The public is welcome to contact the counties to review the plans and provide comments.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council's Bicycle Advisory Group – BPAG is working on its Action Plan in advance of its next meeting in January 2013. <a href="http://www.baltometro.org/commuter-options/bikeped-beacon-electronic-newsletter">http://www.baltometro.org/commuter-options/bikeped-beacon-electronic-newsletter</a>;
Allegany County Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan – The focus of Allegany County’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan is connecting communities. The connections between the trails and towns will offer more than recreational activities, but also provide for transportation and bring economic benefits. Among the projects described in the plan is connecting the town of Mount Savage to Frostburg and the Great Allegheny Passage, while creating a small loop trail that supports the Great Allegheny Passage. The new connection would primarily make use of an abandoned rail bed to connect the two towns. Another project would rehabilitate the tunnel under Frostburg’s Main Street to restore a connection between the GAP and Frostburg, according to the plan. The proposed trail heads south from the tunnel to become the Georges Creek Rail Trail ending in Westernport. The trail will provide a “backbone” to link all the parks in Frostburg, according to the plan. Another project would connect Dan’s Mountain State Park to the Dan’s Rock Overlook Park by a hiking and biking trail. Members of the public can offer comments on the plan through Dec. 21. <a href="http://www.gov.allconet.org/ACT/121128_MasterPlan_Booket.pdf">http://www.gov.allconet.org/ACT/121128_MasterPlan_Booket.pdf</a>;
Montgomery County Trails Master Plan – M-NCPPC, Montgomery County Department of Parks is updating the Countywide Park Trails Plan. This plan serves as the guide for park trails of countywide significance, both hard and natural surface. Since last fall, they have been meeting monthly with a “Trails Working Group” (TWG), which consists of representatives from the major trail user groups, to discuss various plan objectives and policy issues. The TWG is helping to advise and guide our planning process for the amendment.
City of Rockville Bike Master Plan – Rockville has recently completed a draft a draft map of the planned recommendations. For more information please contact Rebecca Torma RTorma@rockvillemd.gov
<a href="http://www.rockvillemd.gov">www.rockvillemd.gov</a>;
<a href="http://www.drivelessrockville.com">www.drivelessrockville.com</a>;
Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan – The Annapolis Bicycle Master Plan Recommendations include: Bicycle network maps, Early action priorities, and Programs & Policies. The recommended bicycle network is available on the City website <a href="http://www.annapolis.gov">www.annapolis.gov</a>;
Should you have any question or comments please do not hesitate to contact any of Iain Banks, City of Annapolis ibanks@annapolis.gov 410-263-7964 Lucas Cruse, Toole Design Group lcruse@tooledesign.com 301-927-1900 William Small, Public Liaison, Transportation Board will@willgetitdone.com
Cecil County Bicycle Master Plan – WILMAPCO has completed the draft master plan. For more information please contact David Gula at dgula@wilmapco.org
Potomac Appalachian Trail Club – All meetings are at 7 pm at the Greenbrier State Park Visitors Center and are open to the public. Meeting dates can be obtained through ATC's website at <a href="http://www.patc.net/PublicView/">http://www.patc.net/PublicView/</a>;
C&O Canal Trust – The C&O Canal Trust hosts a wide range of trail activities. For more information <a href="http://www.canaltrust.org/trust/">http://www.canaltrust.org/trust/</a>;
Off-Road versus On-Road - MDOT, SHA and DNR have begun what will be an on-going informal cost-benefit review rail trails versus on-road trails. Assuming there is local support, signage and maps could quickly and inexpensively provide on-road connections as an interim measure while nearby rail trail projects which often take many years and are quite costly are being pursued. This issue may be addressed state-wide when MDOT updates its Bike/Ped Master Plan.
New SHA Share The Road Signs - The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) recently posted nine rectangular signs stating "Bicycles May Use Full Lane" along MD-953 in Glenn Dale, a narrow 2-lane road that crosses the Washington, Baltimore, and Annapolis Trail.
SHA plans to post similar signs on 18 state highways in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The signs will "warn motorists that bicycles may be operating anywhere within a traffic lane," according to SHA Administrator Melinda Peters, marking a step forward for driver education and cyclist safety in Maryland.
Within the Capital Beltway, SHA operates most of the direct bike routes into the District of Columbia from Prince George's and Montgomery counties, as well as key cross-county routes such as University Boulevard and East-West Highway. Decades ago, SHA converted most shoulders on these roads into general travel lanes, forcing cyclists and drivers to share the road.
The meaning of "share the road" has evolved. For decades, the law required cyclists to keep as far to the right as practicable. This made sense when most cyclists were children proceeding slowly. But at higher speeds, riding too far to the right is hazardous. Drivers and pedestrians are not looking for fast vehicles close to the curb, and cyclists can't see them emerging from driveways, cross streets, or parked cars.
When lanes are too narrow for a car to pass a bike safely, too many drivers try to pass bikes within the lane anyway. So on those roads, it is safer for a cyclist to ride near the center of the lane, according to Maryland's Driver Manual.
Section 21-1205(a)(6) of the Maryland Transportation Code says that a cyclist may ride in the center of a narrow lane. But many drivers learned to drive (and bike) back when cyclists were supposed to simply keep to the right. And on any given road, drivers and cyclists may have different perceptions about whether the lane is too narrow to share. So "drivers and cyclists often must guess what the other is going to do," says Shane Farthing, Executive Director of the Washington Area Bicyclists Association.
The Federal Highway Administration's official handbook of highway signs, The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), included a new sign in its most recent update to ensure that drivers and cyclists have the same expectations. This sign, called the R4-11, says "Bicycles May Use Full Lane." Because it has the shape of a white rectangle, R4-11 is technically a "regulatory sign," giving it the force of law. Wherever it's posted, cyclists may ride in the center of the lane, even in states that have not legalized this practice, such as New Jersey. In Maryland, which allows cyclists to take the lane, the shape and color of the sign does not change the driving rules. But there are certain requirements for the placement of all regulatory signs, according to Tom Hicks, who recently retired as SHA's Director of Traffic and Safety. Those requirements can be administratively burdensome, so SHA will also use a yellow diamond "warning" sign with the same words. "The signs will increase safety by providing drivers with a warning about where bikes may be," says Dustin Kuzan, SHA's bicycle and pedestrian coordinator. A study in Austin, Texas found that placement of similar signs has little impact on where cyclists ride. But drivers moved to the left as they passed bikes enough to increase the median passing clearance by 3 feet. John Townsend of AAA Mid-Atlantic agrees: "These signs are a really good idea. Bicyclists have the right to use the full lane on narrow roads. As drivers, we are operating the heavier vehicle which can seriously injure a cyclist. So it is up to drivers to avoid a collision. But drivers need information about where the bicyclist might be riding, and these signs will help." "The signs may also decrease hostility between drivers and cyclists by informing all road users that cyclists have the right to be in the center of the lane," Kuzan adds.
Economic Impact Great Allegheny Passage - 2010-2011
An estimated 750,000 trips on the GAP
Over $50 million in Direct spending - Up from $40 million in 2008-09
Average overnight spending $114 - up from $98 in 2008-09
Average daily spending $17.69 - up from $15 in 2008-09
28% Plan overnight Stay
82% Plan two or more overnights
23% users’ multiday trips
40% travel in pairs
50.6% of users are between the ages of 45-65
14 % Mean Gross Revenue Income that business attributed to the Trail