WASHINGTON - 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?
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9 comments:
How about making them ride WITH traffic, not against it. If it is a rule, it's never spoken.
we were taught that in elementary school and by our parents. i thought this was already a law. if it isn't; it should be.
I love overtaking them while the diesel turbo is whistling and the smoke is bilowing out the exhaust. I bet they enjoy the sweet smell of diesel fuel.
8:33 their is a law ride with/ walk aginst traffic. however how much road tax are cyclist paying for their share of the road and now these scotters buzzing everwhere no tags or helments & no insurance
Isn't there also a law that states you can't go so many miles under the speed limit because it impedes the flow of traffic? Maybe that is only on interstates. Bikers should also NOT be riding 2 and 3 at a time side by side. Just remember cars are bigger and even though you might be in the right.... you could end up dead right!
5:01--Tom!
This change is ridicules and will create more safety concerns.
5:01 has a point about the scooters. I have to wear a helmet for a bicycle going 3 mph. I have to wear a helmet riding a motorcycle going 60 mph, be tagged and have insurance. The scooters are not required by law for any helemet, insurance or tags. I have been behind one going 42 mph on US 13. Where is the safety issue used for my bicycle and motorcycle? Police only enforce the motorcycle laws. The bicycle laws when they are bored and not in certain areas, which are off limits, in Salisbury. All non-motorized vehicles should fall under the bicycle law. All motorized vehicles should fall under the motorcycle or auto laws. Look at the added revenue the Liberals woud have to spend without raising taxes.
4:13 its not Tom
4:13 try Garry B
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