 Helmet use reduces head injury by 85% and the incidence of brain damage by
88%. Maryland law mandates helmets to be worn:(i) At all times while a bicycle is
being operated on any highway, bicycle way, or other property open to the public or used
by the public for pedestrian or vehicular traffic; and
(ii) To a person under the age of 16 who is riding on a bicycle including a person
under the age of 16 who is a passenger on a bicycle: 1.) In a restraining seat
attached to the bicycle; or 2.) In a trailer being towed by a bicycle.
Persons to whom these sections apply may not operate or ride as a passenger on a
bicycle unless the person is wearing a helmet that meets or exceeds the standards of the
American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation's standard, or the
standards of the American Society of Testing and Measurements for protective headgear for
use in bicycling. |
Hazards of wrong way riding are that bicyclists generally are not seen by turning
motorists from a perpendicular street; traffic signals and signs are not visible to
bicyclists on one-way streets; and motorists do not expect opposing traffic.
Maryland
Vehicle Law states that during reduced visibility periods, bicycles shall, at a minimum,
be equipped with a white front light and rear red reflector.