Bicycle Safety

One reason why there are so many motor vehicle accidents involving bicycles every year is because most bicyclists and motorists are unaware of their respective legal rights and responsibilities. Bicyclists have the same basic legal rights and responsibilities on the roadway as the driver of a motor vehicle.

Ride on the right side of the roadway.

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.

Be visible to motorists by wearing bright clothing (night and day), and reflective clothing at night.

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.

Wear a helmet.

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.