(May 17, 2013) – Today, Bike to Work Day, May 17th, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) is asking drivers to remember one of the basic rules of life that most learned in kindergarten: to share. “Share the road” is the message directed to both bicyclists and drivers as bicyclists roll out in force today for annual National Bike to Work Day festivities. Drivers are urged to expect and prepare for more bicycle traffic than usual on roadways throughout the State. When passing bicycles, Maryland State Law requires that drivers allow at least three feet of space between the bicycle and vehicle.
“At the Maryland State Highway Administration, safety is our top priority. We are committed to providing infrastructure that supports bicycling and advising both drivers and cyclists to look out for each and share the road so that everyone gets home safely,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.
In its commitment to add and improve state roads for bicycle access, SHA issued the “Complete Streets” policy last summer, which mandates the provision of bicycle facilities in every project, wherever possible. Additionally, SHA installed the State’s first “Bikes May Use Full Lane” signs on D.C. metropolitan routes. Cycle Maryland’s innovative Bikeways program continued to fund various bicycle projects using State funds and federal funding was secured for Maryland’s portion of the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal shared use path project. Together over the last year, MDOT and SHA have worked together on the bike sharing program, a review and update of 20-Year Bicycle and Pedestrian Access Master Plan, the development of SHA Bicycle Policy and Design Guidelines, US Bike Routes Planning and East Coast Greenway Planning.
SHA and its partners continue to promote safe bicycling at public events and through grassroots outreach.
When coming upon a cyclist, a driver should slow and carefully pass a cyclist, giving at least three feet of space when it is safe to do so. Likewise, bicyclists are subject to the same vehicle laws as drivers and should adhere to signs and traffic lights and signal to drivers their intentions when breaking or turning. Also bicyclists should wear protective gear, ensure that they are visible to motorists and wear helmets.
SHA Headquarters joined forces with the Baltimore Metropolitan Council, the City of Baltimore and the Downtown Athletic Center to host a Bike to Work pit stop this morning at the corner of Guilford Avenue and Monument Street. An MTA bus was on display, so that riders could practice placing bikes on and off the bus. Twenty-20 Cycle provided complimentary bike check-ups, and Zipcar provided information about services.
The League of American Bicyclists began National Bike to Work Day in 1956. An annual event held in May across the United States and Canada, National Bike to Work Day promotes the bicycle as an option for commuting to work. Leading up to Bike to Work Day, national, regional, and local bicycle advocacy groups encourage people to try bicycle commuting as a healthy and safe alternative to driving.
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