VISIT CAMP ROAD SAFETY: MDOT SHA “IN TENTS” ABOUT TRAFFIC SAFETY AT BALTIMORE ARTSCAPE

MDOT SHA Logo

MDOT SHA Logo

State Highway Administration Features Bicycle Safety Campaign at Artscape; Fatal Bicycle Crashes Increase in Maryland

(July 21, 2017) – Join the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) Camp Road Safety and spin a work of art at the annual Artscape event in the City of Baltimore. Stop by the “Look Out for Each Other: A Bicyclist May be Someone You Know” booth along West Mount Royal Avenue to visit with a Camp Counselor, pick up valuable safety information, provide input for future outreach efforts and create an individual masterpiece. With bicycle crashes increasing during the summer months and the Baltimore area being home to more than 36 percent of the state’s annual bicycle crashes, Artscape provides the perfect venue to enhance awareness of bicycle safety.

“The safety of everyone using Maryland roadways is a top priority for us,” said SHA Administrator Greg Slater.  “MDOT SHA’s goal is to ensure that every person who gets behind the wheel takes precautions when encountering cyclists in their travels – and knows how to share the road with them.  At the same time, we remind bicyclists to follow the rules of the road as well.”

SHA is continuing the bicycle education effort, “A Cyclist Might be Someone You Know,” to reinforce to cyclists and drivers the need to look out for each other, see and be seen and to expect and respect each other. The new campaign reminds drivers that the next cyclist they encounter could be someone they know. The campaign features actual Maryland professionals including a nurse, teacher and aeronautical engineer who bike on roadways.

Unfortunately, fatal bicycle-involved crashes increased in Maryland from six in 2014 to 11 in 2015 to 15 in 2016.  Bicycle-involved crashes increase during the summer months.

When motorists and bicyclists follow the rules and share the road together by being aware and attentive, tragic crashes can be prevented. The goal of the bicycle safety campaign is to remind both drivers and cyclists of their responsibilities to partner in safety. The campaign promotes sharing the road through social media, public service announcements, outdoor media, grass roots outreach and public events.  The booth will also feature information on pedestrian safety as well.

Additionally, MDOT SHA will participate in the 2017 Safety Fair at the Maryland State Police JFK Barrack this Saturday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  Activities include a DUI driving simulator, a bicycle course and kids’ activities.

For more information on bike safety and access, visit the SHA Bicycle Safety or Cycle Maryland websites.

 

 

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