(July 19, 2013) –   Thousands of Artscape attendees this weekend have an opportunity to experience bike riding in a whole new way – and gain an understanding of what bicyclists on the road face when traveling in traffic with much bigger vehicles. The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) is partnering with Artscape in sponsorship of the Flying Bike Sculpture to raise awareness that bicyclists and drivers are “on this road together.”  

Ride the flying bike sculpture, help make a “Share the Road” collage, and learn some quick tips on how both bicyclists and drivers can look out for each other on the road.  Additionally surveys are being conducted to better understand the knowledge and awareness levels of both bicyclists and drivers about the rules of the road and the relatively new three-foot law that requires drivers to pass cyclists at that distance.  The research will be used in the development of a statewide safety campaign, which will be funded with federal safety dollars. 

“At the Maryland State Highway Administration, our number one priority is safety – and we’re committed to making sure that everyone – whether or two wheels, four, or more – gets home safely at the end of the day,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “Artscape provides a great venue to reach out to the community and promote the “Share the Road” message.  The festival attracts more 350,000 participants and the more people we can reach with our message, the more we can raise awareness, prevent crashes and save lives.”

 

 

 
SHA is dedicated to providing safe highways for all commuters and strives to push the message that Maryland roads are open to everyone: cyclists, riders, cars, motor vehicles and pedestrians. To ensure cyclists are equally accommodated, SHA continues to add and improve state roads for bicycle access. SHA issued its “Complete Streets” policy last summer that mandates the provision of bicycle facilities wherever possible.  SHA and its partners continue to promote safe bicycling at public events and through grassroots outreach. 

“It is critical that both motorists and cyclists follow the rules of the road and consider each others’ safety. Too often we see injuries and fatalities result from collisions involving bicycles and vehicles. If we all make a commitment to share the road, together we can prevent crashes and save lives,” added Ms. Peters.

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.

The State Highway Administration (SHA) is continuing traditional measures to help make travel safer and less stressful for roadway users. For more information on bike safety and access, visit: www.roads.maryland.gov or www.cycle.maryland.gov
 

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