6.2 Bicycles, Bicyclist Rules, E-Bikes & Electric Low-Speed Vehicles

Bicycles Are Vehicles

Under Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles. Bicyclists may use the road and must obey all traffic signals. But bikes are harder to see, quieter, and have no protective barrier, so even a small driver mistake can cause serious injury or death.

Expect bicyclists:

• On all types of roads, except interstate highways and bridges and tunnels with tolls.
• At intersections and traffic circles.
• In all kinds of weather, and at all times of day and night.

Where Bicyclists Ride

Bicyclists generally ride as far right as is practicable and safe, but they may move into the travel lane to avoid hazards, when the road is narrow, or when cars are parked along the right. On roads without shoulders, or with cars parked on the right, the center of the lane is often the safest place to ride. In Maryland, a bicyclist may use the full lane, even while riding well below the speed of traffic, when the lane is too narrow for a motor vehicle to pass safely within it.

Bicycles are allowed on sidewalks throughout the state, but bicyclists must yield to pedestrians there, and local jurisdictions may prohibit sidewalk riding.

Driver Duties Around Bicyclists

Right-of-Way

• Bicyclists have the right-of-way when a motor vehicle is making a turn, so yield to them.
• When you enter or cross a bike lane or shoulder, yield to bicyclists riding in it.
• Bicycles have the same right-of-way as pedestrians in a crosswalk.
• Failing to yield to a bicyclist in a way that causes a crash can bring fines, jail time and points.

Following and Passing

• As you approach a bicyclist, slow down. Do not honk; loud noises can startle riders.
• Do not follow too closely. Cyclists may swerve or change speed to avoid holes, glass or other hazards you cannot see.
• Pass with care and give at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle, whether it is in a bike lane, on the shoulder or in your lane. Be prepared to slow down and wait until oncoming traffic is clear. Maryland law lets you cross into a no-passing zone only as far as needed to pass the bicycle safely.
• See the bicycle in your rear-view mirror before returning to your lane.

Intersections, Bridges and Driveways

• Assume a bicyclist is going straight unless they signal a turn.
• Never make a right turn from a through lane immediately after passing a bike on a shoulder or in a bike lane.
• Before a right turn, move as far right as possible within the bike lane, shoulder or right-turn lane, and check for bikes on your right and in your blind spot.
• Do not turn left immediately in front of an oncoming bicycle. Experienced cyclists can ride as fast as 35 mph.
• When the road narrows for a bridge or parked cars, expect a cyclist on the shoulder to merge left.

At Night and Near Children

• A dim reflective object at night could be a bicycle in the travel lane. Use low beams when approaching a cyclist.
• Children on bikes are unpredictable; watch driveways and parked cars, and obey school-zone and residential speed limits.

Opening Car Doors

Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists approaching from behind.

Rules for Bicyclists (Manual Section 10.M)

• Obey the rules of the road: ride straight and single file in a predictable way, yield to pedestrians, and obey all signals and signs.
• Ride with traffic on the right side, and use the correct lane at intersections.
• Signal all turns with hand and arm signals, and look back before changing lanes or turning.
• Left turns: either turn like a motor vehicle from the left side of the lane or left-turn lane, or cross like a pedestrian by walking the bike in the crosswalk.
• Allow extra stopping distance in rain or snow, and watch for slippery markings and utility covers.
• Helmets are required for anyone under 16, including passengers, and are recommended for everyone.

Required equipment:

E-Bikes and Electric Low-Speed Vehicles (Manual Section 10.N)

Electric bicycles are human-powered with electric-motor assistance, have fully operable pedals, two or three wheels, and a motor rated 750 watts or less.

Electric low-speed vehicles, such as standing scooters, carry only the operator, weigh less than 100 pounds, have in-line wheels or one front and two rear wheels, have handlebars and a standing platform, use electric and human power, and can go up to 20 mph. Local rules may add restrictions.