(May 16, 2019) – A pediatrician.  An eighth grader.  A mail carrier, rocket scientist and IT professional.  These Marylanders take center stage in the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration’s (MDOT SHA) traffic safety education campaign that urges drivers and bicyclists to follow the rules of the road and look out for each other.  In support of Bicycle Safety Month and National Bike to Work Day, MDOT SHA will host the Baltimore City – Mt. Vernon pit stop for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 17. Located at the corner of Guilford Avenue and East Monument Street between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., the MDOT SHA grassroots event will remind drivers and bicyclists to “Drive Smart, Bike Smart.”

There is no fender bender in a crash between a moving vehicle and bicycle. More than 80 percent of all bicycle crashes result in injury. With marked bike lanes, signage and bicycle trails and education efforts, MDOT SHA is raising awareness of bicycle safety through education and engineering. Six people died in Maryland bicycle-involved crashes last year.

To help promote the bicycle safety message, MDOT SHA is featuring Maryland bicyclists who use their bicycles for commuting, sport and recreation. With special emphasis during the spring and summer months when bicycle crashes increase, the year-long campaign also advises bicyclists to obey the rules of the road, ride predictably and stay visible when riding at night. Drivers are advised to stay alert for bicyclists and give three feet of space when passing them.

Bike to Work Day is a part of the League of American Bicyclists’ National Bike Month. MDOT SHA is proud to be part of local efforts coordinated by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. MDOT SHA is partnering with Merritt Clubs Downtown Athletic Club, Race Pace Bicycles, Z104.3 and RK&K at the Baltimore City – Mt. Vernon pit stop.

For more information on Bike to Work Day, please visit https://biketoworkmd.com.​ 

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