​MDOT SHA Urges Motorists and Bicyclists to Practice Safety and Share the Road

(May 12, 2022) – With thousands of Marylanders expected to put down their car keys and hop on their bikes in celebration of Bike to Work Week, May 16-22, the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is reminding motorists and bicyclists to share the road and practice traffic safety to keep roadways safe for all users.

In 2021, more than 10,000 people registered for Bike to Work Week activities in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. With more people returning to the workplace, organizers expect an increase in participants this year.

“Bicycling is an important part of MDOT SHA’s integrated transportation network, and ‘Bike to Work Week’ is the perfect time to highlight this healthy commuting option,” said Andre Futrell, MDOT SHA Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Administrator for District Operations. “Throughout the state, we’re expanding opportunities for travelers to use bicycles to reach their destinations, but we need motorists and bicyclists to follow the rules of the road and look out for each other.”

MDOT SHA urges motorists and bicyclists to put down distractions and stay alert.

During Bike to Work Week and every day, motorists should follow these rules to share the road with bicyclists:

• Keep a safe following distance.
• Allow at least 3 feet of space when passing. It’s the law.
• Yield the right of way to bicyclists when turning right.
• Keep your eyes on the road and not the phone.   
• Look for bicyclists before opening a car door.
• Look for bicyclists and pedestrians before backing out of driveways and parking spaces.

Bicyclists are reminded that safety is a two-way street, and are encouraged to always:

• Stop at all red lights and stop signs.
• Ride defensively and expect the unexpected.
• Ride with traffic, never against it.
• Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Use marked bike lanes or paths when present.
• Wear a correctly-fitted helmet.

For additional bike safety tips and resources, visit www.roads.maryland.gov/bikesafety or follow MDOT SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook at facebook.com/MDOTSHA.

Editor’s Note

From intersection improvements to widening and new interchange construction, MDOT SHA is investing in projects to enhance the commute and daily travel for millions of Marylanders.  MDOT SHA maintains more than 2,500 bridges and 17,000 miles of non-toll state roads – the interstate, US and state numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.