(May 18, 2016) – With increasing bicycle-related crashes across the state, warmer weather on the horizon, and National Bike to Work Day Friday, May 20, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) together with the Baltimore City of Transportation, Baltimore Metropolitan Council and AAA Mid-Atlantic reminds drivers that bicycles belong on Maryland roadways. Today the agencies gathered to highlight bicycle safety and access, with an emphasis on the rules of the road and the need for drivers and bicyclists to look out for each other. SHA’s bicycle safety campaign features real Maryland professionals who bicycle with the message a “Bicyclist Might Be Someone You Know.”
SHA Deputy Administrator Greg Slater joined Acting Director of the Baltimore Department of Transportation Frank Murphy, Baltimore Metropolitan Council Executive Director Michael B. Kelly and AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Public and Government Affairs Manager Ragina Cooper Averella, to bring attention to bicycling and bicycle safety – a two-way street.
“The State Highway Administration supports bicycling as a method of travel to ease traffic congestion, improve health and reduce environmental impacts,” said Deputy Administrator Slater. “Many drivers do not realize that bicycles are legal vehicles and riders must obey the same traffic laws as automobile drivers. The sad reality is that in a collision there is no contest between a person riding a 20 pound bike and a 4,000 pound vehicle, so sharing the road is critical for everyone to make it home safely.”
When developing highway improvement projects SHA engineers evaluate bicycle access, enhancements and signage. SHA improved more than 132 miles of roadways with bike lanes or wide shoulders between 2011 and 2014. Additionally, through federal grant programs such as Recreational Trail Grants and Transportation Alternatives Programs, SHA funds many trail programs including more than $1.2 million for the Baltimore Downtown Bicycle Network. SHA also will host a pit stop for Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 20 behind SHA Headquarters along Guilford Avenue.
Bike to Work Day is a time to celebrate biking throughout the State. These events are designed to entice and show the public that they, too, can commute by bike. On Bike to Work Day drivers should be more vigilant with more cyclists on the road during rush hours. In the Baltimore area, Bike to Work Day registration continues through the end of the day Thursday, May 19. In Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, register at:
www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.
“Bike to Work Day is an excellent way to encourage citizens to use alternative modes of transportation and promote bicycle safety,” said Frank Murphy, Acting Director for the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. “Baltimore City government is committed to providing a safe, multi-modal transportation system and is making significant progress in becoming bicycle friendly.”
The City is well on its way to launching its bike share program that will include the largest electric-assist bike share fleet in the United States. The City plans to launch BaltiMORE Bike Share this fall. Citizens can participate in an on-line survey to provide opinions on the new program and possible locations of bike share stations.
“In addition to saving time and money, commuting by bike can improve our health and reduce our effect on the environment. It's no surprise that it’s become so popular,” said Michael B. Kelly, executive director of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council. “Please join BMC, our regional partners and more than 1,500 cyclists on Friday, May 20, to celebrate Bike to Work Day 2016.”
Unfortunately bicycle crashes in Maryland are increasing – fatal bicycle crashes nearly doubled from six in 2014 to 11 in 2015. In the last five years, 3,100 people were injured and 30 killed in more than 3,800 bicycle-related crashes in Maryland. Statistics show that most bicycle crashes happen in warmer months, May through September, and nearly half of all bicycle involved crashes occur during “rush hour” between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“AAA is proud to partner with the State and City Departments of Transportation, as well as the Baltimore Metropolitan Council to promote bicycle safety across our region,” said Ragina Cooper Averella, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “As part of AAA Mid-Atlantic’s commitment to safe bicycling, we extended our roadside service to include bicyclists last year. Our bicycle service provides bicyclists with the same peace of mind when they travel as we have given motorists for over 100 years. We want all those who share the roads to be safe and mobile.” Since AAA Mid-Atlantic launched its roadside assistance for bicycles last May, the auto club has come to the aid of 87 bicyclists across the region, with 23 of those calls for service taking place in Maryland.
On May 20 and every day, drivers should expect to encounter bicyclists in their travels. Here are several important tips for drivers:
- Allow plenty of following distance
- Look for bicyclists before turning or opening car doors
- Slow down when approaching a cyclist
- Pass bicyclists carefully, giving at least three feet of space
- Do not honk your horn.
Tips for cyclists on the road:
- Follow all the same laws and the automobile drivers and avoid distractions.
- Use hand signals to indicate turns
- Wear protective gear, especially a helmet
- Be visible with bright clothes and reflective material at night.
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