​BALTIMORE, MD (July 16, 2016) – With Artscape’s theme as “Explore the Space Around You,” the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (SHA) reminds visitors  that bicycle safety relies upon space – at least three feet when passing, to be exact.   If you are planning to visit Artscape in Baltimore this weekend, be sure to stop by the “We’re on this road together” bicycle safety booth where SHA safety ambassadors will promote bicycle safety.  You can find the booth on Mt. Royal Avenue between Maryland Avenue and Cathedral Street.  The space-themed pedal powered spin art and photo station offer a fun way to learn more about the rules of the road.  Participants will also have the opportunity to provide input about bicycling in a short survey. Artscape starts at 11 am on Friday, and continues all weekend until 9 p.m. (8 p.m. on Sunday).

SHA recently launched the new education effort, “A Cyclist Might be Someone You Know”, to reinforce to cyclists and drivers the need to look out for each other, see and be seen and to expect and respect each other. Further, the new campaign reminds drivers that the next cyclist they encounter could be someone they know. The campaign features real Maryland professionals including a nurse, teacher and aeronautical engineer.

Everyone can see and hear the messages on PSAs, billboards, social media and at outreach events.  “Artscape provides the perfect venue to continue the conversation about bicycle safety,” said SHA Administrator Gregory C. Johnson, P.E.  “Biking continues to gain momentum as a more efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation to and from work. The goal of SHA is to ensure that every person who gets behind the wheel takes precautions when encountering cyclists in their travels – and knows how to share the road with them.  At the same time, we remind bicyclists to follow the rules of the road as well.”

Allowing three feet of space is critical when it comes to cyclist safety.  Unfortunately, fatal bicycle-involved crashes increased in Maryland from six in 2014 to 11 in 2015.  On average, bicycle-involved crashes increase during the summer months.