GUIDELINES
RELATED TO
BICYCLE SAFETY AND OPERATIONS
ON ROADWAYS IN MARYLAND
November 20, 2002

 

 

For reasons of road user understanding and safety, the overriding philosophy of all traffic control in Maryland is the least control is the best control.  The practical application of this concept with regard to bicycles is to allow both bicyclists and drivers to operate, as they feel appropriate, on all roads where bicycles are not specifically prohibited (§21-1205.1). Specific conditions, such as a clear pattern of reported or potential collisions or conflicts, may require the installation of specific devices to alleviate the situation.  In even simpler terms, unless a traffic control device is needed to improve bicycle safety or operation, it should not be installed.

 

 BICYCLE FACILITIES ON HIGHWAYS

 Wide Curb Lanes

Wide curb lanes for bicycle use are preferred on all closed section roadways.  The width of a wide curb lane typically ranges from 13 to 16 ft, measured from the lane line to the curb face (or the edge line on open section roadways). In situations where 14 ft or more of pavement width exists, the roadway should be striped with a longitudinal white line 11 ft from the rightmost lane line to create either an otherwise unmarked “Bicycle Area”, a fully marked and signed Bicycle Lane, or a shoulder.

Bicycle Lanes

Bicycle Lanes on a roadway are for the exclusive use of bicycles.  Bicycle Lane markings can increase a bicyclist’s confidence in motorists not straying into their path of travel.  Likewise, passing motorists are less likely to swerve to the left out of their lane to avoid bicyclists on their right.

 Bicycle Lanes should be one-way facilities and carry bike traffic in the same direction as adjacent motor vehicle traffic.  On one-way streets Bicycle Lanes should generally be placed on the right side of the street.  (For further commentary on placement of Bicycle Lanes, see page 22 of the AASHTO Guide.)

 For roadways with no curb and gutter, the minimum width of a Bicycle Lane should be 4 ft.  For roadways with curb or guardrail, the recommended Bicycle Lane width is 5 ft from the face of the curb or guardrail to the Bicycle Lane stripe.

 If parking is permitted, the Bicycle Lane should be placed between the parking area and the travel lane and have a minimum width of 5 ft.

 Since bicyclists usually tend to ride a distance of 32-40 in. from a curb face, it is very important that the pavement surface in this zone be smooth and free of structures.  Drain inlets and utility covers that extend into this area may cause bicyclists to swerve, and have the effect of reducing the usable width of the lane.  Where these structures exist, the Bicycle Lane width may need to be adjusted accordingly.

 

BICYCLE RELATED TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES

 Pavement Markings

Pavement markings used to designate a Bicycle Lane shall generally conform to the requirements of Chapter 9C. Markings of the MUTCD.  A longitudinal white line shall be used to divide Bicycle Lanes from motorized vehicle lanes.   This line will normally be from 100 to 150 mm (4 to 6 in.) wide.  Wider lines may be installed for particular emphasis at the engineer’s discretion.

The Bicycle Symbol pavement marking should be used on Bicycle Lanes.  “If used it shall be placed immediately after but not closer than 20 m (65 ft) from the crossroad, or other locations as needed.” (MUTCD Section 9C.04, Standard)  The “BIKE LANE” word message shall not be used.

 When shoulders are used as part of a signed bicycle route, Bicycle Symbol pavement markings may be placed adjacent to the signs to supplement them.

“A dotted line may be used to define a specific path for a bicyclist crossing an intersection (see Figure 9C-1) as described in Sections 3A.05, 3A.06, and 3B.08.” (MUTCD Section 9C.02 General Principles, Option)

 “Pocket Lanes”

“Pocket lanes” may be used to extend striped “Bicycle Areas” through intersections with mandatory right-turn lanes and similar situations. 

 Bicycle Route Signing

Bicycle route signing is used to guide bicyclists from one specific location to another.  Either Bicycle Route Guide signs (D11-1) and their adjuncts or Bicycle Route Markers (M1-8, 9) should be used to designate bicycle routes.  Signs with directional plates should be provided at all decision points.  Signs should be repeated at regular intervals to ensure that bicyclists entering from side streets know that they are on a bicycle route.

 

Bicycle Lane Signs

“Bicycle Lane signs shall be used only in conjunction with the Bicycle Lane Symbol pavement marking” (MUTCD Section 9B.04, Standard) and should be used whenever the Bicycle Lane Symbol pavement marking is used.  The Maryland modified Bicycle Lane sign, R3-16(1), shown below, should be used where signs can be placed adjacent to the bicycle lane. 

The MUTCD standard R3-17 should be used where a shoulder, parking lane, or similar situation prevents placing the Bicycle Lane signing adjacent to the Bicycle Lane.

 

 “SHARE THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES” Assembly

The SHARE THE ROAD WITH BICYCLES assembly (STRWB) consists of a Bicycle Crossing warning sign, W11-1, over a supplementary plate with the legend “SHARE THE ROAD”.  The sign sizes shall be as shown on the attached drawing.  The previously used “WATCH FOR BIKES”, W11-1(1), and “SHARE THE ROAD WITH BIKES”, D11-1(1) shall no longer be installed.  The STRWB shall not be installed where a Bicycle Crossing sign, W11-1, is recommended under MUTCD Section 9B.15.

The STRWB shall be used only at specific sites where an unexpected conflict between motorized vehicles and bicycles has been demonstrated by collision history or where conflict is determined to be likely by an appropriate engineering study.  It may also be used where a side obstruction; i.e. a bridge pier, drainage grate, narrow section, etc.; would likely force bicyclists off a bike lane or shoulder and into the path of motorized vehicles.  It shall not be used to mark bicycle routes.

The STRWB shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of MUTCD Section 9B.01 Application and Placement of Signs and should be installed no less than 15 m (50 ft) in advance of the beginning of the condition. It should be used within 30 m (100 ft) upstream of the point where a designated bike lane ends and bicycles must begin to operate with motorized vehicle traffic.  It should also be used within 30 m (100 ft) upstream of the point where a shoulder normally used by bicycles is made unusable by construction activities.

 

operation of bicycles on higher-speed roadways

             Bicyclists operating on roadways in Maryland are subject at all times to the provisions of Transportation Article §21-1205 and 1205.1(complete texts follow).  Also, State law and Department policy prohibit the Administration from permanently severing through-bike-routes by its actions.  At times, this will conflict with §21-1205.1.

(a)  In general. - Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not ride a bicycle

(1)  On any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour; or

(2)  On any expressway, except on an adjacent bicycle path or way approved by the State Highway Administration; or on any other controlled access highway signed in accordance with § 21‑313.

 A concerted effort must be made to insure that Bicycle Prohibition signs (R5-6) and/or the appropriate word message sign – R5-7 or R5-10b are posted at entrances to controlled-access highways where bicyclists are prohibited from using the shoulder, as required by Transportation Article §21-313.

Where bicycles are permitted on the shoulders of higher-speed roadways, the “b ON SHOULDER” sign shall be installed at regular intervals.  The supplementary plates “NEXT XX MILES”, “BEGIN”, and “END” should be used as appropriate.

      

 

References

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD),
            Part 9, 2000 edition

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
            Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 1999

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
            Highway Design Manual, 1995

Florida Department of Transportation
            Bicycle Facilities Planning and Design Handbook, 1999

New Jersey Department of Transportation
            Planning an Design Guidelines, Bicycle Compatible Roadway Design Treatments

Oregon Department of Transportation

Washington Department of Transportation
            Design Manual, Facilities for Nonmotorized Transportation, 1989

 

 

Annotated Code of Maryland

Title 11.

Vehicle Laws – Definitions; General Provisions

 Subtitle 1. Definitions

§ 11-104.  Bicycle.

 

         “Bicycle” means a vehicle that:

(1)      Is designed to be operated by human power;

(2)      Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter;

(3)      Has a rear drive; and

(4)      Has a wheel configuration as follows:

(i)                  If the vehicle has two wheels, with both wheels in tandem; or

(ii)                If the vehicle has three wheels, with one front wheel and with two rear wheels that are spaced equidistant from the center of the vehicle.  (An. Code 1957, art. 66½, § 1-104; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1978, ch. 328)

          Bicycle is vehicle. – See Gazvoda v. McCaslin, 36 Md. App. 604, 375 A.2d 570, cert. denied, 281 Md. 737 (1977)

Title 21.

Vehicle Laws – Rules of the Road

Subtitle 12. Operation of Bicycles and Play Vehicles.

 § 21-1205.  Riding on roadways or on highway.

(a)   Riding to right side of roadway. - Each person operating a bicycle on a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and safe, except when making or attempting to make a left turn, when operating on a one-way street, or when passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle.

(b)   Riding two abreast. - Each person operating a bicycle on a roadway may ride two abreast only if the flow of traffic is unimpeded.

(c)   Passing. - Each person operating a bicycle on a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a vehicle.

(d)   Walking bicycles on right side of highway. - Each person operating a bicycle on a roadway may walk a bicycle on the right side of a highway if there is no sidewalk. (An. Code 1957, art. 66½, § 11-1205; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; 1979, ch. 300; 1986, ch. 472, § 1; 1995, ch. 495, § 2.)

 § 21-1205.1.  Bicycles prohibited on certain roadways and highways.

(a)   In general. — Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not ride a bicycle:

        (1)  On any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour; or
(2)  On any expressway, except on an adjacent bicycle path or way approved by the State Highway Administration; or on any other controlled access highway signed in accordance with § 21‑313.

(b)   Roadway with bike lane or shoulder paved to smooth surface. — 

        (1)  Where there is a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a shoulder paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle shall use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway, except in the following situations:

(i)    When overtaking and passing another bicycle, pedestrian, or other vehicle within the bike lane or shoulder if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the bike lane or shoulder;                          
(ii)    When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway;                         
(iii)   When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder to avoid debris or other hazardous condition; or
(iv)   When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder because the bike lane or shoulder is overlaid with a right turn lane, merge lane, or other marking that breaks the continuity of the bike lane or shoulder.

        (2)  A person operating a bicycle may not leave a bike lane or shoulder until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal.

        (3)  The Department shall promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to this subsection which will include, but not be limited to, a definition of “smooth surface”.

(An. Code 1957, art. 66½, § 11-1205.1; 1977, ch. 14, § 2; ch. 543, § 2; 1983, ch. 108, § 2; 1995, ch. 495, § 2.)

 § 21-313.  Restrictions on use of controlled access highways.

         (a) State Highway Administration and local authorities may prohibit certain uses. — The State Highway Administration, by order, or any local authority, by ordinance, may prohibit the use of any controlled access highway in its jurisdiction by parades, funeral processions, bicycles, or other nonmotorized traffic or by any person operating a motorcycle.

         (b) Sign required – The   State Highway Administration or the local authority adopting any prohibition under subsection (a) of this section shall place and maintain signs on the controlled access highway to which the prohibition is applicable.  If signs are so placed, a person may not disobey the restrictions stated on them. (An. Code 1957, art. 66½, § 11-313; 1977, ch. 14, § 2.)

 DRAFT