For Bicyclists

• Maryland’s traffic laws apply to bicycles and motor scooters. (TR§21–1202)
• A bicycle may not carry a passenger unless it is specifically designed for and equipped with a seat for each passenger. (TR§21–1203)
• Bicycles, motor scooters, and EPAMDs are not permitted on any roads where the speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour (MPH) or higher. (TR§21–1205.1)
• A person riding a bicycle shall ride as close to the right side of the road as practicable and safe, except when:
  • Making or attempting to make a left turn;
  • Operating on a one–way street;
  • Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle;
  • Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards;
  • The right lane is a right turn only lane; or
  • Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle to travel safely side–by–side within the lane (TR§21–1205).
• Where there is a bike lane, a person must use those and not ride a bicycle or motor scooter in the roadway except: (TR§21–1205.1)
  • If passing safely cannot be done within the bike lane or shoulder;
  • When preparing for a left turn;
  • To avoid hazards; or
  • When the bike lane is also a right–turn or merge lane.
• Persons riding a bicycle or motorscooter may not cling to a vehicle on the roadway. (TR§21–124)
• A motor scooter may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 MPH. (TR§21–1205.1)
• An EPAMD may not be operated at a speed in excess of 15 MPH. (TR§21–1205.1)
• A person cannot carry anything that prevents them from keeping both hands on the handlebars or that interferes with the view or balance of their bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD. (TR§21–1206)
• A bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD may not be secured to a fire hydrant; a pole, meter, or device in a bus or taxi–loading zone; a pole, meter, or device within 25 feet of an intersection; or where it would obstruct or impede traffic. (TR§21–1206)
• A person may not ride a bicycle, motor scooter, or EPAMD while wearing a headset or earplugs that cover both ears. (TR§21–12010

Helmets

• Helmets are required for everyone under the age of 16, including passengers, who ride their bicycles on the road, bicycle paths, or any public property. (TR§21–1207.1)
• Helmets are also required for everyone under the age of 16 who is riding on a scooter or on in–line skates. (TR§21–1207.2)
• The helmets must meet or exceed the standards of the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Memorial Foundation, or the American Society for Testing and Materials. (TR§21–1207.1)

Required Equipment

• A lamp is required on the front of a bicycle or motor scooter if the bicycle or motor scooter is used on a highway when people and vehicles are not clearly visible at 1,000 feet. (TR§21–1207)
• A red reflector on the rear is required if the bicycle or motor scooter is used on a highway when people and vehicles are not clearly visible at 1,000 feet. (TR§21–1207)
• A bicycle or motor scooter may be equipped with a bell or other audible device, but not a siren or whistle. (TR§21–1207)
• A bicycle or motor scooter must be equipped with a brake. (TR§21–1207)