Maryland Bicycle Laws

Bicycles are prohibited on:

• Roads where the posted speed limits are greater than 50 mph (riding on the shoulder of the roadway is permitted)
• Expressways or other roadways where bicycles are prohibited
• The travel lanes of roads where there exists a smooth shoulder or bicycle lane (except to make left turns or to avoid debris in the shoulder space)

On all public roads, where bicycling is allowed, the operator must:

• Wear a bicycle helmet if they are under 16 years old
• Obey all traffic signs, signals and other traffic devises
• Ride in the same direction as motor vehicles, as near to the right side of the roadway as possible
• Use standard arm signals to alert other drivers of lane changes and turns
• Stop for school buses when they are loading or unloading children
• Yield to pedestrians
• Refrain from wearing a headset that covers both ears

Legally, the bicycle must be equipped with:

• Front and rear lamps and reflectors if the bicycle is used on a public road at any time when there is insufficient light or inclement weather
• A bell or horn (sirens and whistles are not acceptable)
• Brakes