2013 Maryland Code
TRANSPORTATION
§ 21-1205 - Riding on roadways or on highway

§21-1205.

(a) Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter at a speed less than the speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing on a roadway shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and safe, except when:

(1) Making or attempting to make a left turn;

(2) Operating on a one-way street;

(3) Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle;

(4) Avoiding pedestrians or road hazards;

(5) The right lane is a right turn only lane; or

(6) Operating in a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

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

(c) Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a vehicle.

(d) Each person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a roadway may walk the bicycle or motor scooter on the right side of a highway if there is no sidewalk.

§ 21-1205 - 1. Bicycles, motor scooters, and EPAMDs prohibited on certain roadways and highways; speed limit.

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

(1) On any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles an 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 of this title.

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

(1) Where there is not a bike lane paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle or a motor scooter may use the roadway or the shoulder.

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

(i) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, motor scooter, pedestrian, or other vehicle within the bike lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the bike lane;

(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 to avoid debris or other hazardous condition; or

(iv) When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane because the bike lane is overlaid with a right turn lane, merge lane, or other marking that breaks the continuity of the bike lane.

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

(4) The Department shall adopt regulations pertaining to this subsection, including a definition of "smooth surface".

(c) Motor scooter speed limit. -- A motor scooter may not be operated at a speed in excess of 30 miles per hour.

(d) Restrictions on operating EPAMDs. -- Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not operate an EPAMD on any roadway where there are sidewalks adjacent to the roadway or the posted maximum speed limit is more than 30 miles an hour.

(e) EPAMD speed limit. -- An EPAMD may not be operated at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour.