§ 21-1205.1. Bicycles, motor scooters, and EPAMDs prohibited on certain roadways and highways; speed limit.

MD Transp Code § 21-1205.1 (2019) (N/A)
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(a)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, a person may not ride a bicycle or a motor scooter:

(i)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, on any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour; or

(ii)    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.

(2)    If a person is lawfully operating a bicycle or a motor scooter on a shoulder adjacent to a roadway for which the posted maximum speed limit is more than 50 miles per hour, the person may enter the roadway only if:

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

(ii)    Crossing through an intersection; or

(iii)    The shoulder is overlaid with a right turn lane, a merge lane, a bypass lane, or any other marking that breaks the continuity of the shoulder.

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

(d)    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 per hour.

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