Several new Maryland laws take effect today that benefit cyclists.
• The 3-Foot passing law requires motorists to give cyclists a three foot buffer when passing.
• Cyclists are no longer required to ride on the shoulder of the road.
• Maryland is required to construct sidewalks or bike paths in areas where their absence is a public safety risk or impediment to public access.
• The state is also required to provide a balance of funding for pedestrian and cycling projects alongside new highway construction in transit oriented areas.
These new laws will help make Maryland a safer place to ride. But, the law I see making the biggest difference for everyone who uses Maryland roads is the ban on handheld cell phones. The law is only a secondary offense, but as a cyclist, I will feel a little safer sharing the road with a smaller percentage of distracted drivers.