Press Releases - Department of Transportation

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 23, 2018

By Maryland law, bicycles are vehicles, and bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. Bicyclists can ride in the travel lanes of any roadway where the posted maximum speed limit is less than 50 miles an hour. Questions regarding use of shoulders have been raised especially on a State Road such as Midcounty Highway. Bicyclists are also allowed to ride in the shoulder of State roads – roads in Montgomery County that are numbered.

Keep in mind that cyclists are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk in the State of Maryland except where allowed by local ordinance. Montgomery County does allow bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk, but some jurisdictions, such as the City of Gaithersburg prohibit riding on the sidewalk.

Learn more on the State’s website, which provides information about bicycle safety and Maryland laws.

Release ID: 18-159
Media Contact: Esther Bowring 240-777-7170