Originally Posted by
btoon
...
In Maryland, the bicycle is classified as a vehicle with all of the same requirements and restrictions as a motor vehicle, except the following:
Bicycles are prohibited on:
Roads where the posted speed limits are greater than 50 mph (riding on the shoulder of the roadway is permitted)
/* What happens when the shoulder is obstructed by construction, debris, or a disabled vehicle? */
Originally Posted by
btoon
Expressways or other roadways where bicycles are prohibited
/* Is there a California-style exception provision where there is no reasonable alternate route? */
Originally Posted by
btoon
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
/* "Possible," if correct, is a most unfortunate and inappropriate choice of wording. California has always stipulated "practicable," which makes sense to me, although admittedly not to everyone. */
Originally Posted by
btoon
Use standard arm signals to alert other drivers of lane changes and turns
/* Outstretched right arm approved for right turns? */
Originally Posted by
btoon
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)
/* Seems redundant with my voice, which is much handier and easier to use. */ Brake[/QUOTE]
Overall, it's pretty similar to California, except as noted above.