Thanks to the efforts of a diverse coalition of regional groups that worked closely with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and State Highway Administration, a revision to the Maryland State Driver’s Manual that addresses sharing the road with bicycles is being issued this Fall (2011). This Manual will serve as the basis for improved driver’s education and new driver’s licensing examination questions. It is hoped that this can serve as a model for other jurisdictions as a means of introducing bicycle safety education into the automobile drivers’ mindset early in their training.
For details please click here.
Thanks to your great work, we won! House Bill 363 - the Manslaughter by Vehicle - Criminal Negligence bill became law on 10-1-11!
Bike Maryland gives thanks to the many dedicated and the advocates that worked together to bring this legislation to fruition. HB 363 increases justice and safety for all vulnerable groups, including bicyclists and pedestrians, by sending a clear message to motorists to obey the law - now just punishment exists. There have been far too many bicycle and pedestrian fatalities, caused by motorists, on Maryland roads. HB363 fills an important loophole in the law and prosecutors will now be able to seek higher penalties for those who cause the fatality of a bicyclist.
Bike Maryland’s #1 legislative priority is to increase penalties for drivers who cause fatalities when sober because they are driving in a negligent manner, flagrantly violating the rules of the road, and going far beyond what a reasonable driver deems prudent.
Listen to the HB363 testimony: Go to http://mgahouse.maryland.gov/House/Catalog/catalogs/default.aspx
and click on Judiciary in the left navigation bar and scroll down to 2/23/11 either one of the versions - Since it was a 4 hour session --- you can move the bar forward to 1 hour and 58 minutes which is when Delegate Simmons begins the presentation.
The Maryland General Assembly meets in Annapolis each year for 90 days to act on more than 2300 bills including the State's annual budget. The 428th Session begins January 12, 2011 and adjourns April 11, 2011. The General Assembly has 47 Senators and 141 Delegates elected from 47 districts.
Who Are Your Elected Officials? Would you like to know who represents you in the Maryland General Assembly and U.S. Congress? To find out, just enter your home address HERE. Information provided shows current elected officials and current Congressional & Legislative election district. Click Here To Contact Your Legislator.
Many of you have known someone or have heard about someone that lost their life or was seriously injured while bicycling. Bike Maryland's mission is to encourage and promote bicycling, increase safety, improve conditions, and provide a voice for bicyclists in Maryland. We will need your support this year to get legislation passed that makes Maryland a safer place to ride. The most important thing you can do is to make a call to your legislator. An written letter or an email is also beneficial. Five minutes of your time is needed to perform this task that can decrease your (or your friends or loved ones) chances of injury or death. You do not need to discuss the bill in depth. You will make a difference by saying, “Hello, my name is ___ and I live in your district. It is very important to me, as one of your constituents, that you support ___ bill.”
Email this page.
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