[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Keeping Our Streets Safe is Everyone’s Responsibility” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”46px” background_color=”#00699D” background_image=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/DriverandBikeSafety_Banner.jpg” background_blend=”multiply” min_height=”200.2px” custom_padding=”148px||148px||true|false” hover_enabled=”0″ title_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_letter_spacing=”1px” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_fullwidth_header][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”645px” custom_padding=”7px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”767px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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No matter your age or how often you ride, safety should always come first.<\/p>\n
Wear a Helmet<\/strong> Be Visible<\/strong> Be Predictable<\/strong> Stay Focused<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/bikeriderblur_swweb.png” alt=”Bike Rider Blur” title_text=”bikeriderblur_swweb” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”315px” custom_padding=”||18px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/behindthewheel2.jpg” alt=”Driving” title_text=”behindthewheel2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-26px|||||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”52.4px” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”15px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Driving near cyclists comes with a few key things to keep in mind.<\/p>\n Give Them 3 Feet<\/strong> Watch for Hand Signals<\/strong> Be Patient<\/strong> Stay Focused<\/strong> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,105,157,0.23)” custom_margin=”5px||5px||true|false” custom_padding=”20px|28px|20px|28px|false|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Not true. Roads are public infrastructure for all legal users \u2014 including bicycles. Maryland law treats cyclists as vehicle operators with the same rights to the road as motorists.<\/p>\n This one’s simply incorrect. Road funding comes from a mix of sources \u2014 general fund revenue, property taxes, income taxes, and local\/state funding \u2014 not just gas taxes. Cyclists are taxpayers too, and most adult cyclists also own cars. Riding a bike doesn’t exempt anyone from the taxes that fund local roads; if anything, it reduces wear on them.<\/p>\n Physics says otherwise. A cyclist weighs somewhere around 200 lbs combined with their bike. The average car weighs roughly 4,000 lbs and is moving much faster. The potential for serious harm \u2014 to others and to property \u2014 is not remotely equivalent. That’s exactly why drivers are asked to give cyclists extra space, patience, and attention: the consequences of a mistake fall disproportionately on the more vulnerable road user.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”23px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rack-Card-Bikers-1.jpg” alt=”For Bikers” title_text=”Rack-Card-Bikers-1″ url=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rack-Card-Bikers.pdf” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|1px|1px|1px|1px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rack-Card-for-Drivers-1.jpg” title_text=”Rack-Card-for-Drivers-1″ url=”https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Rack-Card-for-Drivers.pdf” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|2px|2px|2px|2px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Roads are meant to be shared. Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, cyclists and motorists have the same rights \u2014 and the same responsibilities. A few simple safety practices go a long way toward keeping everyone on Talbot County roads safe.For Bike Riders No matter your age or how often you ride,… Continua a leggere Driver & Bicyclist Safety Campaign<\/span><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7231"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7231"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7231\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7329,"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7231\/revisions\/7329"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/talbotthrive.org\/it\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Helmets are required for all riders under age 16 in the State of Maryland. They reduce serious head and brain injuries and should be worn on any micromobility device, including bikes, scooters, and skateboards. Find one that’s comfortable, snug, and doesn’t rock from side to side.<\/p>\n
Being highly visible helps drivers see you sooner, giving them more time to respond. Headlights, taillights, bright clothing, and reflective gear \u2014 day or night \u2014 make it easier for others to spot you on the road. Skip the dark clothing.<\/p>\n
Following traffic laws and using hand signals lets drivers know where you’re headed. When there’s no bike lane, cyclists are allowed to ride in the lane with traffic. Use hand signals to let cars know your next move so they can give you space in time.<\/p>\n
Don’t let your phone, cycling tech, or earbuds take your attention away from riding (note: it’s illegal to ride with two earbuds in Maryland). Staying alert to what’s around you makes you a safer rider.<\/p>\nFor Motorists<\/h2>\n
Drivers must give a minimum of 3 feet of space when passing a bicycle, at a speed slow enough to ensure safety. Maryland law allows drivers to cross the center of the roadway to pass a cyclist when it’s safe to do so.<\/p>\n
Cyclists use hand signals to show you their next move. Pay attention and know what they mean. Keep a safe following distance and give yourself time to react.<\/p>\n
Bicycles may use any portion of the lane on roads with a posted speed limit of 50 mph or lower when there’s no shoulder or the lane is narrow. When turning, yield to bicyclists the same way you would to other motorists.<\/p>\n
Stay off your phone and stay aware \u2014 you may encounter a cyclist on any road, in any weather, day or night. Be especially cautious on right turns, and never pass a cyclist if you’re about to turn right. Before opening your car door, check for approaching cyclists.<\/p>\nConcerned about e-bikes and e-moto use in the community? Check out our page “Know Your Ride. Know the Law.”<\/a><\/h4>\n
\ud83d\udeb2 Myth-Busting: “The Road is for Cars”<\/h3>\n
<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Myth: Cars have exclusive rights to the road.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Myth: Cyclists don’t pay for the roads, so they shouldn’t be on them.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Myth: A cyclist rolling a stop sign is just as dangerous as a driver doing it.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Bottom line:<\/strong> Sharing the road isn’t a favor cyclists are asking for \u2014 it’s the law, and it’s how Talbot County stays safe for everyone.<\/h4>\n
Click on the rack card images below to download a PDF.
Need printed copies at your location? Email heather@talbotthrive.org<\/a>.<\/h3>\n