Maryland MVA: Bikes may use full lane so give them three feet.

The brown mailing envelopes in which Maryland drivers receive their registration or drivers license renewal forms this month include the message "Give bikes THREE FEET when passing, IT'S THE LAW" along with the standard sketch showing a cyclist to the right of a compact car. The message runs about 30% of the length of the envelope, right above the address window, so alot of people will probably notice it.  Running along the bottom of the envelope the entire length of the address window is the message "Share the road,  You could save a life."

The Motor Vehicle Administration has also created a public service message in which MVA director John Kuo explains that cyclists may use the full lane before he introduces himself.  That explanation is provided over about 18 seconds of video shot from a bicycle while cars pass safely.  Mr. Kuo goes on to explain the importance of leaving three feet while passing a bike, with more footage of cars passing bikes, including a bike in the middle of a door-zone bike lane. 

Although some advoates have argued that the presence of a double yellow line allows drivers to ignore the three-foot rule, that is clearly not the view of the Maryland Department of Transportation: several of the shots show drivers crossing the double yellow line to leave a safe passing distance.

 

Barry Childress deserves credit for regularly speaking with Mr. Kuo during 2010-2011 to get MVA to promote bike safety.  Then last year, the highway safety office was moved to MVA, which put Mr. Kuo in a position to do more. 

 (Jim Titus is on WABA's Board of Directors and represents Prince George's County on the Maryland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  The views expressed here do not represent the official position of either WABA or MBPAC)

Comments

[T]

Despite my criticisms of many administrative decisions of the O'Malley Administration, Kuo has really done a standup job at MVA and hopefully sticks around for the long-haul.

[SJE]

I'd add a note of thanks to Barry, Jim T, WABA and other advocates for their work.

[Crikey7]

I think the Washcycle family should name one of the twins "Titus" if at least one is a boy.

[Kathy]

Anybody know if the PSA will run on local TV? It would reach the most people that way.

I wish VA would take bike safety as seriously.

[Jim Titus]

Thanks guys!
@Kathy. I know that MVA gave the video to local radio and TV stations, but they did not indicate whether any of them ran it. Because it is over a minute, I would be surprised it it ran on any stations with significant viewership.

It been such a long time since I went to an MVA office, I don't remember whether they have a television somewhere playing various MVA announcements or not. That would be a good place to run it. And sending it to Drivers Ed teachers.

[Jack]

But does anyone make a bike with three pedals?