Rules change could make bike commuting in suburban Maryland parks legal and lower trail speed limit

The Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) has drafted a revision to the Park Rules and Regulations that govern parks in Montgomery and Prince George's County. Since so many multi-use trails in suburban Maryland pass through N-NCPPC parks there are obviously parts of the new rules that are relevant to cyclist. There will be a planning board hearing on the draft rules tomorrow (and also that review of the Bicycle Plan Framework) at which the public is invited to testify and the public may provide comments via email at  [email protected], or by mail to:

M-NCPPC
c/o Rules and Regulations Review Committee
6611 Kenilworth Avenue, Suite 200
Riverdale, MD 20737

The public input period will end at 5 p.m. on August 1, 2016.  Public input will be considered before the Commission enacts new rules and regulations.

There are several rule changes that are relevant to cyclists and bike commuters.

• Instead of prohibiting all public use of Commission or Park Property from sunset to sunrise unless that facility is officially open for public use, the new rule would make it possible to specifically allow bike commuting. "An Administrative Directive may provide alternate hours of operation for a Park Property or Facility, including alternate hours deemed appropriate for any trail or trail segments that facilitate bicycle and pedestrian commuting..."
• The current rules permit cycling "only on roads or trails designated for that purpose" but the new rules permit it "on roads on Park Property, including Parkways...[and] on official paved and natural surface trails on Park Property...Unless otherwise posted." Which means parks have to opt out instead of opt in.
• The default speed limit on all trails drops from 25 mph to 20 mph.
• Under current rules, parking is prohibited on or obstructing the entrance to, any trail. The proposed rules prohibit it "on or within twenty (20) feet of any bicycle path"
• Horseback riders now "must yield to pedestrians and bicyclists."

These are mostly small changes, to rules that probably aren't often enforced, but hopefully this will mean the end of restrictions of bike commuting via trails at night. I once got a written warning for commuting home in the winter. And surely there are some foot-droppers out there like Crikey who have been foregoing night commuting because of the sunset rule.

The full bicycle section of the current and proposed rules are below the fold for your comparison fun.

Current

Section 3. Bicycling

Bicycle riding is permitted only on roads or trails designated for that purpose and is prohibited on tennis courts, athletic fields and other areas not designated for bicycle use. Bicycle riding is subject to the following requirements:

A. Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and equestrians along the trail.

B. Use of any unauthorized motorized vehicle and equestrians on the trail is prohibited.

C. Bicycles shall not be operated at a speed greater than reasonable and prudent for existing conditions.

D. No person shall operate any bicycle in excess of twenty-five (25) miles per hour, unless the speed limit is otherwise posted or directed.

E. Bicycle trail users shall yield to vehicular traffic at intersecting roadways.

F. Bicyclists and hikers shall keep right except to pass and bicyclists must alert other trail users before passing.

G. Bicycle trails are considered to be "Public Bicycle Areas" and as such are subject to regulations in the Maryland Vehicle Code.

H. Bicycle helmet laws are enforced on Commission Property.

Draft proposed

Section 4. Bicycling

(A) All bicyclists and their passengers operating on Park Property must adhere at all times to applicable state and local laws, including the use of a helmet under Maryland Code, Transportation Section 21-1207.1, as amended from time to time.

(B) Unless otherwise posted, bicycling is permitted on roads on Park Property, including Parkways.

(C) Unless otherwise posted, bicycling is permitted on official paved and natural surface trails on Park Property, subject to the following requirements:

(1) Bicyclists must yield to pedestrians and horseback riders at any trail crossing and must otherwise exercise due care to avoid colliding with any other trail users.

(2) Bicyclists must not operate at a speed exceeding the lesser of:

(a) a posted trail speed limit, or, if no speed limit is posted, 20 miles per hour; or

(b) a speed that is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions or as directed by Park Police or other Authorized Person.

(3) Bicyclists must keep right, except as necessary to pass, and must alert other trail users before passing.

(4) Bicyclists operating on trails must yield to all vehicular traffic at intersecting roadways.

(C) A trail on Park Property where operating a Bicycle is allowed is deemed a “Public Bicycle Area” within the meaning of the Maryland Code, Transportation Article, Title 21, Section 21-101(o) as amended from time to time.

(D) No person shall operate a Bicycle on any surface, or in any Facility or other area that is not designed for bicycling or intended to withstand Bicycle use without damage, including building interiors, tennis courts, basketball courts, athletic fields, landscaped areas, skateboard equipment and other park structures.

Comments

[contrarian]

So it was a big deal a few years ago when they imposed a 15 mph speed limit on the CCT. Do you know if this change affects that?

[washcycle]

Is the speed limit on the CCT posted? If so it would be the speed limit.

[SJE]

Yes: CCT has a posted 15mph and speed meters

[happy rider]

It would be nice if Fairfax County also officially allowed bike commuting through a park when it's dark. Part of my routine commute is several miles on a nice park path. Even this time of year, it's dark in the morning, and I've been concerned that some day I'll encounter an overzealous cop and get charged with trespassing or something silly.

[Anonymouse]

I ride the CCT from time-to-time and have seen the signs, but not meters. What and where are those? Thanks!

[Norman]

Speed meters on the CCT move from time to time. There used to be one as you come down off the River Road bridge...haven't seen it in over a year I'd guess.

[David King]

Would this allow, for instance, using trails in Seneca Creek State Park after dark?

[washcycle]

I think so