Legislation Protecting Bicyclists

New Bicyclist Protection Law Effective October 1, 2024

In April 2024, Maryland lawmakers passed HB 337, a bill that increases penalties for drivers who hit cyclists on the shoulder or in a bike lane. The new law, named the Sarah Debbink Langenkamp Memorial Act, honors a Marylander who was struck and killed by the driver of a flatbed truck while she was riding in a bike lane. Penalties to drivers who contribute to the serious physical injury or death of a person riding a bicycle, motor scooter, or an electric personal assistive device could face up to $2,000 in fines and two months in jail. Drivers are reminded this bill also requires them to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance when passing in the same direction.