The Montgomery County Council unanimously passed legislation Tuesday that makes it illegal for motor vehicles to stop, stand or park in a designated bike lane.
“Dedicated bike lanes are critical safety infrastructure, but only if people can actually use them safely,” said Councilmember Evan Glass, chair of the council’s Transportation & Environment Committee. “This new law builds on the Safe Streets Act and advances our efforts to ensure cyclists no longer have to veer into traffic to avoid parked cars — making our roads safer for everyone. Its passage marks an important step toward our Vision Zero goals and a safer Montgomery County.”
“Too many bicyclists are tragically injured and killed on our roads. It is my hope that this law will make our streets safer for bicyclists and drivers,” Glass said.
Since the beginning of this year, there have been 115 cyclist-involved crashes, including one fatality and six serious injuries. Another 310 pedestrians have been injured, including 12 deaths, according to Montgomery County officials.
The new law goes into effect in 60 days and includes a $60 fine.
The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) praised the council action. WABA organizer Seth Grimes called the new law “an important safety measure.”
“When a bike lane is blocked, bicyclists and scooter riders are forced into traffic lanes where they are less safe and also slow vehicular traffic,” said Grimes.
Community member Ariqa Herrera said she will feel better protected when the rule goes into effect. “Montgomery County’s new law will make my commute by scooter safer. When cars park in the bike lane, I’m forced to move into the road where drivers are not looking out for me,” said Herrera. “The bill will prevent both experienced and inexperienced cyclists and scooterists from having to make a decision that puts their safety at risk.”
