bike lane on Paint Branch Drive
Bike Safety  E-scooter & E-bike Safety  Driver Safety

BIKE LANE SAFETY

 

 For traffic management purposes, the University of Maryland Police Department may use the cycle track for vehicular traffic during large campus events. When the cycle track is being used for vehicular traffic please:

  • Follow instructions of the officers directing traffic. 
  • Look for detour signs and adhere to other posted signage in the area. 
  • Operate at slow speeds and yield to pedestrians. 

 

Bike Lanes Have Arrived!

Two new segments of two-way, separated, bike lanes will be complete and operational for the beginning of the fall semester: 1) Along the Purple Line tracks on Campus Drive and 2) Along Paint Branch Drive between University Boulevard and Regents Drive.

Whether you’re hitting the road on two wheels or four, it’s important to know how to navigate this new infrastructure safely.

Tips for Bike Lane Success: 
  • Obey Stop Signs and Wait Your Turn: Having designated lanes for bikes and cars is no excuse for anyone to blow a stop sign. All road users should come to a complete stop at intersections and check carefully for pedestrians, bikes, or vehicles before proceeding. 
  • Show Extra Caution Near the Entrance/Exit of Bike Lanes: These are potential conflict areas. Make sure you’re obeying speed limits and checking your blind spots for other cyclists or vehicles before turning or changing lanes. 
  • Stay Alert: Don’t drive or ride distracted. Text messages or scrolling can wait. And don’t ride with headphones or earbuds on (it’s distracting and illegal!).
Ready to maneuver the intersection of Paint Branch Drive and Regents Drive? Let’s go through some practice scenarios. 

  1. Turning into lots along Paint Branch Drive requires drivers to turn across the bike lane. Drivers MUST look carefully in both directions to check for micromobility riders before making the turn. Micromobility riders should also stay alert and watch for turning cars that are crossing the bike lane. Drivers should never drive in the bike lane, or use it as a turn lane.

    Tip 1: Turning into lots crossing bike lane

  2. Riders entering the Northbound bike lane from Paint Branch Drive, or making a left turn onto Regents Drive, should get into the left turn lane, come to a complete stop, and proceed when it’s clear. 

    Tip 2: Riders entering the bike lane

  3. Riders exiting the Southbound bike lane on Paint Branch Drive should come to a complete stop and wait their turn before proceeding. Drivers should look out for micromobility users who may be turning into the entrance of Lot 11b from the bike lane. 

    Tip 3: Exiting bike lane
      

Now you’re ready to roll. Stay safe and look out for each other, Terps!