Maryland Bike Accident Lawyer Mesirow & Associates HomeHoward County Code
SUBTITLE 4. BICYCLES
Sec. 21.400. Policy.
It is the public policy of Howard County, Maryland, that the county is concerned about the safe operation of bicycles on public rights-of-way; and for this reason, in order to protect the health, welfare and safety of the residents of the county, it is necessary that reasonable regulations be promulgated to permit the operation of bicycles in a prescribed manner and to require the use of safety equipment during their operation. These regulations are in addition to the statewide bicycle regulations contained in the Maryland Vehicle Law.
(C.B. 9, 1997)
Sec. 21.401. Scope.
(a) The provisions of this subtitle apply throughout the county on public rights-of-way and publicly owned facilities under the jurisdiction of the county.
(b) The parent, guardian or legal custodian of a minor shall not authorize nor knowingly permit the minor to violate this subtitle.
(C.B. 9, 1997)
Sec. 21.402. Equipment for bicycle riders.
Any person less than 16 years of age operating or riding on a bicycle on a public roadway, bicycle path, or any right-of-way under the jurisdiction and control of the county shall wear a protective helmet designed for bicycle safety. Such helmet shall meet or exceed the standards set by the American National Standards Institute or the Snell Foundation.
(C.B. 9, 1997)
Sec. 21.403. Use of sidewalk and pathways.
Pursuant to section 21-1103 of the Transportation Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, a person may ride a bicycle, play vehicle, or unicycle on a sidewalk or pathway.
(C.B. 9, 1997)
Sec. 21.404. Penalty for violation.
(a) The provisions of this subtitle shall be enforced with civil penalties under title 24, “Civil Penalties,” of the Howard County Code. A first offense violation of any of the provisions of this subtitle shall constitute a class E offense; and a second offense violation of this subtitle within 12 months, shall constitute a class D offense.
(b) The court may waive any fine for which a person found guilty of violating the provision of section 21.402 of this subtitle would be liable, if the person supplies the court with proof that between the date of violation and the appearance date for such violation, the person purchased a helmet which meets the requirement of section 21.402 of this subtitle.
(C.B. 9, 1997)
