Frederick County Announces New Public Safety Signage for Cyclists and Drivers
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County would like to announce the installation of Bicycles May Use Full Lane (BMUFL) signage on roadways this 
spring. These signs have been shown to improve safety for those that ride bicycles as well as those that operating motor vehicles.
A new Maryland Law went into effect in October 2020 allowing drivers to cross double yellow lines in order to pass those riding bicycles when it is safe to do so. The BMUFL signs help inform the driver that those riding bicycles are allowed to be on the road and a driver should take caution when passing. By law, bicyclists are allowed to use the entire lane width when riding on roads that have travel lanes less than 13 feet wide and vehicles are also reminded to provide bicyclists 3 feet when passing.
The new BMUFL signs will be used "where travel lanes are too narrow for bicyclists and motor vehicles to operate side by side" according to the official guidelines for their use. The guidelines go on to state "The Bicycles May Use Full Lane sign may be used in locations where it is important to inform road users that bicyclists might occupy the travel lane." BMUFL signage does more than reflect state law - it clarifies, informs, and educates everyone who drives past.
The Frederick County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee has been actively working with the Frederick County Division of Public Works to identify the most important locations for this signage. Devilbiss Road, from MD 194 to Dublin Rd, will be the first roadway to have the signage installed.
Upgrading to Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs is a small, easily achievable method for improving safety for all users. This is not the final step, but installing Bicycles May Use Full Lane signs will make Frederick County streets safer. And that is the ultimate goal: safe, Complete Streets for everyone.
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