FREDERICK, MD – A new protected bicycle lane on New Design Road between Crestwood Boulevard and English Muffin Way opened to cyclists today. The Division of Public Works, Traffic and Permit Section constructed the lane, which is separated from the motorized vehicular lanes by a painted buffer area and flexible delineators.
“Bikeways provide a safe, sustainable, and equitable way for everyone to access jobs, health care, groceries, and more,” County Executive Jessica Fitzwater said. “We heard from the Transition Team that we need to do a better job linking neighborhoods. I am excited to expand Frederick County's bikeways and trail system through my proposed budget, and with this project.”
This work was completed as part of a recent “mill and overlay” pavement preservation project. The protected bike lane is consistent with the County’s Bikeways and Trails Plan, adopted in 2018, which proposed an on-street bikeway on this road segment.
Motorists are advised to yield to cyclists in the bike lane when entering right turn lanes at intersections and yield to cyclists as they would yield to oncoming motor vehicles when they prepare to enter or cross New Design Road.
Cyclists are advised that Maryland Vehicle Law requires them to use bike lanes when they are provided. Cyclists are allowed to leave the bike lane when reasonably safe to do so after giving the appropriate signal, when necessary to pass slower cyclists or other bike lane users, execute a left turn, avoid debris or other hazardous conditions in the bike lane, or in locations where a right turn lane or other condition breaks the continuity of the bike lane.
A list of “Frequently Asked Questions” (FAQs) will be posted to the Office of Transportation Engineering webpage at https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/262 soon highlighting the New Design Road Protected Bike Lane. For additional information, visit the Transportation Planning – Bicycle and Pedestrian webpage at https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/8045 or contact David Olney, Engineering Supervisor, Traffic & Permit Section, at (301) 600-2930, or at dolney@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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