Cyclists to Gather Monday in Crofton to Raise Awareness

By Jenni Pompi 

Area residents are hosting an event in Crofton and other spots in the county Monday afternoon to raise awareness of cyclists' legal rights and responsibilities, according to an event posted on Facebook. 

The event, being billed by organizers as a "peaceful demonstration," will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rt. 50 and Rt. 424 in Crofton. 

The Crofton event is one of four taking place in Anne Arundel County Monday in support of cyclists' rights. Supporters will also be gathering at from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Rowe Boulevard and Taylor Avenue in Annapolis; from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rt. 3 and the B & A trail in Glen Burnie; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the intersection of Rt. 214 and Rt. 2 in Edgewater. Organizers say handmade signs are suggested but not required. 

According to The Capital Gazette, the events are in response to the deaths of two cyclists killed in traffic accidents in Anne Arundel County this summer. 

Patricia Cunningham, 50, of Annapolis was killed in August when a minivan struck her while she was riding her bicycle on Riva Road in Edgewater. Another cyclist, Thomas Heslin, was killed after being struck by a dump truck while riding his bike in Severna Park in July.

Two of the events' organizers, cyclists Tracy VanDanga and Fran Interlandi, held a similar peaceful demonstration in Annapolis on August 25. 

“It’s summertime — everyone’s out on their bikes,” Interlandi told The Capital Gazette. “Our goal is to peacefully spread awareness and let people know that there is a law to protect cyclists.”

According to the Maryland State Highway Administration, drivers may not pass within three feet of a person legally operating a bicycle or motor scooter. Drivers must also yield right of way to cyclists riding in bike lanes or on shoulders, and when making turns. A full list of Maryland bicycle safety laws can be found on the SHA website.