Maryland vs. Virginia: Contrasting Attitudes Toward Cyclists

Maryland and Virginia both have sections in their driving handbooks regarding cyclists and sharing the road. Maryland's first version is extremely brief, and only includes a short statement regarding the use of helmets and a white high beam headlight. In this version of the handbook, there is no inclusion of any instructions directed toward drivers regarding how they should treat bikers on the road. However, this issue was addressed is a more recent revision on the Maryland Handbook. In the new article, the handbook makes it clear that bikes and cars have the same duties and responsibilities on the road, and therefore should be treated equally. This new part of the Maryland handbook is unique because it includes how cars should regard bikes. For example, it instructs drivers to not follow too closely and to slow down when approaching a bicycle. It also makes sure to tell both pedestrians and drivers to not harass bikers while they are on the road.

In contrast, the Virginia Handbook for drivers and road safety uses very professional and legal jargon and seems to favor the convenience of cars rather than bicycles. The bias toward cars is evident in the Virginia handbook, where as the sense of equality is more prominent in the Maryland Handbook. The Virginia Handbook makes statements that seem to place all responsibility on the biker, not the driver.

After reading both handbooks, it is clear the bikers would favor the rules of the road in Maryland. Maryland uses language and organization that makes it clear the audience is both drivers and bikers. Based on the handbook, bikers seem to be more respected in Maryland as opposed to Virginia. Because of this distinction, drivers would naturally prefer the rules and regulations regarding biking in Virginia because their needs are the main focus in that state.