Anne Arundel County, MD Mobility & Curb Rules: Bike Lane Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Default rule
- Sidewalk riding allowed unless signed
- Who can restrict it
- DPW Director, via signage
- Rider duty
- Yield right-of-way to pedestrians
- Fine
- $50 per violation
- Applies to
- Unincorporated county (not Annapolis)
Summary
Cyclists may ride on public sidewalks countywide unless the Department of Public Works posts signage prohibiting it, and must yield to pedestrians when they do.
a person may ride a bicycle, play vehicle, or unicycle on a public sidewalk or public sidewalk area. (ii) If it is in the public interest for the safety of riders or pedestrians, the Director of the Department of Public Works may prohibit riding on sidewalks or sidewalk areas as designated by signage. (iii) Riders on sidewalks and sidewalk areas shall ... yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and persons using a personal assistive mobility device ... and ride at reasonable speeds and not otherwise create a hazard. (c) ... a violation of this section is punishable by a fine of $50.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-93: County Code is current through May, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Anne Arundel County Code § 12-3-103 lets a person ride a bicycle, play vehicle, or unicycle on any public sidewalk or sidewalk area by default. The Director of the Department of Public Works can prohibit sidewalk riding on a given sidewalk for safety reasons, but only by posting signage designating that restriction: there is no blanket county ban. Wherever riding is allowed, the rider takes on a pedestrian's rights and duties, must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and to people using a personal assistive mobility device, and must ride at a reasonable speed without creating a hazard. This section governs unincorporated Anne Arundel County, including Glen Burnie, Severna Park, and Pasadena, which have no city government of their own; Annapolis and Highland Beach set their own rules.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 12-3-103, riding where DPW signage prohibits it, failing to yield to pedestrians, or riding recklessly on a sidewalk, is punishable by a fine of $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk in Glen Burnie or Severna Park?
What happens if I don't yield to a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anne Arundel County
Compare Anne Arundel County to another location·View the Maryland mobility & curb rules overview
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