Walking along a Highway?

Matt M

This is not a dumb question, I have seen this question asked other times and other places.

I am in Maryland and I thought that there are signs saying no pedestrians, hitchhikers or non-motor vehciles on the on-ramps to some highways in Maryland and PA. Also, I have heard that in MD it is illegal to use a bicycle on any road with a speed limit over 50 mph. Also, if you are riding a bicycle on a road that is 50 mph or under the bicycle must be operated using all of the rules of the road for a car including hand signaling truns, following distances, right of way etc. So weaving in amongst the cars, riding between two cars who are in their own lanes like bike messengers are so very fond of, is illegal. There are also highways all around where there really isn't a full lane width paved shoulder plus the number one cause of accidents is inattentive drivers so I would not walk or bike along a highway unless it is an emergency (ie I ran out gas and can't get anyone to come to help)

BTW, if you are thinking of riding your bike on public roads think about this situation taht actually happened to me: I work at a hospital and was recently observing a surgery which had to be delayed 2 hours because the surgeon was stuck in traffic. No one died or anything but it held up the 8 people including myself who were working on this operation. As you ride your bike in traffic and you are holding up the cars behind you that must slow down and wait to pass you there could be a surgeon behind you who is trying to get to a surgery of maybe someone you know.

c_schreel

I see alot of people do it in Michigan. But I dont know if all states allow it

earfulofb.s.

There are no dumb questions, maybe silly, but no such thing is a dumb question. It is a bit risky even at night which drivers may not see you walking on the side of the road very well. I was told to walk toward traffic if they do not have sidewalks so you can see them and hopefully they can see you. But a bike, you have to treat it the same way as any other vehicles on the road, and stay right as far as possible with reflective clothing and on bike too, because drivers do drive fast and may not see you very well too.

Katie

even if it is legal, I wouldn't. I go for a walk/run everyday. Some of the roads I go on down have sidewalks. Those people in cars get sooooooooooo close. It's like they are trying to hit me. And it's scary. They are only going up to 35 mph. Highways, they are going twice that! People going that fast, getting close to the edge, close to you! Why would you want to do that?

yes_its_me

State laws differ slightly but here is the law where I live (California).
Streets and highways that are not designated limited access roadways (freeways, turnpikes, etc), do not prohibit pedestrians or bicycles from the area adjacent to the roadway. If such persons and vehicles are prohibited a sign will be clearly posted at each access point.

Â§kittles

No, it is illegal! Walking on the highway poses a major safety issue. Think about it. Millions of cars crash on the side of the highway. You wouldn't want to get in the way of those crashes, now would you?

-TC-

It's not allowed where i live, but other states are different.

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