Spring Into Scooting Safety
Test Your Knowledge of UMD's Transportation Rules

1. Where am I permitted to ride a bicycle, e-bike or e-scooter on campus? Select all that apply. 
	a	Sidewalks 
	b	Lawn
	c	Roads
	d	Bike lanes
	e	Designated trails 
Answers: C, D, E

Maryland state law requires that bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters be operated on the road, not the sidewalk. If a sidewalk is the only way to reach your destination, dismount and walk your wheels. 

2. While on your bike or scooter, how should you ride near the Purple Line tracks? 
	a	Just ride alongside them
	b	Cross the rails at a 90-degree angle
	c	Get off and walk
	d	Pop a wheelie
Answer: B 

To avoid getting your wheel stuck in the tracks, always ride in the bike lane rather than alongside the tracks in the road, and always cross the Purple Link rails at a perpendicular angle. 

3. Who is required to obey stoplights and signs? 
	a	Vehicle drivers
	b	Bicyclists
	c	E-scooter drivers
	d	All of the above 
Answer: D

Motorists, e-scooter operators and cyclists are all required to follow the rules of the road. This includes stopping at stop signs and stoplights—such as the new one at the intersection of Campus and Regents drives—and yielding to pedestrians and other vehicles. 

4. What’s the campus speed limit? 
	a	15 mph
	b	25 mph
	c	35 mph
	d	Trick question: There isn’t one!
Answer: A 

All drivers must obey a 15 mph speed limit as they drive on roads or in parking lots on campus. When turning across a bike lane or crosswalk, drivers are required to yield to bikes and pedestrians. 

5. You’re in your car, inching up Campus Drive during class change, when your phone starts buzzing. What do you do?
	a	Ask Siri to read your unread text messages. 
	b	Unlock your phone and take a quick look. You’re practically stopped anyway.
	c	Wait until you arrive at your destination and are no longer driving to take a look. 
	d	Both a and c. 
Answer: D

If you need to make a phone call or send a text message, pull over into a safe location first, or use hand-free technology. 

6. Under which circumstances should you skip the helmet?
	a	You have a short trip
	b	It doesn’t fit over your hair
	c	It’s too hot out
	d	Never
Answer: D

Protect your noggin! It’s university policy that every person on a bike or e-scooter must don a helmet. To kick off Bike Week on April 6, DOTS will give out free helmets from 1-3 p.m. outside the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, and Terps can buy discounted helmets, U-locks and bike lights from DOTS and RecWell’s Bike Shop throughout the year. And at night, take extra steps to keep yourself and others safe by turning on your lights and wearing bright or reflective clothing. 

7. Is it legal to jam out to your favorite playlist or catch up on podcasts with earbuds while biking, scooting or driving? 
	a	Yes
	b	No
Answer: B

Wearing earbuds or headphones in both ears while biking, scooting or driving is prohibited in Maryland. 

8. How much distance should be between a vehicle and an e-bike or e-scooter operator when passing on a single-lane road?
	a	Three feet
	b	10 feet
	c	None. Never pass a scooter operator
	d	None. The scooter operator should get out of the way
Answer: A

Maryland state law requires motorists to allow at least 3 feet of space when passing e-scooter operators and bicyclists. If necessary, drivers are permitted to cross the center line to pass them. Drivers should never try to "squeeze by" or rush one of these vehicles off the road.

9. Where can I park an e-bike or e-scooter?
	a	In my dorm room so I can keep an eye on it  
	b	In designated micromobility vehicle parking areas 
	c	Anywhere I can find space, like a handrail by the stairs
	d	In the lobby of my residence hall
Answer: B
	
Park only in designated bike racks and e-scooter parking areas, and keep electric vehicles outdoors. Don’t lock anything to handrails or benches, because this restricts access for people with limited mobility. Never use, charge or store electric micromobility vehicles indoors due to the risk of lithium-ion battery fires. Remember, on campus residents are not permitted to bring personal electric micromobility vehicles to campus. 

10. Traffic is backed up during class change time, but you’re on a bike and can see some openings around the stopped cars. What should you do? 
	a	Stay in the lane and wait for your turn to move 
	b	Weave carefully around traffic
	c	Jump onto the sidewalk
	d	Go against traffic to find another route 
Answer: A

To stay safe, be predictable. Ride in the same direction as traffic, stay in your lane, and wait until it’s your turn to move. Do not swerve around slow or stopped traffic. Find more safety information at: transportation.umd.edu/safety. And remember to stop by Bike Week April 5-11 for giveaways and fun!