After handling hundreds of cases, we have learned that a bike crash is rarely a “bike accident.” As a Maryland bicycle accident attorney, Peter knows the difference.
He has represented cyclists in Annapolis, Bethesda, Columbia, Baltimore, Rockville, College Park and most places in between.
Representation in Maryland Bicycle Crashes
Peter Wilborn grew up in Bethesda as a “Breaking Away” kid. When he saw the movie in 1979, he aspired to trade in his BMX bike for a road bike. Many mowed yards and many Washington Star and Washington Post deliveries later, he finally did. It was a third-hand grey Benotto which had been crashed in a College Park crit, then repaired and repainted at the famous Proteus shop. It was the most wonderful, precious thing he had ever seen. Every weekend, he rode further and further from home, addicted to the independence, freedom, and fitness that only a bicycle can give a young teenager. He never stopped riding.
In 1998, Peter had a bike tragedy in his own family, realized first hand the need for lawyers who understand cycling, and devoted his law practice to Bike Law. From the start, calls and referrals have come from friends in cycling clubs and bike shops and from advocates for better bicycling. Since then, Peter has represented Maryland cyclists throughout the State, from the D.C. suburbs to Annapolis, Columbia, Baltimore, Frederick, Cumberland and everywhere else.
Speaking of Cumberland, Peter has ridden the length of the C & O Canal many, many times. He has ridden all over the country and all over the world, but riding the Canal is his favorite ride.
Peter Wilborn
Bicycle crash lawyer and Bike Law founder Peter Wilborn has raced, toured, commuted, and ridden his bike daily for fun. In 1998, Peter had a bike tragedy in his own family, realized firsthand the need for lawyers who understand cycling, and devoted his law practice to Bike Law. From the start, calls and referrals have come from friends in cycling clubs and bike shops and from advocates for better bicycling.
Since then, Peter has represented hundreds of cyclists in Maryland, DC, South Carolina, and most recently Florida as their bicycle crash attorney who have been injured by motorists, unsafe road conditions, or defective cycling products. He has personally trained police officers to better investigate bicycle crashes.
After many years of using the phrase “bicycle accident,” Peter and Bike Law officially “dropped the A word” and began using the term “bicycle crash.” After many years of handling bike cases, we realized that bicycle crashes are not bicycle accidents because they are not accidental.
Peter is a Life Member of the League of American Bicyclists and is a League Certified Bicycle Safety Instructor (#1864). For what it’s worth, he is rated as an AV Preeminent Attorney (4.9 out of 5) and has received awards for his pro bono work from the South Carolina and American bar associations.
Peter regularly speaks across the country to bicycle clubs, advocacy groups, and law enforcement personnel on bicycle safety, bicycle laws and as their South Carolina bicycle accident lawyer. He is especially interested in the etiquette and culture of cycling, and his article “The Lost Art of the Group Ride” has been downloaded over 275,000 times.
Maryland Bicycle Laws
It’s important to know your legal rights (and duties) when bicycling in Maryland. It is especially important after a bicycle accident (we call them bicycle “crashes” and explain why here).
For any questions about the State’s bike laws, or about your rights to the road, contact attorney Peter Wilborn directly.
Right to the Road
- Maryland bicyclists generally have the same rights, and same duties, as drivers of motor vehicles.
Prohibitions
- Clinging to motor vehicles while biking is not permitted.
- Bicycles may only carry the number of persons for which it is designed.
- You cannot ride with your hands full; both hands must be on the handlebars.
- Bikes may not have passengers unless they are equipped for it with proper seats and bikes are not permitted on any road with a posted speed limit of fifty miles per hour or faster.
- It’s also illegal to ride your bike hitched up to a car.
- Maryland prohibits the wearing of headsets or earplugs on both ears while riding.
Helmets
- Required for operators or passengers under age 16.
Alcohol
- Maryland’s DUI statute applies to bicyclists.
Where to Ride
- When in travel lanes, Bicyclists must ride with the flow of traffic as closely as practicable to the right side of the roadway.
- Full lane use allowed when traveling at the normal speed of traffic, operating on a one- way street, passing, preparing for a turn, avoiding hazards, traveling in a lane too narrow to share and avoiding a mandatory turn lane.
For DC area cyclists, there are Bike Law lawyers in DC and Virginia as well.
If you have been injured in a Maryland bike crash, by a defective bicycle product, or because of an unsafe road condition and would like to discuss your case with a Maryland bicycle crash attorney who gets cycling, Peter welcomes your call for a free consultation. He can be reached at [email protected] and 843-416-9060.
Maryland Bike Law Speakers
If you would like Bike Law to come speak to your club or at your shop, please contact us.
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