The Anne Arundel County Council returned to council chambers in September and kicked off the 2025-2026, 11-month legislative session. It will be a busy one, with proposed large-scale updates to the zoning code set to be introduced in November. More on that in a moment. First, I want to touch on a recent topic that has come to my attention as a concern for a growing number of residents.
Over the course of the summer months, and during the council’s August recess, I received a larger than normal volume of emails and phone calls regarding electric bikes on roadways, sidewalks and trails. The use of electric bikes by people of all ages has increased exponentially in recent years. It is understandable that concerns over this evolving mode of transportation would end up in my inbox, as they are being ridden on county infrastructure, as well as state roadways. But the ability to address concerns rests mostly with the state, and I hope the following information helps explain why.
The definition of vehicles used for transportation is found in Title 11 of the Maryland transportation code. In this section of Maryland law, a “bicycle” is defined as the following:
A vehicle that is designed to be operated by human power; has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter; and has a drive mechanism other than by pedals directly attached to the drive wheel
An electric bicycle
A moped
An electric low-speed scooter
Maryland law goes on to further define an “electric bicycle” as:
Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of an electric motor
Is equipped with fully operable pedals
Has two or three wheels
Has a motor with a rating of 750 watts or less
Meets one of the requirements of subsection (b) of this section
Subsection B goes on to identify three classes of electric bikes that are classified by the need for pedal assistance (or not) in order to operate, and speed at which the bike cuts off electric assistance, which is between 20-28 miles per hour.
The county looks to the state for definition of transportation vehicles and/or devices, including bicycles. Because current state laws define electric bikes as a type of bicycle, any county policy regarding the use of bicycles now includes the use of electric bikes. The county has not officially updated its policy with regard to electric bikes on places like county trails, but that change is likely to take place soon in order to align with the state definition. The posted speed limit on county trails is 15 miles per hour, regardless of the type of transportation being used.
The county does allow for bicycles to be used on county sidewalks, and with the state update to the bicycle definition, this would include electric bikes. Because sidewalks are the primary mode of transportation for pedestrians, pedestrians have the right of way on a sidewalk.
Maryland state law also controls the “rules of the road” for all modes of transportation, including those that utilize county roadways. It is my understanding that there is growing interest among state elected officials to re-examine this section of state law in the future, given the increased concerns of residents.
While transportation is one of the many sections of law that the state regulates, one major section of county code is set for a large-scale rewrite. Under the direction of the county executive, the Office of Planning and Zoning is expected to introduce an update to Article 18 by the end of 2025.
Article 18 is the zoning code, which regulates definitions, bulk regulations (how high, wide and close to property lines development of any kind can be), parking, signage, lighting, types of uses in commercial, residential and mixed-use areas, and many more provisions and prohibitions related to the use of land in our county. This is not an unusual update to the code. It is a much needed and necessary update. It is important that you are engaged, know about the proposed changes, and reach out to me for feedback and/or questions.
When the bill is introduced, I will review it with a fine-tooth comb. I will share the legislation through my twice monthly newsletter and welcome your feedback. You can sign up for the District 5 newsletter by email request, and you can reach me for any other constituent concerns at amanda.fiedler@aacounty.org.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve you and your family on the Anne Arundel County Council.