# COMAR Title 08 — Department of Natural Resources

## Subtitle 01 — Office of the Secretary

### Chapter 10 — Use of Bicycles and Electric Bicycles on Department Lands

**Authority:** Natural Resources Article, §§
                5-209,
                5-1211, and
                10-808, Annotated Code of Maryland

**Administrative History:** Effective date: May 25, 2026 (53:10 Md. R. 454)

#### Regulation .01 Applicability.

*COMAR 08.01.10.01*

This chapter applies to the use of bicycles and electric bicycles on Department lands.

#### Regulation .02 Definitions.

*COMAR 08.01.10.02*

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

  (1) “Adaptive bicycle” means a bicycle designed with a specialized mobility device for use by individuals with physical disabilities or mobility challenges and that may be customized with one or more of the following adaptive features:

    (a) Hand-cycles;

    (b) Three-wheeled designs for stability;

    (c) Reinforced frames;

    (d) Adaptive seating; or

    (e) Specialized controls.

  (2) “Bicycle” means a vehicle that:

    (a) Is designed to be operated by human power; and

    (b) Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter.

  (3) “Class 1 electric bicycle” has the meaning stated in
                    Transportation Article, §11-117.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

  (4) “Department” means the Department of Natural Resources.

  (5) “Department lands” means Chesapeake Forest Lands, State Forests, State Parks, Wildlife Management Areas, Cooperative Wildlife Management Areas, Natural Environmental Areas, Natural Resource Management Areas, and Wildlands.

  (6) Electric bicycle.

    (a) “Electric bicycle” has the meaning stated in
                      Transportation Article, §11-117.1, Annotated Code of Maryland.

    (b) “Electric bicycle” includes an adaptive bicycle equipped with an electric assist motor.

#### Regulation .03 Usage.

*COMAR 08.01.10.03*

A. A person may use a bicycle or an electric bicycle on public roads, parking lots, or ORV trails on Department lands.

B. A person may use a bicycle, adaptive bicycle, or Class 1 electric bicycle only on designated trails on Department lands.

C. A person is prohibited from using a bicycle or an electric bicycle on Wildlands, as designated under
                  Natural Resources Article, §5-1203, Annotated Code of Maryland.

D. The Secretary or their designee may restrict on a temporary or permanent basis the use of bicycles or electric bicycles on trails on Department lands.

E. If the use of bicycles is prohibited in an area on Department lands, the use of an electric bicycle is also prohibited.

F. If a recreational trail is designated as pedestrian-use only, the use of bicycles and electric bicycles is prohibited.

#### Regulation .04 Notice.

*COMAR 08.01.10.04*

A. The Secretary or their designee shall provide notice of temporary or permanent bicycle or electric bicycle restrictions by:

  (1) Posting signage at a trailhead;

  (2) Posting notice on a bulletin board on the affected Department land; or

  (3) Publishing the restriction on the Department’s website.

B. The Secretary or their designee may restrict the use of bicycles or electric bicycles from Department lands:

  (1) If the trail is designed for a particular user group;

  (2) If the area contains appropriate infrastructure;

  (3) If critical habitat protection is necessary;

  (4) If the area is designated as a wildland;

  (5) The safety of the trail users; or

  (6) If the trail surface is unsuitable for bicycles or electric bicycles.

#### Regulation .05 Conduct.

*COMAR 08.01.10.05*

A person may not operate a bicycle or electric bicycle:

A. In a reckless, careless, or negligent manner;

B. In a manner that disregards the rights or safety of an individual;

C. While under the influence of alcohol or drugs;

D. In a manner that causes damage to property, wildlife, vegetative resources, or individuals.

E. In a manner that exceeds the posted speed limits for bicycles or electric bicycles; or

F. While in a prohibited area.

#### Regulation .06 Violations.

*COMAR 08.01.10.06*

An individual who violates any provision of this chapter is subject to the provisions of
                Natural Resources Article, §5-1301, Annotated Code of Maryland, in addition to any penalties under
                Criminal Law Article, §6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.