OCEAN CITY, Md. — Ocean City saw 24 bicycle crashes in 2024 — the highest number in more than four years, according to local transportation leaders. Now, town officials and community advocates are pushing for stronger bike and pedestrian safety measures to reverse that trend.
The town's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee is proposing several projects aimed at raising driver awareness and protecting bicyclists along busy routes like Coastal Highway.
Among the initiatives under discussion: painting red bike lane markings, funding 500 LED blinking lights for cyclists, and launching the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Cheswick and Walk Smart campaign. That statewide safety campaign is set to begin locally on May 16, with $100,000 already allocated for the summer season.
One local woman, Carly Whittington, said she supports the changes.
“Yeah, I think that’s a great idea. I think it could really help the safety of all the bicyclists,” Whittington said.
The committee also announced other efforts underway. Continental crosswalks throughout town have already been repainted, and there’s an ongoing discussion about switching bike lane paint from green to red for higher visibility. In addition, Lennar Builders is sponsoring two new wooden bike racks, while the State Highway Administration plans to supply phone pouches for safer riding.
Ocean City’s tourism department is covering the cost of the LED lights, and more funding sources are being explored.
BPAC members will present their safety proposals to the Ocean City Council in the coming weeks.
