Montgomery County Bike Lane Law (Bill 28-25) Starts 2026

Silver Spring, MD — If you drive in Montgomery County, you might want to watch where you park. A new traffic law just passed by the County Council will hit drivers with a $60 fine for stopping, standing, or parking in bike lanes.

The law, known as Bill 28-25, takes effect 60 days after passage and is part of the county’s broader Vision Zero initiative to eliminate roadway deaths. It was unanimously approved following troubling data: In the first nine months of 2025 alone, there were 115 cyclist-involved crashes, including one death and six serious injuries.

A Safer Route for Students and Youth

 For teens biking to school or community programs like the YMCA, this law is more than policy—it’s protection. “Every time a car blocks a bike lane, it forces our kids into traffic,” said Councilmember Natali Fani-González, a co-sponsor of the bill. “This is about changing that narrative.”

K’Lee, a 15-year-old in Silver Spring, knows that risk firsthand. “Cars block the lane all the time on Georgia Ave. I ride with my little brother. It’s scary.”

What the Law Means

Starting in early 2026, you can no longer:

• Park or idle in designated bike lanes

• Drop off passengers in those zones

• Stop temporarily, even for deliveries or rideshare pickups

Violators will be fined $60 per incident. Officers will issue warnings initially, but full enforcement will begin shortly after the grace period.

Equity on the Road

For lower-income neighborhoods where biking is a necessity, not a luxury, this law ensures bike infrastructure actually works.

“When you block the lane, you’re not just breaking the law—you’re forcing someone’s child into danger,“ said Angela Cross, a cycling advocate from Takoma Park.

How to Support the Law Locally

• Educators can include it in safe commute discussions
• Program leaders can teach youth how to report blocked lanes (call 311)
• Parents and drivers should know that drop-off zones near schools/YMCAs must respect bike lanes

Why It Matters

From Wheaton to Bethesda, bike lanes are lifelines for young people, families, and workers. This law turns policy into protection. And for Marylanders trying to build safe, walkable, connected communities—it’s a win.