New Campaign Aims to Increase Safety For Bikers & Drivers

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--State and local leaders are teaming up to increase safety for both bikers and drivers promoting their message in a new campaign to save lives in Maryland.

"We're urging cyclists and drivers to share the road, follow traffic laws and look out for each other," said Greg Slater, with the Maryland State Highway Administration.

In Maryland, fatal bicycle crashes involving cars nearly doubled from 6 in 2014 to 11 in 2015.

In December 2014, cyclist Tom Palermo was struck and killed while riding in Roland Park. Former Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook was texting while driving drunk when she slammed into Palermo.

A judge sentenced Cook to seven years in prison.

RELATED: Bishop Heather Cook Gets 7 Years In Drunk-Driving Death Of Cyclist

Official say nearly 60 percent of major bike accidents with cars happen between May and September.

So state and local leaders are teaming up to increase the awareness.

"We have long been an advocate not only for motorist safety, but for safety of all road users including a long history of pedestrian and bike safety including the effort and dialogue," said Ragina Cooper Averella, a spokesperson for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

A serious message with a lifesaving impact.

"Increase awareness for rules of the road, pedestrians and cyclists, and we strive to increase the enforcement of the rules," said Michael Kelly, with Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Baltimore is launching a bike share program in the fall, and they're now looking for the public's input.

For more information on the bike share program CLICK HERE.