‘It’s very emotional’: MD man honors wife killed on bike path as new road safety law comes into effect

Daniel Langenkamp traveled to Annapolis on Thursday and texted a reporter at the Maryland State House: “I vowed to do something to make our streets safer so people like Sarah don’t have to die.”

In an interview with WTOP, Langenkamp called witnessing Gov. Wes Moore sign the Sarah Debbbink Langenkamp Memorial Act “very emotional” and said the governor shook his hand before giving him the pen he was carrying had signed the “Sarah Debbbink Langenkamp Memorial Act” bill.

Langenkamp’s wife, Sarah, was killed in August 2022 while riding her bicycle along River Road in Bethesda. While turning right into a parking lot, she was hit by the driver of a low-loader because she was on a bike path.

Langenkamp had been working since the day after Sarah’s murder to pass a law that would increase penalties for drivers who hit cyclists on the shoulder or in bike paths. Under the bill just signed by the governor, a motorist who hits a cyclist in a bike path could face fines of up to $2,000 and two months in prison.

What was pleasing for Langenkamp was the support the bill received in Annapolis during the last session of the General Assembly.

“Seeing it pass with unanimous approval means people really believe in making our streets safer,” he said.

Drivers sometimes complain that it is difficult to spot cyclists on bike paths on the right – but Langenkamp urges drivers to pay attention to these cyclists.

“You know, when you cross a sidewalk to get into a parking garage, you watch out for pedestrians and you have to be careful. The same applies to a bike path. You just have to be just as sensitive and empathetic to the people who might be on the right side of your car,” he said.

The Langenkamps served as diplomats and lived all over the world, including in countries known for their cycling culture. He was asked if he still cycled as much as he used to and his late wife did.

“I actually do,” he said. “In fact, I think I’m cycling more because it’s so important for us to have a lifestyle that allows for cycling and walking, I really believe that.”

Yesterday, Moore signed dozens of bills into law during the third round of bill-signing ceremonies.

Other bills that became law included one that would redevelop Baltimore’s Pimlico racetrack and online privacy bills such as the Maryland Kids Code Act, which limits online data collection.

On May 16, Moore will hold a closing ceremony to sign the bill.

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