Proposal for Cyclists vs. STOP signs (need opinions)

[wtmusic]

Most serious cyclists (and many amateurs) blow off stop signs. It's a fact. To be pedaling through suburbia and come to a complete stop at every corner, with nary a car in sight, not only would take most of the joy out of cycling but would feel ridiculous (although I'm not an expert, because I've never done it).

As I was pedaling my way to Griffith Park today (and running every stop sign along the way) an idea occurred on how to make the shameful millions of us honest: simply change the law so that cyclists may interpret stop signs the same way as they would a yield sign.

According to the California Rules of the Road a yield sign requires that a driver "slow down and be ready to stop, if necessary, to let any vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian pass before you proceed." Another reason for a rule like this (besides eliminating the sleep-depriving guilt we all share): by teaching cyclists how to properly yield, safety would improve.

?

[Longhorn]

1. I read that this is already the law in Idaho, I believe.

Stop signs are yield signs and red traffic lights are stops.

That's how I treat stop signs, too. I'll stop if there's a car in the vicinity but I have enough trouble getting on my bike that I hate to stop if I don't really have to.

[wtmusic]

2. Thanks for the info

Will check into it :thumbsup:

[Longhorn]

3. Here it is.

49-720. STOPPING -- TURN AND STOP SIGNALS.
(1) A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a stop sign shall slow down and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. After slowing to a reasonable speed or stopping, the person shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving across or within the intersection or junction of highways, except that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.
(2) A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a steady red traffic-control signal shall stop before entering the intersection, except that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn without stopping or may cautiously make a left-hand turn onto a one-way highway without stopping.
(3) A person riding a bicycle shall comply with the provisions of section 49-643, Idaho Code.
(4) A signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the bicycle before turning, provided that a signal by hand and arm need not be given if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle.

http://www.webs.uidaho.edu/police/Operations/bicycles.htm

[wtmusic]

4. even better

thanks again!

[Fovea]

5. I tend to stop at stop signs regardless.

I have a hole in my visual field, and I can't always see that right side intersection without taking a closer look.

But if the law changed in my area, I would be more prone to blow stop signs in less deserted areas.

I might add that an experienced local cyclist was killed in KC this week blowing a stop.

[wtmusic]

6. hmm

Good input.

This is somewhat analogous to the federal 55mph speed limit. It would be interesting to try to find out if any studies have been done to see whether higher speed limits have had any effect on safety, since everyone broke the old ones anyway.