Washington State to allow bikes to "yield" at stop signs

[Kayakguy]

The "Road Rules" column in the Bellingham Herald a few days ago (Sept. 14) said the state was going to allow cyclists to yield at stop signs, rather than coming to a complete stop. I know a lot of us sort of cruise through those red octagons, but open ourselves to citation by doing so. Apparently this will no longer be regarded as an infraction. According to the report, this has actually been the rule in Idaho since 1982, and in Delaware since 2017, and other states have followed suit. The new rule is supposed to take effect on Oct 1. I assume that ebikes will enjoy the same privilege.

 

[Kayakguy]

Good news? I'm withholding judgment for now. But the story says there have been fewer bike/auto accidents where the change has been implemented.

 

[Dallant]

I confess to being a classic “California Stop” biker.

 

[FlatSix911]

I confess to being a classic “California Stop” biker.

We actually call it the California roll...

 

[Dallant]

We actually call it the California roll...

Yeah, I remember my Bay Area brother calling it that once.

 

[FlatSix911]

The "Road Rules" column in the Bellingham Herald a few days ago (Sept. 14) said the state was going to allow cyclists to yield at stop signs, rather than coming to a complete stop. I know a lot of us sort of cruise through those red octagons, but open ourselves to citation by doing so. Apparently, this will no longer be regarded as an infraction. According to the report, this has actually been the rule in Idaho since 1982, and in Delaware since 2017, and other states have followed suit. The new rule is supposed to take effect on Oct 1. I assume that ebikes will enjoy the same privilege.

I think this is good news that will result in fewer accidents overall as long as the insurance statistics support this conclusion.

Can you post the link to the referenced article?

 

[BlackHand]

They have a paywall that might popup after the first link.

Part 1

Part 2

There’s evidence that, despite most people’s gut reaction to the idea, the Idaho Stop increases both safety and efficiency. In the year after Idaho established the law, bicycle injuries dropped 14%.

 

[Hectors Ghost]

I can attest to the fact that it pisses off drivers regardless of whether it's legal or not. But it's going to be fun to skip a light with a cop car sitting at it

 

[FlatSix911]

They have a paywall that might popup after the first link.

Part 1

Part 2

There’s evidence that, despite most people’s gut reaction to the idea, the Idaho Stop increases both safety and efficiency. In the year after Idaho established the law, bicycle injuries dropped 14%.

Thanks... the links worked fine.

 

[Dallant]

They have a paywall that might popup after the first link.

Part 1

Part 2

There’s evidence that, despite most people’s gut reaction to the idea, the Idaho Stop increases both safety and efficiency. In the year after Idaho established the law, bicycle injuries dropped 14%.

I find it odd that Idaho, of all places, would put a law like that in place!

 

[AHicks]

Another step forward. Loving it.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

I think in Idaho it is probably known as the "Open Season on Bicyclists" law...

 

[Dallant]

I think in Idaho it is probably known as the "Open Season on Bicyclists" law...

Exactly.

 

[Cowlitz]

I just spent a few days in Idaho. I stayed in Lewiston and McCall. I was impressed by how much more respectful the car drivers were to bicycles than where I live in Warshington. In Lewiston, I stayed on the bike path. My home area doesn't even have a bike lane, much less a path.

Idaho has more bike trails than one would think. In fact, I think they've figured out that it brings in a bit of tourist money. Wish good ol' Okanogan County here in Warshington would do the same.

 

[Dallant]

I just spent a few days in Idaho. I stayed in Lewiston and McCall. I was impressed by how much more respectful the car drivers were to bicycles than where I live in Warshington. In Lewiston, I stayed on the bike path. My home area doesn't even have a bike lane, much less a path.

Idaho has more bike trails than one would think. In fact, I think they've figured out that it brings in a bit of tourist money. Wish good ol' Okanogan County here in Warshington would do the same.

My surprise was based on living in eastern Idaho in the late 80s. Idaho has lots of tourists and is a beautiful state so it figures they’ve made some accommodations along the way.
Back then I rode near the Lost River Range a fair amount.

 

[JES2020]

The "Road Rules" column in the Bellingham Herald a few days ago (Sept. 14) said the state was going to allow cyclists to yield at stop signs, rather than coming to a complete stop. I know a lot of us sort of cruise through those red octagons, but open ourselves to citation by doing so. Apparently this will no longer be regarded as an infraction. According to the report, this has actually been the rule in Idaho since 1982, and in Delaware since 2017, and other states have followed suit. The new rule is supposed to take effect on Oct 1. I assume that ebikes will enjoy the same privilege.

The thing with riding bikes is if you had to stop at every stop sign you would have to work much harder because you lose momentum and it takes much more energy to get up to speed than to keep the speed.

 

[Hectors Ghost]

The thing with riding bikes is if you had to stop at every stop sign you would have to work much harder because you lose momentum and it takes much more energy to get up to speed than to keep the speed.

And that's why ebikes are so much fun. It's costs nothing but a few moments delay and some DC power to get up and running again.

 

[JES2020]

And that's why ebikes are so much fun. It's costs nothing but a few moments delay and some DC power to get up and running again.

Yes even with ebikes you use much more energy stopping and starting.

 

[Hectors Ghost]

Yes even with ebikes you use much more energy stopping and starting.

Yeah, I understand the Law of conservation of momentum... an ebike lets you thumb your nose at that particular law. When I am trying to get the maximum range with my bike I tend to pedal the bike up to 6 or 8 mph and then start using the assist and use the Giant Green button to conserve even more power during the ride.

 

[Dallant]

I’m a fan of momentum conservation with my hybrid and my ebike. That said, I’m also very cautious.