The Idaho stop law - should Maryland adopt?
B' Spoke: It amazes me how much slack is afforded to motorists and when there is a crack down on "safety" it seems that it is just the cyclists and pedestrians that are targeted. Motorists going 10 mph above the speed limit is perfectly fine, motorists coming to a complete stop in the crosswalk way past the stop bar, well that's OK too but cyclists who do not put their foot down when stopping now that's dangerous and should be get the full vengeance of the law.
It is time to get back to the spirit of the law and stop trying to get cyclists to do things that only really only make sense for 350 hp 2 ton killing machines then ones driven by human power at human speeds.
Please participate in our poll and let us know what you think about Maryland adopting the Idaho stop law.
Except from The Washcycle
- In 2009, the police in Jackson Hole, WY basically made the Idaho stop the law.
"After one summer of police stings on bikes running stop signs, and a lot of talk, we have reached a reasonable peace treaty on this issue.
Local law enforcement here in Jackson Hole will ticket a bike that blatantly rolls a stop at speed with no care. Quick $100 fine, and no sympathy from bike advocates like me.
Legally, bikes are required to stop at Stop signs in Wyoming. However - Jackson Police and Teton County Sheriff have publicly said they will not ticket a bicyclist that:
- slows cautiously as approaching a stop sign,
- rider carefully looks left and right, fully in control and able to stop,
- rider signals properly if making a turn,
- rider does not fully stop but continues after determining it is safe to do so.
Our Sheriff and police have determined this is equal to a STOP and they will not harass cyclists. We agree."