Why can't we do better than this?
[From our mail box:]
Are you aware of this change in Idaho law as it pertains to cyclists and stop lights? I also understand that Idaho is one of possibly 15 states that have enacted a 3 ft. safe passing rule for motor vehicles when overtaking a bicycle on a roadway.
This begs the question, why does Idaho, of all states, have transportation laws that show a preference to cyclists in regard to use of roads and highways? Idaho does not, to my knowledge, promote smart growth or livable communities nor have they been a leader in walkable or bicycle accessible community design. For those unfamiliar with Idaho, their state does have urban areas and is not entirely rural. From a transportation perspective, Idaho is not known for progressive transportation legislation in areas other than transportation laws pertaining to cycling.
What are the reasons why Maryland is lagging behind Idaho in terms of improved use of road and highway facilities and legal protection frameworks for cyclists? Do we have too few gun racks in our pickup trucks or moose on our roads to even consider progressive legislation that can improve cycling safety and provide improved use of road and highway facilities for those who travel the roads without the aid of internal combustion engines?
Why can't we do better than this?
Idaho Statutes
TITLE 49 MOTOR VEHICLES
CHAPTER 7 PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLES
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 light shall stop before entering the intersection and shall yield to all other traffic. Once the person has yielded, he may proceed through the steady red light with caution. Provided however, that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn. A left-hand turn onto a one-way highway may be made on a red light after stopping and yielding to other traffic.
(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.
A good presentation on the Idaho stop law:
Bicycles, Rolling Stops, and the Idaho Stop from Spencer Boomhower on Vimeo.