If you happened to be in Kansas that might have been me. I do slow down but I don’t stop when biking. I mean, if there’s traffic I stop and behave, but otherwise I slow down and roll on through.
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It is the norm for me to see cyclists go through stop signs at all-way-stop intersections where there is little traffic.
It’s called an Idaho stop. The cyclist should definitely slow down but it’s actually safer for the cyclist to enter the intersection at a low speed (if there are no other cars about to enter) than to come a full stop because a bicycle takes so much longer to get back up to speed. It is legal in some states but not Canada (when I last checked). The cyclist should look in every direction before entering though.
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I agree with this
In most states a bicycle is a vehicle subject to the state’s vehicle code. Might also have additional regulations.
Now, is it enforced? Probably selectively.
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Different vehicles have different codes, surely. Or did I just imagine those lower truck speed limits?
It’s allowed in 10 states and DC -
This matters not. Not unsafe, just inconvenient for the cyclist.
By this logic, a fully loaded semi should be allowed to be driven slowly through an intersection without stopping at stop signs or lights.
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Ah, yep, it’s unsafe. It’s in the article -
Studies in Delaware and Idaho have shown significant decreases in crashes at stop-controlled intersections.
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Arrrg. The Vehicle Code is more like guidelines than actual rules.
I’m guessing that by getting through the intersection faster, there are simply fewer aggregate minutes that cyclists are in intersections at risk of getting t-boned by a motorist from the other street who doesn’t see the cyclist, and that’s why there are fewer accidents.
Just a guess.
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This is… incorrect. For several reasons.
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It can be unsafe, i guess.
Inconvenient to stop.
Definitely illegal not to stop, in CA.
So, explain yourself.
Much safer for cyclists to roll through when it is safe. Less time in the intersection means less danger. Traffic flows better too. Been commuting by bike for almost 50 years. Of course you always look all directions and make eye contact with motorists whenever possible. If it’s a busy intersection of course I do the full stop. Cyclists are generally way more aware of their surroundings than motorists or they don’t last long out there. Also, cyclists present a negligible threat to others, unlike a semi, which could crush virtually any other vehicle. Risk/reward says breaking the law is safer for cyclists sometimes.
I like the new law that says cars should change lanes if possible when passing bikes. Gives us a bit of breathing room.
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This is the key. Just know that you are breaking the law (which I said and you acknowledge). But, it’s not murder or anything important. We have had plenty of cyclists 'round here just blow through (downhill) 4-way stop signs even as some car is already stopped, as if they were exempt from stopping.
Also, check for cops. In some areas, they don’t see (or cause) enough murders.
Yeah those a-h***s make it difficult for the rest of us.
I actually got a ticket once for “running” a red light. Actually I was stopped, waiting for the light to turn. When I saw it turn yellow the other direction I looked and saw nobody was coming. So I went first so I could get through the intersection before the cars entered. 100% safer for me that way, and no danger to anyone.
Dude, this is perfectly cromulent…especially as it takes a bicycle time to get up to speed.
Went on the highway again this weekend. Same complaints as last time. 
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I’m stopped at a red light with a guy in a white truuuuhk in the left turn lane next to me. The opposite way has the advanced green and people are turning left. 
in the truuuuhk makes the left on the red light. 
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I hate it when peach nuts drive trucks.