Bicycle Rules of the Road

Being a bicycle commuter, people are curious about how well I abide by traffic laws. In Minnesota, bicycles are governed by the same rules as cars -- they have a full right to use the road and are expected to obey all traffic signals. To tell the truth, I do not obey the rules on my bike the same way I do when I'm driving my car. I roll through four-way stop signs when no cars are present and, while I always come to a complete stop at red lights, when the coast is clear I will sometimes not wait for it to turn green (but this is a complete judgment call on my part, always erring on the side of caution).

As you are probably aware, there is a tenuous relationship between drivers and bicyclists around town. Bicyclists get upset when drivers don't notice them and drivers get upset when bicycles go through red lights and stop signs. With rising gas prices and environmental concerns, more people are biking than ever. Recently, during sweeps week, KSTP TV ran a story called "Bicyclists Breaking the Law?" and a couple people asked me if I had seen it (I hadn't).

I think the tenuous relationship stems from multiple sources. First, bicyclists are supposed to ride on the road because the speed limit on sidewalks is 10mph and serious bikers go faster than that. Sidewalks also offer all sorts of obstacles like runners, walkers, dogs on and off leashes, children, baby strollers, etc. Second, the obvious safety issues of bikes riding next to cars on the road. Third, when a bicyclist stops at a stop sign, he has to gear down and then use leg power to get going again -- a lot more personal effort involved than in stopping a car. And yes, I know the exercise is part of the deal, but the reality is that when you're out biking you'd prefer not to stop and go too frequently. Fourth, drivers see bicyclists who go through lights and stop signs as reckless (debatable) and as disregarding the law (which they are). After all, bikes appear to want the benefits of being legally the same as a car, but not the responsibilities.

Idaho, of all states, has come up with a potential solution. In Idaho, a bicycle is not treated exactly like a car, but is treated like a bicycle. Here's Idaho's bicycle statute. I think it makes a lot of sense and hopefully it will be adopted more broadly.

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.