Nearly four decades ago--in 1982, to be exact--the state of Idaho passed what might be the single most intelligent and common-sensical piece of legislation ever made in the United States. In my opinion, it does more to make cycling safer--especially for women--and, I believe, enjoyable than all of the "cycling infrastructure" that's been built in this country.
I am referring to what has come to be known as the "Idaho stop." In effect, it allows cyclists to treat red lights as "Stop" signs and "Stop" signs as yield signs. If there is no cross-traffic, cyclists are free to proceed through the intersection, even if the light is red.
The effect of such a law is something I argued with a cop who ticketed me: It's safer to get out in front of traffic that's traveling in the same direction as you are, especially if that traffic includes trucks or buses. In waiting for the light to turn green, you run the risk of getting clipped by a right-turning vehicle.
It would be more than three decades before any other US state adopted similar laws, although a few Colorado municipalities did so. In Paris, France, cyclists can treat designated red lights (which are marked) as "Yield" (cedez le passage) signs as long as they are making right turns or proceeding straight through T-shaped intersections.
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| From Streetsblog |
Now one of Idaho's neighbors, Utah, will join two other Gem State neighbors (Oregon and Washington) in implementing the "Idaho stop." On 5 May, North Dakota will join them. Delaware and Arkansas also have similar laws.
I hope that my home state, New York, will become part of the Enlightenment. (Hey, I couldn't resist that one, after mentioning Paris!) And I hope other the rest of the country will follow. Idaho d'abord, puis le monde?
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