Idaho stop: Proceed with caution
LOREN BENOIT/Press Steven Larson turns down Fifth Street in downtown Coeur d’Alene.
By DEVIN HEILMAN
Staff Writer
For Gem State cyclists, stop signs are yield signs and red lights are stop signs.
It's known as the "Idaho stop."
"As a cyclist, I believe there is some misconception of what the law says, which can lead to frustration on both sides of the drivers and cyclists," said Coeur d'Alene resident Mark Robitaille, who rides his bike with his family in and outside town. "I was aware of the laws already, but I personally try to be courteous and go with the flow of traffic."
Under Idaho State Code 49-720 regarding motor vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles:
"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."
When cyclists reach a steady red traffic light, they're expected to stop before entering the intersection and yield to traffic. Once they've yielded, they may proceed through with caution. They have to stop when turning left, but they may turn right at a red light without completely stopping.
"Sometimes I feel like I get some odd looks, like, 'Why isn't he stopping?'" Robitaille said.
The lack of a complete stop might irk some drivers who feel like cyclists are breezing through intersections, but it has been the law since the early 1980s.
"Motorists get frustrated with bicyclists, bicyclists get frustrated with motorists," said Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Erik Turrell, who serves as traffic unit supervisor. "I think there has always been some sort of strife between motorists and bicyclists, equally, on both sides."
As of this time last year, Turrell said 26 vehicle vs. bicycle collisions had occurred in Coeur d'Alene. As of Wednesday, the 2017 number was 20.
Before people lose their cool in intersections, whether in a vehicle waiting to go or on a bike pedaling past, Turrell said common sense is the way to go.
"Bicyclists and motorists just need to be patient with each other," he said. "A lot of people are in a hurry these days. I think if we're just patient with one another, that would help."