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Oregon lawmakers considering 'Idaho Stop' which allows cyclists to ride through stop signs


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PORTLAND, Ore. -- A bill moving through the Oregon legislature would allow bicyclists to go through stop signs and flashing red lights without stopping, mimicking an Idaho law passed more than 30 years ago.

Senate Bill 998 is carried by Senator Floyd Prozanski (D) of Eugene. This is the third time the so-called "Idaho Stop" has gone before the state legislature.

As of now, cyclists are supposed to stop completely at a stop sign, just like a driver. This law would allow cyclists to ride through stop signs and flashing red lights as long as it is safe to do so.

Bike advocates say this would make cycling through town easier and could draw more people to bikes instead of cars.

"We should be doing everything we can to encourage cycling to be easy and convenient for people," said Jillian Detweiler, Executive Director of the Street Trust which advocates for walking, bicycling, and transit.

Senator Kim Thatcher (R) of Keizer said few cyclists actually come to a complete stop. Instead, the slow down and yield, especially on neighborhood streets.

Detweiler says coming to a full stop is a lot of work for cyclists.

"Having to come to a full stop requires that you shift down, that you lose all your momentum, then you have to start back up," she said. "It can really impede how quickly you can get to where you need to go on a bike."

We took the idea to Portlanders too.

"When there is no opposing traffic it's pretty safe to go through a stop sign or stop light," said one cyclists.

"It's a really good way to get killed," said another driver. "It's taking into account and hoping that everyone driving a car is actually paying attention, and they definitely are not."

When asked if this would make streets more dangerous, Sen. Prozanksi said, "that’s not the experience in Idaho, which has had this law in effect for over 36 years. Also, other state have adopted similar legislation including Delaware, Arkansas and some cities in Colorado."

"We have yield signs already, people don't seem to have a problem with those, whether it's traffic circles or roundabouts. The law isn't going to allow unsafe behavior. The law is going to require people to be safe," said Jonathan Maus, a cycling advocate and founder of BikePorltand.org.

During the judiciary committee vote, Senator Cliff Bentz (R) from Ontario said he would vote 'No.'

"I did have my office contact a large number of the 11 sheriffs in my district, and I have yet to find one that would support this," Bentz said.

The bill is expected to go to the Senate floor within the next few weeks.


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