Title
Bicycle Yield /Stop Ordinance (NB)
Explanation
This item involves Public Safety Committee review of a proposal for city consideration of a bicycle yield/stop ordinance allowing cyclist to yield rather than stop at stop signs.
Information points:
-Idaho is the only state to have approved a state law to allow bicyclists to yield at stop signs.
-Idaho has had this legislation for 27 years and has not seen much change in bicycle crash/fatality statistics.
-A few years ago Idaho also passed a law allowing cyclists to treat a red light as a stop sign after stopping and checking that no traffic is present.
-California and Oregon were unsuccessful at changing their state law, however, advocates are continuing to pursue changes.
-Public education would be a big part of this type of law change.
-The cycling community is divided over the issue.
Pro arguments:
-Cyclists of various levels/types all over the nation have long since adapted to yielding at stop signs successfully.
-Positive responsiveness to those using alternative transportation in our community; stop signs are more geared toward automobile issues/needs; cyclists have potential for greater view/vantage sight, sound perception than those operating from the possible obstruction of an automobile.
-Could conserve the momentum energy of cyclists if there is not traffic present; provides for what some recognize as needed considerations for a bicycle type vehicle vs. cars, trucks, buses, etc.
-Where sidewalk cycling is allowed without the requirement to stop at stop signs, the riders could be less visible to traffic than cyclists in the roadway and have less view/vantage point.
Con arguments:
-Perception to motorists could promote road rage/anger against cyclists; conflicts with bicyclists having all the same rights/responsibilities/duties as other vehicles. The issue could indicate a need for other type engineering options such as traffic calming (i.e. roundabouts, diverters, bike boule...
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