When a bicyclist rolls through a stop sign or red light after merely slowing down, it’s called the “Idaho stop,” and until recently only one state allowed it: Idaho. But that’s changing, reports Stateline. In October, Delaware became the second state to make it legal for cyclists to yield instead of stopping at stop signs on some roads. Some are calling it the “Delaware yield.” And several other states are considering Idaho stop legislation. The practice is controversial, said Douglas Shinkle, transportation program director for the National Conference of State Legislatures. “There’s a perception among some people that this is giving special rights to bicyclists and legalizing an unsafe behavior.”
Many bicycle advocates see the Idaho stop as codifying what they already do at stop signs. They say it’s easier to slow down and yield than to stop and restart, which can slow down auto traffic. And some say it’s better to get out in front of traffic at red light intersections to avoid being “right hooked” — sideswiped by a car that turns into their lane. Opponents, including some police and traffic safety groups, view the Idaho stop as an unsafe practice that could increase the risk of crashes. This year, at least six states — California, Colorado, Minnesota, New York, Oklahoma and Utah — considered measures that would create some type of Idaho stop law. The Colorado, Minnesota, New York and Oklahoma bills are pending; the others failed.