Idaho Stop - An Opinion from a Bicyclist
Posted by mushrooms on Jan 24, 2021 in Uncategorized
I think all the laws should be changed to allow non-motorists to use all roadways with due care and respect for other users.
The implication being that anyone that’s not in a motor vehicle can do whatever they feel is safest for themselves, while yielding to other vulnerable road users.
I’m not proposing a reckless free-for-all - but an end to the expectation that bicycles must adhere to rules intended for motor vehicles.
Here’s why …
- People can see and hear much better when they are outside a vehicle, so they have more information to make better decisions with respect to their surroundings. They can scan a 4-way stop as they approach, they can hear cars behind them on the road
- VRUs use the road differently than motor vehicles. If possible, I ride on the right shoulder. If I must, I claim the lane. In rare cases, I’ll use a center lane for a left. In every case, my goal is to reduce my exposure to motor vehicles. Thus - to make a left turn, I might stop on the right shoulder and wait for a break in traffic to cross. If there isn’t much traffic, my turn might be rounded earlier - to cross when there is an opening. In very rare instances I salmon on the shoulder.
- The risks to VRUs are almost entirely to themselves, unlike motor vehicles. If I make a bad decision, I’m unlikely to harm anyone else. Every bicyclist knows this.
- The built environment favors motor vehicles. It’s an unfair allocation of resources that cannot be quickly balanced (because no one wants to inconvenience motorists). It is time to change the laws to make it easier for VRUs.
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VRUs are exposed and more likely to be harassed by law enforcement, especially youth and minorities. Removing restrictive rules may reduce some of this.