Private Idaho

I've learned about a pro-cycling bill being discussed in the Utah Legislature this year, HB 91, that would allow cyclists to make rolling stops when safe. Idaho has had this same type of legislation for years and it has been safely implemented there. I just wrote to my legislators in favor of this bill. You can too, if you live in Utah, by entering your address on the Legislator finder. Here is what I said in my letter:

Dear Representative / Senator,

I am a voting citizen in your district. I am writing in support of House Bill 91, Traffic Control Signs for Bicycles. I have been an active cyclist for several years, commuting to work when weather permits, participating in organized group rides, and cycling for fun and fitness. I have ridden my bicycle in excess of 1,000 miles for the past three years.

During the time I’ve been riding there have been several times when the provisions of HB91 would have been very helpful to me, and increased safety. Let me cite a few examples of how this bill would actually increase safety for a cylsist like me.

A few years ago I was on a group ride and approached an intersection. Another rider recognized that the light at  this intersection would only change when an automobile activiated the magnetic sensor. That cyclist went through the red light. I, however, wanting to obey the law, left the lane of through traffic, crossed the right turn lane perpendicular to traffic, and activated a pedestrian crossing on the sidewalk. I than had to cross the turn lane again to return to the through lane. This actually put me at higher risk than crossing the intersection against the light would have because I had less control of my bike in those strange maneuvers, and there was no cross traffic approaching. I have had similar experiences in various areas of Salt Lake County.

There is an intersection at 1300 West and 5400 South that I regularly cross as part of my commute where the light triggers only with an automobile on the sensor. I have waited at this intersection for several minutes awaiting a vehicle to activate the light. At this intersection the only access to a pedestrian button is across on-coming / right turning traffic. I contravene the law by crossing to activate the button, or by going through the intersection.

I will admit that I have, at times, treated a stop sign at a “T” intersection as a yield when I am passing through the side with no cross street. Doing this allows me to remain in control of my bicycle without putting any other people or vehicles at risk. While I realize that this allows me to maintain control of the bicycle by maintaining momentum, I don’t know that others understand this as well. I do worry about the perception of other drivers when I have done this. However, by making this type of maneuver a legal activity, it will let me – and other cyclists – safely negotiate this type of intersection as well as sign controlled intersectiosn on quiet roadways more efficiently and safely.

I understand there may be concerns about safety. In this regard I submit that a cyclist does need to be aware of pedestrians, but also has great reason to be aware of automobiles in the area. In any automobile to bicycle collision, the cyclist will lose, whether legally in the right or wrong. For this reason, I believe that cyclists will continue to approach intersections with care, and avail themselves of the increased latitude only when doing so will not lead to personal harm.

I appreciate your taking the time to read my views on this bill, and strongly encourage you to vote in favor of HB91.