In an effort to reduce cyclist injuries and to help them better navigate intersections, Minnesota lawmakers recently legalized what is affectionately known as the “Idaho Stop.”
Included in the traffic bill that was recently passed was a section on the legalization of the Idaho Stop, which allows cyclists to legally pass by a stop sign if there is no other traffic around. The law states:
“A bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk … if there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.”
The Idaho Stop Law
As you may have guessed, the maneuver was first legalized by Idaho in 1982, and studies show that it led to a subsequent decrease in cyclist injuries. Proponents of the Idaho Stop say that it:
- Helps cyclists get ahead of traffic and increases their visibility to other road users.
- Improves safety by allowing cyclists to pick the moment it’s safest for them to cross an intersection.
- Improves the overall flow of traffic by allowing cyclists to maintain their momentum when other drivers are not near the intersection.
It’s worth noting that while many other states have legalized the Idaho Stop at both stop signs and stop lights, right now the change will only affect intersections with stop signs. If a cyclist approaches an intersection with a red light, they will need to stop and abide by normal traffic laws, even if there are no other parties at the intersection.
Although the traffic package has been passed, the new Idaho Stop law will not go into effect until August 1, 2023. For now, you’ll need to continue stopping at stop signs while on your bike even if there are no vehicles at the intersection.
It is nice to see that Minnesota lawmakers are making a common sense change that will help to decrease cyclist-vehicle collisions across the state. If you are a cyclist and were injured at an intersection or by a driver who opened their car door as you rode by, know that you have compensation options. We’ve helped countless cyclists get the compensation they deserve following a vehicle collision and we can do the same for you. For more information, or for help with your cyclist injury claim, reach out to the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
