Another U.S. State Embraces the Idaho Stop as New Mexico Passes Bike Safety Bill

New Mexico has joined a growing list of 13 states that have legalized the “Idaho Stop,” allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. Senate Bill 73, recently passed, permits riders to slow down and proceed through intersections when safe, rather than coming to a full stop.

This change follows similar legislation in multiple states, including Idaho, which pioneered the rule in 1982. Proponents argue that the Idaho Stop improves traffic flow, reduces collisions, and acknowledges the unique dynamics of cycling compared to motor vehicles.

Studies have shown that in states where the Idaho Stop is legal, cycling safety has improved. A 2010 study in Idaho found that bicycle injuries declined by 14.5% in the year following the law’s passage. Supporters argue that allowing cyclists to maintain momentum at intersections makes biking safer and more efficient while also reducing unnecessary interactions with cars.

Another study,  in Transportation Research Part C by Jasmin Woodside, Hisham Jashami, David S. Hurwitz, Rhonda Young, and Kevin Chang examined how bicycle rolling stop (BRS) laws impact drivers and cyclists. Using a networked driving and bicycling simulator, 30 cyclists and 30 drivers navigated stop-controlled intersections.

The study found that educating cyclists on BRS laws significantly altered their behavior.

“Bicyclists generally yielded at stop signs and advanced through intersections at higher speeds,” the study notes. This suggests that when cyclists understand and feel comfortable with the rules, they move more efficiently and safely through intersections.

Drivers also adapted, approaching intersections more cautiously—either maintaining speed or slowing down—suggesting these laws improve efficiency and safety for all road users.

As more states consider adopting similar laws, the debate continues between those prioritizing safety through clear, uniform traffic laws and those advocating for a more flexible approach that accounts for the realities of cycling. With New Mexico’s approval of the measure, the momentum for the Idaho Stop continues to grow across the U.S.