Study Shows Rolling Stops are Safe for Bicyclists

The debate over Bicycle Rolling Stops (BRS) laws, also known as the Idaho Stop, has gained traction as more states consider adopting this legislation. Originally implemented in Idaho in 1982, the law allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, meaning they can slow down, check for traffic, and proceed without coming to a complete stop. The idea behind this is simple: it conserves the cyclist’s momentum, making it easier and more efficient to navigate intersections while also potentially reducing crash risks. It can also keep traffic moving and help alleviate congestion.

The Study: What Does It Tell Us?

A recent study conducted by researchers Jasmin Woodside, Hisham Jashami, David S. Hurwitz, Rhonda Young, and Kevin Chang, and published in Transportation Research Part C took a closer look at how these laws affect both drivers and cyclists. The team used an innovative approach, setting up a networked driving and bicycling simulator where participants—30 cyclists and 30 drivers—interacted in a simulated environment with stop-controlled intersections.

The study found that after cyclists were educated about the BRS laws, their behavior changed significantly.

“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. Interestingly, the study also observed that drivers, when educated about the BRS laws, approached intersections more cautiously, either maintaining the same speed or slowing down. This is a promising finding as it indicates that drivers can adapt to these laws without creating additional safety risks.

However, the study also highlights a critical point: education and outreach are essential. Simply passing a law isn’t enough; both cyclists and drivers need to understand how it works and why it’s beneficial.

Where Is the Idaho Stop in Effect?

So far, several states have followed Idaho’s lead in implementing versions of the Bicycle Rolling Stop law, including those below:

• Delaware: Known as the “Delaware Yield,” this version allows cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs.
• Arkansas: Adopted a similar law to Idaho’s in 2019.
• Oregon: Implemented the Bicycle Rolling Stop in 2019, followed by Washington in 2020.
• Colorado: Some municipalities in Colorado have adopted the Idaho Stop, although it’s not a statewide law.

One of the most recent to adopt the Idaho Stop is the state of Minnesota under a certain governor now running for Vice President, Tim Walz. He approved the rolling stop option as part of a massive 2023 transportation package.

According to the League of Bicyclists some 22 states have now adopted some form of rolling stops. Some states also allow cyclists to proceed through red lights at intersections when safe to do so, while some states put a variety of conditions on Idaho stops but allow it to some extent.

The trend is clear: more states are considering these laws as a way to make cycling safer and more efficient. Except in Canada, where the idea has absolutely zero traction.

What’s Next?

The research supports the idea that BRS laws can make intersections safer for both cyclists and drivers, but it also underscores the need for widespread education and consistent enforcement. The study’s authors argue that more states should consider adopting these laws, but only if they are accompanied by efforts to inform the public.

As the movement for bicycle rolling stops laws grows, the question remains: will more states join Idaho, Delaware, and others in adopting these rules? With evidence suggesting that it could improve safety and efficiency, the case for expanding the Idaho Stop is becoming harder to ignore.