Stop signs

[Deborajen]

I always try to stop and unclip at every stop sign, but I'm guilty of not always completely stopping at a wide open intersection that has very little traffic. I'm going to try to make it an always commitment now, especially with gas prices so high and so many new and inexperienced riders coming out. I've seen some bad stuff lately with inexperienced riders blowing red lights, cutting in front of cars, etc. Especially now we need to set a good example.

Deb

[sundial]

If I'm out on a lonely stretch of road with no cars present, I look both ways and proceed through the stop sign. If I'm in traffic, and I make a right turn at either a stop sign or red light, I stop 1) if there are cars signaling to turn and they have the right of way or 2) I do a rolling stop if there are no cars and proceed to turn right on a red light. Otherwise, I come to a complete stop, unclip, watch, and yield to traffic.

[Flybye]

Not all states are the same. In Idaho, we can slow through a stop sign but we should always stop at a red light when approaching an intersection of two way traffic:

49-720. STOPPING -- TURN AND STOP SIGNALS.

1. A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a stop sign shall slow down and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. After slowing to a reasonable speed or stopping, the person shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving across or within the intersection or junction of highways, except that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.
2. A person operating a bicycle or human-powered vehicle approaching a steady red traffic-control signal shall stop before entering the intersection, except that a person after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a right-hand turn without stopping or may cautiously make a left-hand turn onto a one-way highway without stopping.
3. A person riding a bicycle shall comply with the provisions of section 49-643, Idaho Code.
4. A signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given during not less than the last one hundred (100) feet traveled by the bicycle before turning, provided that a signal by hand and arm need not be given if the hand is needed in the control or operation of the bicycle.

That being said, I rarely stop at a stop sign and unclip - I only do so if the need arises to wait my turn for a car that has beat me to the stop sign to proceed.

We only have 9 intersections in our city with stop lights. 10 if you count the one headed out of town. I stop for lights.

[malkin]

I figure that the rude bike riders become rude drivers when they get in their cars.

I stop when there's anyone around or likely to be around. When it's plainly deserted I roll through.

[bmccasland]

I generally stop at all stop signs, unless on an escorted organized ride where the cops are waving us through. What fun!

But like Jolt, there are some stop signs buried in my neighborhood to stop cars from barreling through, and I slow roll through them. Although early saturday mornings when I'm making my croisant run, I tend to ride through like they don't exist. Where streets intersect, I slow roll, ready to hit the brakes.

[malkin]

Cops waving us through is the best! In that case I wave and shout "Thank You!" and wish that more riders did too. Even though it's their job and they're getting paid and all that, we can still let them know we appreciate it.

[tc1]

Always come to a full stop. Sometimes it's a trackstand stop, where I don't put a foot down, but a stop nonetheless. I am kinda self-righteous about following rules, and since I have commuted by foot and bicycle and skates and skateboard and motorcycle and large and small cars and vans and trucks I feel more than qualified to comment. I used to be one of those jerks who shouted at stupid jaywalkers, I am almost over that but it's so hard. Don't have a combination endorsement, though and probably won't ever get one.

And yeah, the traffic actuated lights work by induction if they are working properly-a ferrous conductor cutting through a magnetic field. Aluminum is a fantastic conductor but not an inductive material. The lights default back to a timed cycle if the detectors aren't working.