Berkeley could decide to deprioritize enforcement of people on bikes who treat stop signs as yield signs when the intersection is free of traffic.
The Berkeley City Council recently "voted to explore potential changes to local bicycle traffic laws, most notably moving the city toward an 'Idaho Stop' policy, meaning cyclists approaching an empty intersection could treat stop signs as yields and only come to complete stops at red lights," according to an article by Daniel Lempres.
The city would have to deprioritize enforcement because of a state law, but it would be the first city in California to do so.
"The council vote will send the “Idaho Stop” proposal to the Transportation Commission for review and refinement. Council also asked the commission to look at creating a ticket diversion program so cyclists could attend safety classes rather than pay a fine," adds Lempress.
The Idaho Stop decision is included in context of many other bicycle safety efforts in Berkeley as part of the city's Vision Zero initiative. The city already has a high rate of bicycle commuting, but residents have indicated that they would ride bikes more often if the city's streets were safer.
FULL STORY: Berkeley looks to give cyclists more leeway at stop signs
Virginia's Proposed Bicycle Safety Act Puts the Onus on Drivers
Three-foot passing rules are safe. Requiring drivers to change lanes to pass people on bikes are even safer.
Let’s End Traffic Stops
The technology to make traffic enforcement obsolete is becoming available. But in the U.S. willing to use it?
Starting Today: The Idaho Stop Is Legal in Washington State
A law passed in March allowing people on bikes to treat stop signs as yield signs when conditions permit takes effect today in Washington State.
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service