New bike law begins Jan. 1
(DECEMBER 13, 2019) A new state law for bicyclists begins January 1. It allows bicyclists to slow and yield at stop signs or flashing red lights. Yield means cyclists stop if there is other traffic. They can do this instead of stopping completely.
Oregon is the fourth state to allow this. The other states are Idaho, Delaware, and Arkansas.
Cyclists must still stop at solid red traffic lights. They must stop for people in crosswalks. They must try to avoid accidents. They must also follow directions of police officers.
The new law applies only to bike riders. The law does not apply to motorcycles, unicycles, or scooters.
"Bicycles are very different than cars and they should be treated differently in statute," explains Jonathan Maus. He is a cycling advocate and editor of Bike Portland. He tells Willamette Week newspaper: "This is a big step forward not just because of the law change itself, but because it shows bicycling as an issue in Salem has evolved. ... This bodes very well for future bicycle-related legislation."
Chinn, Hannah. “The Oregon House Just Passed A Bill to Allow Cyclists to Treat Stop Signs Like Yield Signs.” Willamette Week, 26 June 2019, www.wweek.com/news/state/2019/06/26/the-oregon-house-just-passed-a-bill-to-allow-cyclists-to-treat-stop-signs-like-yield-signs/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.
“FAQ: Oregon’s New Stop as Yield Law | Bike Law.” Bike Law, 13 Sept. 2019, www.bikelaw.com/2019/09/faq-oregons-new-stop-as-yield-law/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.
KTVZ news sources. “Oregon Cyclists ‘stop as Yield’ Rule Change Begins Jan. 1 - KTVZ.” KTVZ, 12 Dec. 2019, ktvz.com/news/2019/12/11/oregon-cyclists-stop-as-yield-rule-change-begins-jan-1/. Accessed 13 Dec. 2019.