Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

1 minute read

January 14, 2025, 9:22 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

vit / Adobe Stock

Two new studies affirm the benefits of the Bicycle Safety Stop, also known as the Idaho Stop or the bike stop-as-yield, reports Jared Sanchez in Streetsblog California.

Sanchez notes that cyclists aren’t the only ones who routinely treat stop signs as yield signs. “Of course, many people in cars also roll through stop signs when there are no other vehicles present; this is a common and logical behavior for all road users, though it carries different risks for people operating two-ton machines. For bike riders, stop-as-yield is essential for efficient riding because it conserves the momentum lost when starting after coming to a complete stop.”

One study showed that bike riders can safely navigate intersections and share the road with people in cars by treating stop signs as yields. However, “The study concluded that stop-as-yield laws would work better if states included information about them in driver handbooks — something even Idaho does not do.”

A second study revealed that almost all road users — people on bikes, walking, and in cars — reported occasionally breaking laws. While drivers and pedestrians reported flouting the law to save time, most cyclists reported they broke traffic rules for safety reasons. “Again, this study finds a need for better public education so people driving and biking can share the road safely.”

Friday, January 10, 2025 in Streetsblog California

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of Donald Shoup during interview.

Legendary Parking Guru Donald Shoup Dies at 86

Urbanists are mourning the loss of a dynamic voice for parking reform and walkable cities.

February 10, 2025 - StreetsBlog NYC

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

February 11, 2025 - Mother Jones

Row of vehicles parked and plugged in at EV charging station.

Federal EV Charging Program Suspended

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program planned to fund the construction of hundreds of EV charging stations across the country.

February 9, 2025 - Wired

‘Umeke Lā‘au: Culture Medicine art installation - giant wooden sculpture of calabash with people standing inside.

A Monument to Resilience: Native Hawaiian Art Installation Honors History and Healing

The towering ʻUmeke Lāʻau installation by Native Hawaiian artist Meleanna Aluli Meyer, unveiled at Honolulu's city hall, is a powerful symbol of cultural resilience and healing.

February 18 - University of Hawai'i News

Close-up of narge eucalyptus tree.

Rethinking Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Which Trees Should We Plant?

Fire experts emphasize the need to replace highly flammable trees like Mexican fan palms and eucalyptus with fire-resistant species such as oak, sycamore, and toyon, while also strengthening home fire defenses to reduce wildfire risks in California.

February 18 - Los Angeles Times

Aerial view of Fremont, California.

Fremont, California Criminalizes Homelessness, “Abetting” Encampments

Non-profits worry the ordinance, which does not explicitly exempt service providers, will have a chilling effect on unhoused residents and those who offer resources.

February 18 - The Guardian

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.