Bike Laws

Group of people on bikes stopped at red light on street in Stockholm, Sweden.

Cyclists may be Right to run Stop Signs and Red Lights. Here’s why

One researcher argues that the Idaho stop might not be such a bad idea after all.

November 20, 2025 - Steve Lorteau

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

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.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

Two people riding bikes with helmets on paved park trail

‘Arrested Mobility’: How Transportation-Related Laws Impact Black Americans

A far-reaching new study highlights the disproportionate effect of biking and walking laws on the mobility of Black Americans.

March 29, 2023 - Streetsblog USA

People on bikes in front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

D.C. Moves Forward With Idaho Stop Plan

A proposal to outlaw right turns on red and legalize the so-called Idaho Stop for bikes and scooters is aimed at improving road safety and limiting dangerous interactions between cyclists and drivers.

September 21, 2022 - Washingtonian

"No turn on red" sign

D.C. Could Legalize ‘Idaho Stop,’ Ban Right Turns on Red

Proposed legislation would allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and eliminate right turns on red in an effort to reduce cyclist and pedestrian fatalities.

August 2, 2022 - The Washington Post

Broadway Bike Lane

Faster E-Bikes Pose Regulation Dilemma

As a growing number of devices fall outside of traditional vehicle classes, policymakers must decide how to classify and regulate high-speed e-bikes.

November 9, 2021 - Bloomberg CityLab

Bikes on Marcy Ave, new York

Opinion: Only Slower Traffic Reduces Traffic Deaths

A package of bills in the New York legislature seeks to increase licensing and safety requirements for bikes, e-bikes, and scooters. But research shows speeding and impaired driving are still the top killers of pedestrians and cyclists.

June 24, 2021 - Curbed

Biking in Denver

Colorado Legislature Wants to Make it Easier to Legalize the 'Idaho Stop'

They call it a "Safety Stop" in Colorado, but it's the same idea.

April 22, 2018 - Streetsblog Denver

Rules of the Road: Reckless 'Driving' Brings Dire Penalties for Bicyclist

A California Court of Appeal wades into the history of driving laws to determine if a drunken cyclist who maimed a jogger can be charged with reckless driving. The cyclist was not charged with drunken driving. Not all laws are applied the same.

July 28, 2014 - San Francisco Chronicle

Even Celebrities Get Ticketed for Riding the Wrong Way in the Big Apple

As all law-abiding cyclists know, one must ride with, not against the traffic, even if you are Alec Baldwin. The actor was arrested for the violation, plus a few additional things, like not having ID, that made matters worse.

May 16, 2014 - The New York Times

When Will Laws and Attitudes Catch Up With Cycling's Growth?

Cyclist deaths are rising across the U.S., but in most cities and states, drivers are rarely punished. As more people embrace cycling and more cities encourage it; it's time our laws, infrastructure, and attitudes are reformed to make cycling safer.

November 11, 2013 - The New York Times

Biker's Ed Class Debuts in NYC for Cycling Scofflaws

As a penalty for certain offenses, a new sentencing option sends New York City's cycling scofflaws to a remedial class to learn about bicycles and traffic, reports J. David Goodman.

August 1, 2012 - The New York Times

Ticketed For NOT Riding In The Bike Lane

New York City cyclist Casey Neistat got ticketed $50 by the NYC police for riding outside the bike lane - which may in fact not be illegal, but tell the officer and judge that.

June 13, 2011 - YouTube

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

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