Possible law change to allow Oregon cyclists to treat stop signs like yield signs

Portland, Ore — A bill that would grant cyclists the legal ability to roll past stop signs without stopping in some circumstances is now advancing through the Oregon Legislature.

Senate Bill 998 would effectively turn stop signs and flashing red signals at intersections into yield signs for cyclists. People on bikes would have the ability to slowly roll into an intersection without stopping if it’s safe to do so. Cyclists would still have to follow directions of a police officer or a flagger and yield to pedestrians or drivers who have right of way. The bill does allow for penalties to cyclists who fail to “exercise care to avoid an accident.”

Jonathan Maus of Bikeportland.org , a local cycling advocate, talks one-on-one with Steve Dunn about why he supports the law change, and his thoughts on safety concerns for cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians.

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