Some people may have not consciously thought of it, but it is common sense for any pedestrian or cyclist to stop, pause, look, and go – at any and every crossing.
And, this was a message that was reinforced by a video posted by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) yesterday.
If jaywalkers can be fined, OPP is totally right that cyclists can too for disobeying road rules.
Stop signs are for everyone – INCLUDING cyclists. Yes, you can get a ticket for not stopping at a stop sign on a bike. Road users, cyclists & motorists share safety responsibilities while using the roadways. #cyclesafe #drivesafe #communitysafety @TownOfCaledon #CaledonOPP ^im pic.twitter.com/9wxuwgWAlf
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) July 5, 2023
Forcing cyclists to stop, rather than yield, serves no benefit to anyone.
In fact, an “Idaho Stop” (yielding at a stop sign, and treating a stop light as a stop sign) has been shown time and time again to be safer, creates less traffic congestion, and simply makes more sense for cyclists.
It especially makes sense in situations like what’s shown in the video: group rides.
It’s time to follow in the steps of at least seven US states by decriminalizing nonsense cyclist laws, and allowing the Idaho Stop to be used.
Also, the OPP should focus on making streets safer by going after the real danger to public safety: motorists.