Bikers ticketed by Loudoun County: The “Idaho Stop” a possible solution for “MS-8″ charity bicycle riders, bike tour groups & Virginia recreational cyclists
The Reston Bike Club discussing bike safety after a summer evening ride from Herndon at the W&OD Trail
The law in Idaho permits cyclists to roll up to a stop sign, yield the right of way, and then proceed without stopping. This is what the “MS-8″ Multiple Sclerosis charity ride participants did and what most bike commuters and weekend riders that I have observed do in Leesburg, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. The “Idaho Stop” law makes sense and should be adopted by other states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia. Click here for an excellent animated video by Spencer Boomhower as to how this law works and the efficiencies in bicycling. The “Idaho Stop” law does NOT allow a cyclist to “Blow through” or “Race through” a stop sign.
Had the “Idaho Stop” law been in effect during the Multiple Sclerosis charity ride or when the Potomac Peddlers bike group was stopped by the Loudoun County Police, then perhaps the “MS-8″ would have to appear in the Loudoun District Court tomorrow in Leesburg to contest the charges.
Gwen Gertz said
am July 6 2009 @ 11:48 am
Coming to a complete stop mid-race when there is no traffic to yield to seems illogical… (and also giving out tickets to participants of charity rides).
Doug said
am July 7 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Dear Miss Gertz,
You are correct. Most races have roads closed OR they tell participants they are NOT closed & to obey all street signs & signals. This was NO race. There was a charity fundraiser going on as well as a Potomac Peddler ride, and so I agree that giving out tickets, without warnings, did not seem to be the best idea under the circumstances. Luckily, we had a good results, see the 7/7/09 post. Thanks for your interest and comment, dkwl