Road Safety Archives | Bend Bella Cyclists

Stop as Yield for Cyclists

On January 1, 2020, new rules go into effect in Oregon that will allow people riding bicycles to yield at stop signs or flashing red beacons instead of stopping completely, under certain conditions. People riding bicycles must still completely stop at a solid red traffic signal.

The new rules were created in part due to the physical effort required to stop and start a bicycle. Oregon, Idaho, Delaware and Arkansas have enacted laws recognizing this difference and specifying the conditions under which a cyclist may slow and yield instead of coming to a complete stop.

The new Oregon law requires that people riding bicycles approaching a stop sign or flashing red light slow to a reasonable speed, yield to anyone already in the intersection, and not approach others in the intersection so closely it would create a hazard. People riding bicycles must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, make every effort to avoid an accident, and follow the directions of a police officer or flagger.

The full details of the new law are found in Oregon Senate Bill 998 enacted this past August. This updates Oregon Revised Statute 811.260 and 811.265. Violations to the rule are considered improper entry to an intersection – a Class D traffic violation subject with fines of $115, or $225 if in a work zone or school zone.

Reprinted from https://www.bendoregon.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3558/

Bike Riding: Group Safety

Road Safety / By The Bellas

(adapted from www.bikeleague.org)

Be Predictable

In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself
Riders expect you to continue straight and at a constant speed
Signal your intention to turn or slow down before you do so

Use Signals

Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others
Left or right arm straight out to indicate left or right turn
Left arm out and down with palm to the rear

Give Warnings

Ride leaders should call out turns and stops in addition to signaling
Announce turns before the intersections to give riders a chance to position themselves
Try to avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies

Change Positions Correctly

Slower moving traffic stays to the right; faster traffic to the left
Pass slower moving vehicles on the left; announce your intention to do so
Announce passes on the right clearly as this is not a usual maneuver

Announce Hazards

Most cyclists in a group do not have a full view of the road.
Announce / point out glass, gravel & potholes and other hazards

Watch for Traffic from the Rear

The last rider should frequently check for overtaking cars
Announce “car back” clearly and loudly
It is also helpful to announce “car up” on narrow / winding roads.

Watch Out at Intersections

Leaders should announce slowing or stopping at intersections if necessary
Cyclists should not follow others through intersections without scanning
Each cyclist is responsible for checking cross traffic; if you must stop, signal
Never regroup at an intersection – either before or after – depending upon safety.

Leave Room for Cars / Share the Road

On narrow, winding roads avoid a long string of riders, which drivers can’t pass (Drivers can pass 2- 4 riders easily, not a large group)
Good relations with motorists is the responsibility of every cyclist (a ‘Thank you’ waive for courtesy is great PR!)

Stop Off the Road

When stopping for mechanicals or regrouping, always move off the road
Only if conditions permit should you move back onto the road as a group

Ride to the Right - Always!

It is illegal to ride more than two abreast (practice being close and comfortable)
Never approach the center line — even on quiet, country roads. (An oncoming vehicle will perceive riders in the middle of the road as dangerous or arrogant.)

Road Safety