Bicyclists Stopping at an Intersection?

Question

Sharon asked: When waiting for a light to change to go through an intersection, where must a bicycle stop? I remember hearing that a cyclist could move forward into the crosswalk area.

Answer

A bicycle is a vehicle and in most circumstances the operator must follow the laws for other drivers. If proceeding straight through the intersection, you must stop at the stop bar or if none, the other location as indicated in the statute.

s. 316.123Vehicle Entering Stop or Yield Intersection

(2)(a) …. every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection.

An exception to that might be if the cyclist intended to make a left turn and cross as a pedestrian, or move to the right and to the sidewalk. You could stop at the stop bar, then enter the sidewalk or crosswalk and follow the rules for pedestrians, obeying any pertinent crossing signals.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(9) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

2 Comments on “Bicyclists Stopping at an Intersection?

  1. A cyclist or motorist who moves forward into the crosswalk area may block a considerable portion of the crosswalk. Even if no potential crosswalk user initially appears to be present when the cyclist or motorist arrives and stops for the red light, a runner or other pedestrian might show up in a moment.

    • Dwight,

      It always ticks me off when a motorist stops so that they’re blocking some or all of the crosswalk/driveway and then they look at the pedestrian or cyclist as if they’re the one who is wrong for not wanting to exit the crosswalk in order to cross the street/driveway. Or they get upset when asked to backup.

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