Red Light at T-intersection

Question

Mark asked: If a cyclist is riding in a bike lane or shoulder and come upon a red light, must the cyclist stop if the only intersecting road is on the opposite lane (a T-intersection)? Is there a difference in what is required for a bike lane as opposed to a shoulder?

Answer

I assume you are referring to a bicyclist crossing the top of the T in the intersection. If it is in a bike lane it is clear. The bike lane is part of the roadway and the following statute applies.

s. 316.075 – Traffic Control Signal Devices

(c) Steady red indication

1. Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown ….

If on a paved shoulder, it is less clear. The paved shoulder is not part of the roadway, but the statute does not specify the location of the vehicle, only that it is facing a red light.

The crosswalk referred to in the statute is part of the roadway and does not include the paved shoulder.

 s. 316.003 – Definitions

(15) Crosswalk

(a) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway, measured from the curbs or, in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway.

(66) Roadway – That portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder.

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