Category: Stop Signs & Red Lights

Bicyclists must comply with stop signs and traffic signals and all other traffic control devices such as pavement markings since they are operating vehicles.  Intersections present special problems and unsafe conditions for cyclists, so when proceeding straight, moving to the center of the through lane is legal and recommended, even if a bike lane is present.

Group Riding

Cyclists riding in a group are not entitled to any special treatment.  They are individuals operating vehicles.  They must comply with the statutes that require single file or no more than two abreast in a single lane.  Cycling more than two abreast, except in a bike lane, or in more than a single lane is never permitted.

Bicyclists in a group are treated as individual vehicle operators in the law and must comply individually with traffic control devices. Discretion is suggested since strict compliance with this statute may result in inordinate delays for other traffic.  For example, if each cyclist in a long line of singled up cyclists in turn stops and yields at a stop sign, other drivers behind them may be seriously delayed in crossing the intersection.  Slowing and crossing as a group may facilitate traffic flow, but provisions for that are not in the statutes.