Opinion: Legalizing the ‘Idaho Stop’ will make California’s roads more dangerous for cyclists

To the editor: The legalization of reckless “Idaho Stops,” especially in a city like Los Angeles, would be a disaster for cyclists. (“Should California allow cyclists to roll through stop signs? Let’s give it a try,” editorial, May 6)

Your editorial did not mention the certain increase in terrible collisions involving cyclists and motorists if bike riders are allowed to roll through stop signs if no cars are present. Day and night there are scores of helmet-less, unlighted cyclists riding recklessly along sidewalks and weaving around moving cars, buses and trucks, often unseen until it’s too late. Paying a visit to an emergency room or reading news articles on the plight of injured cyclists might enlighten the doubters.

Los Angeles is a spread-out metropolis built decades ago for vehicles, unfortunately. I am a cyclist and a supporter and user of public transport, yet I wish local leaders would stop pretending we can become a compact city like Amsterdam. Let’s not encourage more recklessness on the road.

Jim McCarthy, Glendora

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To the editor: Without any apparent irony, your editorial debates the safety aspects of the so-called Idaho Stop for bicyclists.

In my experience, eight of 10 motorists already treat stop signs as yields or, worse, green lights.

Pete Fanning, Cardiff, Calif.

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To the editor: Simple observation shows that legalizing the Idaho Stop in California is a dangerous proposition.

Here in Redondo Beach, where many bicyclists use the road, I have been nearly run down many times when walking in the crosswalk as the riders speed through the stop signs. Cyclists here typically ignore the stop signs rather than slow down as they approach.

Common sense tells me that changing the law to allow cyclists to “roll through” the stop signs will only give those few who currently stop the license to barrel through as well.

If we try this out, how many accidents will there have to be before we realize the Idaho Stop is too dangerous and just a convenience for impatient cyclists?

Jim Phillips, Redondo Beach

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