Bicyclists can treat stop signs as yields under Idaho law

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — Bicyclists in Idaho can legally ride in the roadway and are not required to stop at stop signs under state law, according to the Twin Falls Police Department.

Bicycle-related IDAHO CODE

Lt. Steven Gassert said bicycles operating on roadways must stay as close to the curb as possible but are allowed to use the road. Idaho law permits bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, slowing down to check for traffic before proceeding through.

“The bicyclists are required to yield to any vehicles that are currently in the intersection or are approaching the intersection that could cause a safety issue,” Gassert said.

Failure to yield the right-of-way could result in a citation for either a bicyclist or a driver, depending on who had the responsibility to yield in a given situation.

Idaho law allows bicyclists to move away from the curb in certain circumstances, including when preparing to make a left-hand turn or when avoiding an obstruction in the roadway.

Gassert said motorists should exercise caution around bicyclists.

“You’re driving a much heavier vehicle than a bicycle,” he said. “Have that due regard, have that caution, slow down, give them some space.”

He said both bicyclists and motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and respectful of others on the road.