It might seem like more than a minor inconvenience, but bicyclists are still required to stop at stop signs in the City of Chicago. A bicyclist is operating a vehicle, and he or she is required to obey all signals and signs, just like other vehicles. When encountering a stop sign in front of them, vehicle operators must come to a complete stop.
The Idaho Stop in Illinois
Sometimes, rolling through a stop sign might be perfectly legal in Idaho. That’s what’s known as an Idaho stop, but such stops are illegal in Chicago, even if there’s no traffic approaching from any direction. One DePaul University study concluded that out of a total of 1 of every 25 bicyclists came to a complete stop at a stop sign, even if no cross traffic was approaching. Under the same conditions, 2 out of every three bicyclists go through red lights.
The Case for the Idaho Stop
The rational behind the Idaho stop is that it’s safer for a bicyclist to be in front of traffic where he or she can be seen rather than place himself or herself at a greater risk of harm by remaining at the side of another vehicle until that vehicle turns right and into the bicyclist. A minority of other states have already adopted the Idaho stop.
Critics of the Idaho stop fear that implementation of such a law in Chicago would allow a bicyclist to use too much discretion based on traffic conditions and momentum on the roadway. Such a measure would also increase confusion on liability issues in the event of an accident. Idaho stops have been before the legislature in Springfield several times. They were rejected yet again in February of 2022. Always remember that if you’re on a bicycle in the City of Chicago, a stop signs means that you must come to a complete stop. You’re not permitted any discretion on that mandate.