The bicycle riders of Washington state may soon have Idaho to thank for a safer ride.
Idaho has allowed bicycle riders to treat stop signs as yield signs for nearly 40 years. Now, Washington lawmakers are talking about adopting the so-called "Idaho stop."
If it becomes law, Washington would join Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho and Oregon in allowing cyclists to proceed through a stop sign as long as they have a clear right of way.
Spokane state Senator Andy Billig introduced the bill, which was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday.
Supporters say the rule change is intuitive for bike riders and will make cycling through intersections safer.
The year after Idaho adopted its yield law in 1982, cycling injuries dropped by 14%, according to an analysis of data from Idaho’s Office of Highway and Traffic Safety.