CHOKEPOINTS

Bike riders may soon get to legally run red lights

Mar 17, 2015, 1:12 PM | Updated: Mar 18, 2015, 8:35 am

State representatives are working to allow cyclists and motorcycle riders to pass through intersect...

State representatives are working to allow cyclists and motorcycle riders to pass through intersections during a red light. (MyNorthwest file photo)

(MyNorthwest file photo)

Cyclists may soon get a free pass to run red lights.

Senate Bill 5438 would allow riders who wait for a full cycle at a traffic signal that is triggered by vehicle detection to proceed through the red light, if the rider is not detected.

The Cascade Bicycle Club and Washington Bikes have pushed for passage of the bill.

“A lot of our old signals and detection systems don’t work for cyclists and mopeds,” said bicycle club Advocacy Director Jeff Aken.

Riders would be allowed to make left turns through the intersection. In order to be eligible to proceed, a rider would have to come to a complete stop.

Detection issues at intersections becomes more of a problem at night, or other times with less traffic, Aken said. It mostly occurs with older technology, but even new technology can be finicky. Cyclists sometimes have to reposition themselves, or use the cross walk in order to proceed legally at an intersection, he said.

The bill covers bicycles and electric and motorized bikes.

A similar bill that allows motorcycles to pass through red lights passed last year.

Though he agrees that education about the new law, if it passes, would be beneficial, Aken doesn’t think anyone will be in danger.

“I don’t think it will put cyclists at risk,” he said.
The bill is scheduled to be read in executive session in the House Committee on Transportation on March 19.

Chokepoints

I-5 overpass 145th seattle...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: I-5 overpass at 145th in Seattle to close

The North 145th Street overpass of I-5, right there at the new light rail station, is about to close for seven months.

1 hour ago

Photo: WSDOT crews pump concrete at new Veterans Drive tunnel....

Nate Connors

Late night I-5 closures coming up this week as WSDOT works on new tunnel

Contractors WSDOT are prepping for work on the new Veterans Drive Tunnel beneath I-5, adjacent to State Route 516.

15 hours ago

Image: A Pierce Transit Stream Bus can be seen in Pierce County....

Micki Gamez

South Sound travelers may opt for transit after major service change

It's been seven years since Pierce Transit announced a major service change. The change means more access to Tacoma and the region.

2 days ago

headphones windshield obstructions...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Driving with headphones, windshield obstructions in Washington

It's another episode of "rules of the road," I'm tackling two driving questions: Using headphones or windshield obstructions while driving.

2 days ago

four-way stops...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Why do so many people get freaked out at four-way stops?

There is no mystery to how four-way stops work, so why do so many people mess up this simple maneuver?

7 days ago

There's a right way and a wrong way to turn into traffic with a bus lane. (Graphic: Bill Kaczaraba,...

Chris Sullivan

Sullivan: Sweeping bus-only lanes, what’s the right move?

I received feedback from my story on lane sweeping last week. But what happens when you are turning and the closest lane is restricted?

9 days ago

Bike riders may soon get to legally run red lights