Running Stop Signs

Running stop signs is far too common in town. As noted on the stop signs page, vehicles, including bicycles (law), are required to stop at stop signs. Rolling through stops (the famed "California Roll") is illegal and unsafe. The driver of the vehicle puts himself at risk, as well as other drivers and especially pedestrians.

Some people might argue that rolling through a stop while bicycling can be safe, especially if there are no cars approaching the intersection. This is rather similar to a pedestrian not stopping before using the crosswalk, since the bicyclists senses aren't damped by hundreds of lbs. of metal and glass like the motorists are, thus enabling complete observation of the intersection. Strictly speaking this is true, but many cases of rolling stops are performed when there is plenty of other traffic around, approaching from the right or left, or oncoming, which can lead to accidents.

Failing to stop before driving through an intersection with a stop sign is a moving violation. The standard ticket is up to $140, if a police officer catches you. Bike Stings often result in many people getting caught. Frequently, a police officer will post his/herself outside Holmes Junior High, and possibly other schools, after school has ended, and ticket youngins by the dozen.