Attention Needed: H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments

What is H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments?

Sponsored by Rep. Carol Spackman Moss, this bill amends traffic code provisions relating to operating a bicycle on the roadway allowing an individual operating a bicycle to yield at stop signs under certain circumstances. 

Why is this relevant to bicycling?

Other states who have passed similar legislation have experienced a decrease in bicycle injuries at controlled intersections. For example, Idaho reports that injuries dropped 14.5 percent after Idaho passed the law in 1982. Delaware passed similar legislation in 2017, allowing cyclists to utilize stop signs as yields when no traffic was present. Since then, they have seen a 23% decrease in bike injuries at stop-controlled intersections. 

How does this actually improve safety?

Utah is in the middle of a bicycling boom that shows no signs of slowing. According to data from UDOT, in 2020 bike trips increased by 52%. This is arguably one of the more positive results of the pandemic. Studies indicate that the revisions proposed in HB 142 will increase safety for cyclists and reduce incidents of crashes at intersections. 

According to Utah’s Department of Public Safety’s crash data, in 2019, over 50% of Bicycle Involved motor-vehicle crashes occurred when the vehicles were turning (right or left) at intersections. Over the past 10 years, people on bikes are 30x more likely to be involved in a crash at a stop sign than a yield sign. 

Invoking the Cyclist Traffic Amendment in Utah is a cost-effective way to decrease bicycle involved motor-vehicle crashes. 

How Bike Utah will support this effort?

If this law passes, Bike Utah will utilize our network of bicycle advocates across the state to support the process of educating cyclists and drivers on how to do this safely and effectively. It will be quick work to educate Utahns and create a consistent expectation for cyclists and drivers alike. 

To support the H.B. 142 Cyclist Traffic Amendments submit your information to give public comment or join the segment below: