On January 1, 2020, new rules go into effect in Oregon that will allow people riding bicycles to yield at stop signs or flashing red beacons instead of stopping completely, under certain conditions. People riding bicycles must still completely stop at a solid red traffic signal.
The new rules were created in part due to the physical effort required to stop and start a bicycle. Oregon, Idaho, Delaware and Arkansas have enacted laws recognizing this difference and specifying the conditions under which a cyclist may slow and yield instead of coming to a complete stop.
The new Oregon law requires that people riding bicycles approaching a stop sign or flashing red light slow to a reasonable speed, yield to anyone already in the intersection, and not approach others in the intersection so closely it would create a hazard. People riding bicycles must stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, make every effort to avoid an accident, and follow the directions of a police officer or flagger.
