Bicyclists could proceed on red

A 2003 law omission could be rectified much to the delight of those who prefer pedal power.

Sponsored by Rep. Phyllis Kahn (DFL-Mpls), HF2616 would allow a bicyclist to enter or cross an intersection against a red light under certain conditions, including the light showing red for an unreasonable amount of time; the bicyclist is unable to trigger the signal to change to green and no other vehicle or person is approaching that could pose a hazard.

“This just gives bicycles the same things that motorcycles have had for the last seven years,” Kahn said.

Approved Feb. 9 by the House Public Safety Policy and Oversight Committee, the bill heads to the House floor. A companion, SF2453, sponsored by Sen. Jim Carlson (DFL-Eagan), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Kahn said bicycles were included in a 2003 House bill allowing this provision for motorcyclists, but a conference committee removed the bicycle language.

“We emphasize following traffic regulations and stopping at stop signs,” said Dorian Grilley, executive director of the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota. “To that end, we’ve identified this problem that well-educated cyclists following the rules of the road often encounter, and, like motorcycles, we are often in a situation where we are unable to trip a traffic signal to turn from red to green.”

Without the change, Grilley said the possibility exists of bicyclists clogging intersections and inconveniencing other drivers behind them.

Many times while in a left-turn lane, Grilley said he has moved his bicycle into a crosswalk so a vehicle behind him could come up closer and trip the signal sensor so they could both turn on a green arrow.

“There will be more and more experienced bicyclists — if we have our way — that follow the rules of the road and use turn lanes and signalized intersections. Making this simple change would improve conditions for all vehicle drivers.”