Just Ask Jim: Bike Safety and the New Stop-as-Yield Law

We’ve already discussed how to bike safely in the heat, but in all weather, Hilton Head bikers need to know the rules of the road. Some riders might be unaware that a new law was signed in South Carolina last month that changes the way bicyclists are allowed to approach stop signs and red lights. Our resident expert and president of Bike Walk Hilton Head Island Jim Hall offered insights into what the Stop-as-Yield law means for Hilton Head bikers and tips for rolling out safely..

Before we get started, let’s go back a bit to explore the history of this new-to-South-Carolina law. Initially enacted in Idaho, it was called the Idaho Stop law. First passed in 1982, it allowed cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs. The state of Delaware added a provision that riders could also take red lights as stop signs in 2006. Through the years, several other states from Alaska to Arkansas and also Washington, D.C. have adopted their own version.

It was signed into law in South Carolina on May 18 and became effective on June 5.  

How the Law Works  

With the Stop-as-Yield law, when a cyclist approaches an intersection with a traffic light, the cyclist can now proceed through a red light after first making a complete stop and yielding the right of way to all oncoming traffic. Additionally, at a red light, a cyclist can turn right on red without stopping after slowing down and yielding to oncoming traffic or turn left onto a one-way road after stopping and, of course, yielding the right of way to oncoming traffic.

At stop signs, riders must slow down. But if there is no immediate hazard, they can cautiously enter the intersection. However, the rider still needs to yield right of way to other traffic using the intersection and, most importantly, to pedestrians in crosswalks. If everything is clear, the rider can go straight, right, or left without coming to a stop.

In summary, this means, cyclists on Hilton Head Island can now treat red lights like stop signs and stop signs like yield signs.

Why It’s Good for Hilton Head Bike Riders

The new law is helpful for cyclists because, according to the NHTSA, similar laws in other states have demonstrated safety benefits. In Idaho, bicycle traffic injuries dropped 14.5% the year after the law was enacted. Delaware achieved a 23% decrease in these accidents in the 30 months after that state’s law was passed.

With these regulations, riders avoid unnecessary starts and stops as they are cruising. Cyclists using clip-on pedals don’t have to unclip time and again. In fact, with these allowances, traffic flow improves for riders and drivers.

A Word of Caution

While this new law favors both serious cyclists and recreational bikers, anyone on a bicycle must still take responsibility for their own safety. And just because you, an informed rider, know about this law, that doesn’t mean all drivers do.

So be careful. Always look before you leap – or in this case, before you pedal.