Should cyclists stop at stop signs?

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Here’s what we have today.

• Highland Trail 550, Scotland

• The Frozen Burrito

• Should cyclists stop at stop signs?

• Oak Park Water Department (1942)

• Cycling Through Mexico Alone

• Stats for the Nerds

ROUTE ON MY RADAR

Highland Trail 550, Scotland

Here’s what you’d be getting into.

• 550 miles (885 km), 53,500 feet (16,002 m) of climbing (WOW)

• 75% unpaved, 50% singletrack

• Both an ultra-endurance race and a touring route

• It’s legal to wild camp in most places in Scotland

• Gorgeous mountain scenery and unpredictable weather

• You can drink fast-moving spring water without purification

• bikepacking.com - bikepacking.com guide

• Highland Trail 550 - official race website

• youtube.com - video by Josh from Keep Smiling Adventures

BIKE TRIP TIP

The Frozen Burrito

I hadn’t tried one until the Tour Divide last summer. It is divine.

• No stove needed

• Less than $4

• Vegan, vegetarian, and omnivore options

Find them in the frozen aisle. Put it in your jersey pocket after a grocery stop, and it will be thawed and (luke)warm by evening.

You can get Tina’s brand for 90¢, but Amy’s brand is worth the extra money.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Should cyclists stop at stop signs?

Cyclists are balancing safety and speed. I trying not to die, but I rarely fully stop at a stop sign if there are no cars. Does this matter? Should cyclists fully obey the rules of the road?

A lot of people do not obey them. Several studies found that 30% - 40% of urban cyclists ride through red lights (study 1, study 2, study 3).

This is legal in 11 states. It is called the “Idaho Stop”, “Bicycle Rolling Stop”, or “Stop-as-Yield” law (wikipedia).

In favor of rolling stop laws:

• Safety. Cyclists can avoid potential conflicts with cars.

• Energy. Stopping and starting is tough.

• Time. Why wait when it’s safe to cross?

Against rolling stop laws:

• Education. Drivers and cyclists need to be on the same page.

• Expectation. No one gets angrier than a driver stuck in traffic.

• Consequences. If the cyclist has bad judgment, this law could be catastrophic.

Let’s look at what happened when states made this legal.

Delaware saw a 23% drop in bicycle accidents at stop sign intersections (bikede.org). They say this is because of increased visibility and decreased exposure.

Idaho saw a 14.5% drop (Meggs, 2010).

I fully support Idaho Stops. They prevent accidents, give cyclists more power, and legalize what many riders are already doing.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Oak Park Water Department (1942)

Thanks, Jess for sharing the University of Massachusetts-Boston archives. They’re a treasure trove. [openarchives.umb.edu]

These employees got new bicycles to run their routes around town.

WHAT I’M WATCHING

Cycling Through Mexico Alone

Greg is a legendary bike touring YouTuber. He makes videos about his ride from Alaska to Argentina. Over a year in, he is in the middle of Mexico. This video was a heartbreak to watch. Going from biking together to biking alone is such a hard feeling.

Watch on YouTube

• 13 million. The number of rides in 2024 recorded by Montreal’s bikeshare program Bixi. (Montreal Gazette)

• 260 miles. The distance of new Arkansas bikepacking routes, in partnership with Bikepacking Roots. (Cycling Weekly)

• 47.7%. The growth of Washington D.C.’s bikeshare program since last October. (ggwash.org)

• 173. The number of e-bike charging stations NYC plans to install in the next year. Accessible charging supports high-mileage riders like delivery drivers. (streetsblog.org)

• Sections 137 and 149. UK Highways Act sections that are currently violated by dockless bikes and scooters in London. Transport for London has threatened enforcement. (Cycling Weekly)

• 4.9 miles. The length of West Virginia’s new Clear Fork Rail Trail with 10 more miles expected. Riders can enjoy gravel, boardwalks, and rivers. (railstotrails.org)

A Note From Sam

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