Why Don’t Cyclists Stop at Stop Signs?

Personal injury attorney Ben Schwartz answers a viewer question from Tom near Wilmington, Delaware. Tom asks, why don’t groups of cyclists stop at stop signs? If I roll through a stop sign while driving, the police will give me a ticket. Why is there a double standard for bicycle riders? Shouldn’t they be ticketed too before one of them causes a car accident?

[@RadiantFreeEnergyResearch]

I had not realized how many individuals find it difficult to imagine that a 3000 pound automobile will likely cause much greater damage, compared to an approximate 100 pound bicycle, upon impact/accident.
maybe this could be taught as extra credit in grade school. its a basic wisdom that is considered by many to be essential knowledge.

[@NotExpatJoe]

It is important to look at the entire section of Delaware code. There are very few circumstances where a bicyclist can treat a stop sign as a yield sign in Delaware. If the person in car was stopped at a stop sign and the cyclist blew past them, then section (b) applies and the cyclist should have stopped.
§ 4196A. Bicycle approaching or entering intersection.
(a) A bicycle operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection with a roadway having 3 or more lanes for moving traffic shall come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
(b) A bicycle operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection where a vehicle is stopped in the roadway at the same stop sign shall come to a complete stop before entering the intersection.
(c) A bicycle operator approaching a stop sign at an intersection with a roadway having 2 or fewer lanes for moving traffic shall reduce speed and, if required for safety, stop before entering the intersection. After slowing to a reasonable speed or stopping, the person shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving across or within the intersection, except that a person, after slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way if required, may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.
(d) A bicycle operator approaching an intersection shall always yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has already entered the intersection.
(e) When a bicycle and a vehicle enter an intersection from different roadways at approximately the same time, the operator of the vehicle or bicycle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle or bicycle on the right.

[@xyz2007123]

Great info. One time, someone shouted at me years ago while riding a bicycle that I needed to stop at a stop sign. I slow down, look and roll. Thanks for the video again. Nonriders needed to educate themselves.

[@mw2277]

nah y’all should just drive a damn car