House panel debates bill to let bicyclists treat stop signs as yield when no vehicles present; police urge education

The House Transportation Committee on April 30 considered an amendment to S.123 that would let bicyclists treat stop signs and flashing red lights as yield signs in certain circumstances — a policy often called the “Idaho stop.” Representative Pouch introduced the amendment and committee members asked the Vermont State Police about enforcement and safety implications.

Lieutenant Paul Raval told the committee that the department is “neutral” on the discretionary change but raised practical enforcement and investigation concerns. He said the amendment’s proposed language, which would apply only when “no other vehicles were approaching,” reduces the occasions when the alternative rule would apply but does not eliminate questions about how officers would observe or prosecute violations that occur out of sight.

“Initially my approach to this is…