Committee clears SB73 to allow cyclists to treat some stops as yields after safety testimony; members urge public education

Sponsor introduced Senate Bill 73 to allow cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs when no conflicting pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle traffic exists and to treat red lights as stop signs after making a complete stop (commonly called the —Idaho stop— in other states). Sponsors and expert witnesses said states that adopted similar laws have seen reductions in bicycle fatalities at intersections.

Expert witnesses included former Judge Lynn Pickard and Eric Biederman (representing an alliance of bicycle advocacy groups). Several cyclists and local bicycle-advocacy representatives testified in favor, including Jim Wilcox (Mesilla Valley MPO bicycle-pedestrian advisory committee) and Oren Pope (graduate student and cyclist), who described intersection collisions and why allowing cyclists to clear intersections when safe reduces exposure to right-hook and turn-related crashes.

There was brief discussion from members about the need for public education if the bill passes, noting that drivers obtain licensing and testing but bicyclists do not, and committee members urged a public outreach component. Supporters noted the bill includes conditions that cyclists must only proceed when no conflicting traffic exists and must yield appropriate right-of-way.

Members moved the measure; a roll call was taken and the transcript shows recorded yes votes and several members offering brief remarks. Representative comments emphasized education and enforcement questions. The chair adjourned the hearing after the vote.