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Senate splits on "rolling stop" for adult bicyclists; tie vote leaves measure unresolved
Summary
The Utah Senate debated an amendment allowing adult bicyclists to cautiously proceed through stop signs under limited safe conditions but split evenly on a third-reading vote, resulting in no passage on the floor.
First substitute House Bill 155 sparked a contentious discussion on the Senate floor about whether adult bicyclists (18 and older) should be allowed to slow to a reasonable speed and proceed through stop signs when it is safe to do so rather than come to a full stop.
Senator Naderhauser (sponsor) explained the bill was designed to reduce falls caused by modern 'clipless' pedal systems and to codify common adult bicycling practice where motorists are not present and an adult has determined it is safe to proceed. He noted the bill specifically excludes children and sets a standard that requires cyclists to yield the right of way and ensure no immediate hazard exists.
Opponents raised concerns about setting a double standard for road users and about teaching inconsistent rules to children who bicycle with adults. Senator Stevenson said he voted in favor, noting the law should recognize differences between lightweight bikes and heavy vehicles; other senators expressed safety objections. The floor exchange included back-and-forth on statutory wording and whether existing provisions already cover pedestrians and other vulnerable road users.
When the roll was called for third reading, the result was evenly split: 11 yeas and 11 nays, with seven senators absent. The tie meant the bill did not pass the floor session at that moment; the chair recorded the result and the item will await further procedural action or amendment.
