Bikers ticketed by Loudoun County: The "Idaho Stop" a possible solution for "MS-8" charity bicycle riders, bike tour groups & Virginia recreational cyclists

The Reston Bike Club discussing bike safety after a summer evening ride from Herndon at the W&OD Trail

The law in Idaho permits cyclists to roll up to a stop sign, yield the right of way, and then proceed without stopping. This is what the “MS-8” Multiple Sclerosis charity ride participants did and what most bike commuters and weekend riders that I have observed do in Leesburg, Loudoun and Fairfax Counties. The “Idaho Stop” law makes sense and should be adopted by other states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia. Click here for an excellent animated video by Spencer Boomhower as to how this law works and the efficiencies in bicycling. The “Idaho Stop” law does NOT allow a cyclist to “Blow through” or “Race through” a stop sign.

Had the “Idaho Stop” law been in effect during the Multiple Sclerosis charity ride or when the Potomac Peddlers bike group was stopped by the Loudoun County Police, then perhaps the “MS-8” would have to appear in the Loudoun District Court tomorrow in Leesburg to contest the charges.