H 7670Bikes & Pedestrians

Motor and Other Vehicles - Operation of Bicycles

This bill allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, permitting them to proceed without stopping if safe.

Held for study

Population
Affected

Introduced Feb 11, 2026Committee House State Government & Elections

Plain-English Summary

This legislation modifies the traffic laws regarding how bicyclists must behave at stop signs. Under the new rules, a person operating a bicycle approaching a stop sign is permitted to slow down to a reasonable speed rather than coming to a complete stop, provided it is safe to do so. The bicyclist must strictly yield the right-of-way to any vehicles already in the intersection or approaching closely enough to create a hazard. If the intersection is clear, the bicyclist may proceed through the intersection or turn without a full stop.

For younger readers

This bill changes the rules for riding a bike on the road. Right now, bikes have to stop completely at stop signs, just like cars. This new rule says that if you are riding a bike and come to a stop sign, you do not have to stop all the way if the road is clear. You still have to slow down and look carefully. If a car is there or coming close, you must let the car go first. But if it is safe, you can keep going without stopping fully.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

BicyclistsMotoristsPedestriansLaw EnforcementTraffic Safety Officials

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Encourages the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation by maintaining momentum and making urban cycling more efficient, which aligns with environmental goals.
Reduces the likelihood of pretextual police stops for minor infractions, potentially decreasing negative interactions between law enforcement and marginalized communities who rely on bicycles for transport.
Enhances cyclist safety by allowing riders to clear intersections faster and remain more visible to drivers, rather than waiting in blind spots while stopped.
May create potential hazards for pedestrians, particularly the elderly or disabled, if cyclists fail to yield properly while rolling through intersections.
Could lead to confusion among drivers accustomed to strict stop rules, potentially resulting in accidents where the cyclist, as the more vulnerable party, bears the brunt of the injury.
Might serve as a substitute for necessary infrastructure investments, allowing the government to avoid building dedicated bike lanes or safer intersections by simply changing traffic rules.

For Conservatives

Reduces government overreach and micromanagement by removing unnecessary regulations that hinder the efficient movement of individuals.
Improves overall traffic flow by preventing bicycles from queuing up at intersections and delaying motor vehicles behind them.
Allows law enforcement resources to be redirected toward fighting serious crime rather than monitoring cyclists for technical stopping violations.
Creates a double standard in the law where cyclists are granted special privileges over motorists, violating the principle that rules of the road should apply equally to all.
Undermines the rule of law by legalizing behavior (rolling stops) that is traditionally considered a violation, potentially encouraging a disregard for other traffic signals.
Increases liability risks and stress for drivers who may be unsure if a cyclist intends to stop, potentially leading to accidents where the driver is unfairly blamed.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 8 additions

SECTION 1. Section 31-19-14 of the General Laws in Chapter 31-19 entitled "Operation of Bicycles" is hereby amended to read as follows: 31-19-14. Turn and stop signals.

(a) Except as provided in this section, a person riding a bicycle shall comply with § 31-16- 5.

(b) A signal of intention to turn right or left when required shall be given continuously during not less than the last one hundred feet (100′) traveled by the bicycle before turning, and shall be given while the bicycle is stopped waiting to turn. A signal by hand and arm need not be given continuously if the hand is needed in control or operation of the bicycle.

(c) A person operating a bicycle approaching a stop sign shall slow down 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 highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time the person is moving across or within the intersection or junction of highways. After slowing to a reasonable speed and yielding the right-of-way, if required, the person operating a bicycle may cautiously make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.