Bicyclists in Norman will be allowed to cautiously roll through stop signs and proceed through red lights under specific conditions starting Thursday, Nov. 12, under a new city ordinance.
The Norman City Council approved the ordinance at its Oct. 13 meeting, aligning the city's municipal code with Oklahoma state law. The rule, known as the "Idaho Stop," lets cyclists maintain momentum and spend less time in intersections when it is safe to proceed, according to a city announcement.
The rules differ depending on the signal. At stop signs, cyclists must slow down and yield but may proceed without a full stop if the intersection is clear of immediate hazards. At red lights, cyclists must still come to a complete stop but may then cautiously go through if no hazards are present. In both cases, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully using the intersection.
The ordinance does not give cyclists blanket permission to blow through intersections. Riders remain responsible for assessing traffic conditions and yielding when required. The city defines an "immediate hazard" as an approaching vehicle whose proximity and speed indicate a danger of collision or accident to a reasonably careful person.
Idaho first adopted the rule in 1982. Oklahoma codified it in state law under Title 47, Section 11-202.1.
The Norman Bicycle Advisory Committee unanimously recommended the ordinance on Aug. 10, according to the city. The committee then presented its recommendation to the City Council's Community Planning and Transportation Committee on Aug. 27 before the full council vote.
David Riesland, city transportation engineer, and Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair Hal Cantwell represented the committee at the Oct. 13 council meeting, the Norman Transcript reported. The Transcript also reported the ordinance does not apply to e-bikes or scooters.
The full ordinance text is available on the city's website. The new rules take effect Nov. 12.
