Cyclists Blow by Downtown Stop Signs

Have you ever wondered whether bicycle riders going through stop signs in downtown Highland Park or elsewhere in the City must stop like a car?

When it comes to a stop sign there is no distinction between an automobile or a bicycle under the law, according to Highland Park Deputy Police Chief Dave Schwarz.

“The law requires (bicycle riders) to stop just like a motor vehicle at a stop sign and then proceed like a vehicle,” Schwarz said.

Is that what happens? Take a look at the video taken August 11 at the corner of St. Johns and Central Avenues and form your own conclusion.

The police recognize the lack of obedience to the law by individual cyclists and packs of riders and are trying to do something about it.

“We want to be a bike friendly community but we are concerned about public safety,” Schwarz said. “We’re having a lot of communication with groups,” he added about bicycle clubs who ride through Highland Park in large groups early on weekend mornings.

One idea under consideration is requiring violators to attend a bicycle safety class if they are stopped disobeying a stop sign, according to Schwarz. If the person fails to attend the class, a traffic citation could be forthcoming.

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