HB249

Dear Honorable Members of New Hampshire House Of Representatives Transportation Committee, I am writing today to urge your due consideration and support of HB 249, introduced by Representative S. Miller of Dover. This legislation, when enacted, would allow bicyclists and operators of other human-powered conveyances to responsibly treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as a stop sign. Why is this legislation so important? As a bicycle-friendly state we have tens of thousands of cyclists on New Hampshire roadways throughout the year. Each day, whether commuting by bicycle, transporting goods for delivery, or just riding for healthy fun, a cyclist must navigate hundreds of controlled intersections. Each poses another hazard to the rider. More riders are injured in intersection crashes than on any other portion of the roadway. By allowing the rider to slow, yield, and proceed, they can maintain momentum and expeditiously clear the danger area. Data from NHTSA and the other eleven states having enacted Safety Stop laws show dramatic reductions in intersection crashes with bicycles. Overall, cycling safety has improved while there has been no negative impact to automobile traffic. While many may have expectations that bike riders will dart in front of cars at intersections, studies have shown that when cross traffic is present, bicyclists come to a complete stop to protect themselves. Having no obstruction to their line of vision or other senses, cyclists are acutely aware of their surroundings. They are very capable of making smart decisions to protect themselves at intersections. This proposal comes with precedent and with significant data to back up the change. This includes data from the Delaware State Police (https://www.bikede.org/delaware-yield-crash-data/#page-content) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2023 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-03/Bicyclist-Yield-As-Stop-Fact-Sheet_032123_v5_tag.pdf). These and many related documents will demonstrate the importance of the Safety Stop as a viable tactic to reducing bicycle accidents in New Hampshire. For this reason, I respectfully ask your support of HB 249 and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Unfortunately due to work obligations today I am not able to make it to the committee hearing. Here is my take. Stop signs have existed since 1915 - they were designed by and for the motoring public. Bicycles have a much longer history of use and do not require the same intersection control as motor vehicles, this is simply a function of gross vehicle weight. This bill would make intersections safer for bicyclists and motorists. Sincerely, Kean McDermott, Dover Resident

The "Idaho Stop" is a common - sense approach to bicycle and vehicle safety. Compared to cyclists, motor vehicles are quicker to accelerate, and have a more obstructed view of intersections, as well as longer stopping distances. Allowing cyclists common-sense ability to slow and yield at a stop sign and stop and proceed when safe at a stop light reduces risks for cyclists, and does nothing to impose costs or reduce the rights of motorists. Where this has been adopted elsewhere has resulted in fewer vehicle-cyclist collisions and accidents. As a cyclist and licensed driver myself, this legislation would directly improve my life and result in a safer society, and so I support it.

This will make all road users safer and keep the flow of traffic moving more efficiently. It also reduces the need to spend money on traffic light trip sensors that pick up bicycles (many of them do not pick up bicycles so the cyclist has to either wait for a car, or run the red eventually).

To: New Hampshire House Transportation Committee Date: Tuesday, February 11th, 2025 Subject: Support HB249, Allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs. From: Paula Bedard, Goffstown, New Hampshire Good morning. My name is Paula Bedard. I live in Goffstown. I’m here to speak in favor of HB249, which if passed, would allow bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, and stop lights as stop signs. I have been an avid bicyclist for most of my life, and I appreciate and value using a bicycle for transportation, as well as recreation. As a transportational cyclist, I commuted to work by bike for many years. I am also a certified Bike Safety Instructor, having obtained my League Cycling Instructor (LCI) credential through the League of American Bicyclists Smart Cycling program well over 15 years ago. In my role as a bike safety instructor, I have in the past been hired and paid to teach Safe Cycling Classes at Harvard University, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as Dartmouth College in Hanover New Hampshire, and Lowell University in Lowell Massachusetts. I have also hosted many presentations on Safe Cycling, Bike Commuting, E-Bikes, and Bike Friendly Driving, which is a class that educates motor vehicle drivers about New Hampshire laws and safe behaviors when sharing roadways with bicyclists. In the past, I have served on the New Hampshire Traffic Safety Commission, and on several other advocacy organizations, serving as the voice for bicyclists & pedestrians rights and responsibilities. I am here today, however, speaking on my own behalf as a citizen and bicyclist and not on behalf of any organization I may have been affiliated with in the past or present. I am in favor of HB 249 because it increases safety for bicyclists, by allowing bicyclists to move through intersections and away from traffic congestion more quickly. For many decades now, traffic studies have consistently shown that Intersections are one of the most dangerous locations for bicyclists on roadways. The studies on locations that have implemented “Stop as Yield” laws indicate an increase in bicyclist’s safety due to this behavior. To quote from the 2023 National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) “Fact Sheet” on this behavior --> “ Based upon the current research and data available, these laws showed added safety benefits for bicyclists …...” I’m happy to take any questions, if there are any, and thank you for the opportunity to speak in favor of HB249. Respectfully, Paula Bedard, Goffstown, New Hampshire, pbedard1@comcast.net

I would like to encourage passage of this bill to allow bicycles to treat stop signs as yield. Cyclists are able to see and monitor their surroundings to know when there is cross traffic and appropriately yield. This will improve mobility for cyclists without reducing safety.

Dear Honorable Members of New Hampshire House Of Representatives Transportation Committee, I am writing today to urge your due consideration and support of HB 249, introduced by Representative S. Miller of Dover. This legislation, when enacted, would allow bicyclists and operators of other human-powered conveyances to responsibly treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as a stop sign. Why is this legislation so important? As a bicycle-friendly state we have tens of thousands of cyclists on New Hampshire roadways throughout the year. Each day, whether commuting by bicycle, transporting goods for delivery, or just riding for healthy fun, a cyclist must navigate hundreds of controlled intersections. Each poses another hazard to the rider. More riders are injured in intersection crashes than on any other portion of the roadway. By allowing the rider to slow, yield, and proceed, they can maintain momentum and expeditiously clear the danger area. Data from NHTSA and the other eleven states having enacted Safety Stop laws show dramatic reductions in intersection crashes with bicycles. Overall, cycling safety has improved while there has been no negative impact to automobile traffic. While many may have expectations that bike riders will dart in front of cars at intersections, studies have shown that when cross traffic is present, bicyclists come to a complete stop to protect themselves. Having no obstruction to their line of vision or other senses, cyclists are acutely aware of their surroundings. They are very capable of making smart decisions to protect themselves at intersections. This proposal comes with precedent and with significant data to back up the change. This includes data from the Delaware State Police (https://www.bikede.org/delaware-yield-crash-data/#page-content) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2023 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-03/Bicyclist-Yield-As-Stop-Fact-Sheet_032123_v5_tag.pdf). These and many related documents will demonstrate the importance of the Safety Stop as a viable tactic to reducing bicycle accidents in New Hampshire. For this reason, I respectfully ask your support of HB 249 and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Sincerely Alan Stein, Hooksett

I am writing to express my unequivocal support for HB 249, introduced by Representative S. Miller of Dover, and to urge your full endorsement of this critical legislation. HB 249, which would allow bicyclists and operators of human-powered conveyances to responsibly treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs, is a commonsense measure that will significantly improve cycling safety in New Hampshire. As a state that prides itself on being bicycle-friendly, New Hampshire has tens of thousands of cyclists on its roadways year-round. Whether commuting, delivering goods, or riding for recreation, these individuals face daily hazards at controlled intersections—areas where the majority of cycling injuries occur. HB 249 addresses this issue head-on by enabling cyclists to maintain momentum, clear intersections more efficiently, and reduce their exposure to danger. The evidence supporting this legislation is overwhelming. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the eleven states that have already implemented Safety Stop laws demonstrate dramatic reductions in bicycle-related intersection crashes. Importantly, these laws have improved overall cycling safety without negatively impacting automobile traffic. Contrary to some concerns, studies show that cyclists consistently prioritize their safety by coming to a complete stop when cross traffic is present. With unobstructed visibility and heightened awareness of their surroundings, cyclists are fully capable of making smart, responsible decisions at intersections. The precedent for this legislation is well-established, and the data is clear. For example, the Delaware State Police reported a significant decrease in bicycle crashes after implementing similar measures (source: Delaware State Police). Additionally, the NHTSA’s 2023 fact sheet (source: NHTSA) underscores the effectiveness of Safety Stop laws in reducing accidents and saving lives. This is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of public safety. By passing HB 249, New Hampshire has the opportunity to join other forward-thinking states in adopting a proven strategy to protect cyclists and promote safer roadways. I urge you to support this bill and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Thank you for your time and consideration. I trust that you will recognize the importance of this legislation and act swiftly to ensure its passage. Sincerely,

Dear Honorable Members of New Hampshire House Of Representatives Transportation Committee, I am writing today to urge your due consideration and support of HB 249, introduced by Representative S. Miller of Dover. This legislation, when enacted, would allow bicyclists and operators of other human-powered conveyances to responsibly treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as a stop sign. Why is this legislation so important? As a bicycle-friendly state we have tens of thousands of cyclists on New Hampshire roadways throughout the year. Each day, whether commuting by bicycle, transporting goods for delivery, or just riding for healthy fun, a cyclist must navigate hundreds of controlled intersections. Each poses another hazard to the rider. More riders are injured in intersection crashes than on any other portion of the roadway. By allowing the rider to slow, yield, and proceed, they can maintain momentum and expeditiously clear the danger area. Data from NHTSA and the other eleven states having enacted Safety Stop laws show dramatic reductions in intersection crashes with bicycles. Overall, cycling safety has improved while there has been no negative impact to automobile traffic. While many may have expectations that bike riders will dart in front of cars at intersections, studies have shown that when cross traffic is present, bicyclists come to a complete stop to protect themselves. Having no obstruction to their line of vision or other senses, cyclists are acutely aware of their surroundings. They are very capable of making smart decisions to protect themselves at intersections. This proposal comes with precedent and with significant data to back up the change. This includes data from the Delaware State Police (https://www.bikede.org/delaware-yield-crash-data/#page-content) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2023 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-03/Bicyclist-Yield-As-Stop-Fact-Sheet_032123_v5_tag.pdf). These and many related documents will demonstrate the importance of the Safety Stop as a viable tactic to reducing bicycle accidents in New Hampshire. For this reason, I respectfully ask your support of HB 249 and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Sincerely, Tony Verderame

My name is Johnathan Vail and I live in Nashua where I am part of the Gate City Bike Coop, MakeIt Labs, Nashua Strong Town, and the Bike Walk Alliance of New Hampshire. Speaking for myself I strongly support HB2 allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as stop signs. I commute year round between Nashua and Merrimack as well as around Nashua and recreationally on weekends around the state. I am very aware of the safety challenges that cyclists face. First enacted in Idaho in 1982 this idea was shown to improve safety and similar laws have been enacted . Idaho has similar population size and distribution. At the federal level the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) considers these laws to be safer and better for traffic flow. About a dozen states have some form of this law and more are considering it. Benefits of the Law: SAFETY Cyclist deaths from motor vehicles have been rising at an alarming rate since 2010 and are at the highest level in 50 years. Most accidents occur at intersections. Allowing cyclists to legally proceed when safe through an intersection increases visibility and safety. BETTER FOR TRAFFIC By clearing an intersection sooner the motor vehicles are not slowed by cyclists clearing the intersection. NO COST There is no cost to taxpayers and no additional law enforcement required. I hope you can support this important step in promoting safety in our state. Thank you for your time, Johnathan Vail Nashua

Dear Honorable Members of the New Hampshire House Of Representatives Transportation Committee, I am writing today to urge your due consideration and support of HB 249, introduced by Representative S. Miller of Dover. This legislation, when enacted, would allow bicyclists and operators of other human-powered conveyances to responsibly treat stop signs as yield signs and stop lights as a stop sign. Why is this legislation so important? As a bicycle-friendly state we have tens of thousands of cyclists on New Hampshire roadways throughout the year. Each day, whether commuting by bicycle, transporting goods for delivery, or just riding for healthy fun, a cyclist must navigate hundreds of controlled intersections. Each poses another hazard to the rider. More riders are injured in intersection crashes than on any other portion of the roadway. By allowing the rider to slow, yield, and proceed, they can maintain momentum and expeditiously clear the danger area. Data from NHTSA and the other eleven states having enacted Safety Stop laws show dramatic reductions in intersection crashes with bicycles. Overall, cycling safety has improved while there has been no negative impact to automobile traffic. While many may have expectations that bike riders will dart in front of cars at intersections, studies have shown that when cross traffic is present, bicyclists come to a complete stop to protect themselves. Having no obstruction to their line of vision or other senses, cyclists are acutely aware of their surroundings. They are very capable of making smart decisions to protect themselves at intersections. This proposal comes with precedent and with significant data to back up the change. This includes data from the Delaware State Police (https://www.bikede.org/delaware-yield-crash-data/#page-content) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2023 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-03/Bicyclist-Yield-As-Stop-Fact-Sheet_032123_v5_tag.pdf). These and many related documents will demonstrate the importance of the Safety Stop as a viable tactic for reducing bicycle accidents in New Hampshire. For this reason, I respectfully ask your support of HB 249 and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Sincerely, Keith Gerlach

I believe this bill will make cycling in NH a little safer. As a 75 year old cyclist I ask that you pass this bill.

I am an avid cyclist and a bill like this makes sense. Intersections can be a dangerous place for cyclists to linger for any length of time.

I support this bill. These changes will allow cyclists to clear intersections faster thus removing us from the intersection prior to the rush of cars and trucks making it safer for all.

Stop-as-yield laws have been proven by the NHTSA to be safer in terms of crash reduction. Requiring a full stop is also unnecessary for slower, lighter vehicles where the user can constantly observe their surroundings without visual or auditory obstruction. Stop signs are also used as traffic calming in residential neighborhoods that are otherwise conducive to cycling, but the frequent stopping and starting required makes these routes less desirable. Many of the traffic signals in the state fail to detect bicycles, making it illegal for a cyclist to proceed through the intersection or even turn right (when a No Turn On Red sign is present). The red-as-stop component of this law would provide a legal way to clear the intersection while still putting the onus on the cyclist to stop, observe, and yield to all oncoming traffic. Red-as-stop laws also mean that cyclists can proceed through walk signals after stopping and yielding to pedestrians, which can give the cyclist a safe opportunity to get ahead of right turning vehicles and obstructions just past the intersection. Given the requirement to stop and yield to other road users, it is impossible for this new privilege to be abused without risking a citation. Idaho first pioneered these laws and has seen positive feedback and improved safety metrics in the years following enactment. Given NH is also a semi-rural state with just a few small cities, this law is likely to see similar results here.

Dear Committee Members, I regularly ride my bicycle for leisure and as transportation in the Manchester area. It makes little sense for a cyclist to wait for a full cycle at a stop light or come to a full stop at a stop sign if there is no oncoming traffic. I find it is safer to focus my attention on cars than to make complete stops in these situations. The research seems to support my experience. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation: "In 1982, Idaho was the first State to pass such a law, commonly known as the “Idaho Stop Law.” The law allows bicyclists to yield at stop signs and proceed when safe, rather than come to a complete stop. After Idaho adopted the law, bicyclist injuries from traffic crashes declined by 14.5% the following year (Meggs, 2010). In 2017, Delaware adopted a similar, limited stop-as-yield law, known as the "Delaware Yield.” Traffic crashes involving bicyclists at stop sign intersections fell by 23% in the 30 months after the law’s passage, compared to the previous 30 months. Eight States (Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah, and Washington) have similar laws." Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Commission, "Bicyclist “Stop-As-Yield” Laws and Safety Fact Sheet", https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2023-03/Bicyclist-Yield-As-Stop-Fact-Sheet_032123_v5_tag.pdf Please support this bill. Our traffic laws should reflect the safest ways to ride bicycles. Thank you, Kevin Criscione Manchester, NH

As an avid bicyclist that rides 1500 plus miles per year throughout this beautiful state, I wholeheartedly support this bill. Vehicles are getting bigger and motorists are driving faster than ever. Passing this bill will improve the safety of all bicyclists while imposing no new restrictions on the motoring public. It just makes sense. Thank you.

As a citizen who regularly bicycles, I support this bill. Bicyclists travel at a lower rate of speed and have greater situational awareness than than automobile operators. It should be noted, however, that some ebikes do travel at much greater speeds than a human powered bicycle, and this law should not apply to certain classes of those vehicles.

Hello, I bike or walk as my main form of transportation in Manchester. I am a very cautious and safe cyclist and I support this bill because it will decrease the amount of time I have to spend at intersections. These tend to be the most likely places cyclists are hit and injured. I have been hit by cars twice in Manchester, one of which was at an intersection. It's very common for me to yield at stop signs and I tend to have to go through red lights because the light won't trigger for my bike. I've done this for years in many states and it has not made my biking less safe. Me and my bike together are < 200 lbs and my stopping distance especially when yielding is very short. Data from the other 13 states that have implemented this law starting in 1982 have shown decreases in crashes and injuries. Let's join these 13 states in a common sense law. Thank you, - Elyza Agosta

Cycling is one of the many forms of recreation that make NH such an appealing place to live for those of us who appreciate what nature has to offer. It’s also a means of necessary transportation for some of its citizens, increasing economic mobility that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive with a motorized vehicle. The roadways can be a challenging place for cyclists, especially given how little support they are provided with our existing car-centric infrastructure. This proposed change would add increased safety and support for our pedal-powered friends and neighbors. It is a positive step towards a healthier, more equitable community.

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.