This bill amends existing laws regarding the operation of bicycles at intersections, specifically addressing how bicyclists should navigate stop signs and red traffic lights. The new legal language allows bicyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs, meaning they can slow down and yield the right-of-way instead of coming to a complete stop. If they choose to proceed through a stop sign after yielding, they must do so cautiously. Additionally, the bill permits bicyclists to treat steady red traffic lights as stop signs, allowing them to stop, yield to other traffic, and then proceed through the intersection if it is safe to do so. The bill also specifies that right-hand turns on red lights are allowed after stopping and yielding, and left-hand turns onto one-way streets are permitted under the same conditions.

The bill introduces new sections to RSA 265:143, specifically paragraphs I-a and II, while deleting the previous reference to a single paragraph. It clarifies the rights and responsibilities of bicyclists in relation to motor vehicle laws, ensuring they have the same rights as other vehicle operators while also establishing specific rules for their operation at intersections. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:143