There are numerous differences between a bicycle and a car or truck. So it might make sense for some cyclists to question, “Do bicycles have to stop at stop signs and obey other traffic laws?” Both motorists and bicyclists must be clear on the answer so they can know what to expect from the other on the road and avoid needless bicycle collisions.

Keep reading to learn more about the rules cyclists must follow in St. Louis regarding stop signs. 

 Bicyclists Must Follow Traffic Laws

Missouri bicycle laws encompass state and local regulations that specifically apply to bicyclists. These rules include St. Louis County’s helmet ordinance and state laws describing the safety equipment all bicycles must have. However, Missouri bike laws also include traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles, such as cars and trucks.

Specifically, Revised Missouri Statute 307.188 states that bicycles, electric bicycles, and motorized bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Bicyclists are entitled to use the road to the same extent as a car or truck driver. They must also follow the same traffic laws that a car or truck driver must follow.

Stopping for a Stop Sign While on the Road

Do cyclists have to stop at stop signs when riding on the road? According to Missouri law, the answer is yes. This means that when a bicyclist encounters a stop sign on their route when riding along any public road, they must bring their bicycle to a complete stop parallel with the stop sign. They may proceed once their path is clear and they have the right of way.

The right-of-way rules applicable at stop signs can be summarized as follows:

  • If other traffic does not have a stop sign or signal, you must wait for such traffic to clear.
  • At a four-way stop, whoever arrives at the intersection first has the right of way.
  • If two or more vehicles arrive at the intersection at the same time, the person to the other person’s right has the right of way.
  • Traffic proceeding straight through an intersection has the right of way over any traffic turning at the intersection.

These rules apply whether you are in a car, driving a commercial truck, or riding a bicycle.

Do Bikes Have to Stop at Stop Signs on Sidewalks?

Bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks in St. Louis’s business district, but you can ride a bike in other areas of the city. Even so, you must still obey traffic laws and yield the right of way to pedestrians. Sidewalks do not have stop signs applicable to pedestrians only; however, this does not mean pedestrians or bicyclists are free to do as they please.

Instead, pedestrians and bicyclists using the sidewalk should cross the street at crosswalks whenever possible. If there is a traffic signal, they should wait until that signal turns green before proceeding across the street. Otherwise, whether on foot or on a bike, you should wait until any vehicular traffic has passed and it is safe to cross the street before proceeding.

Obeying Traffic Laws is Key to Bicyclist Safety

Stopping for stop signs and following local and state traffic laws is key to enjoying a safe ride around town. Other motorists have a legitimate expectation that bicyclists will follow traffic laws and stop for stop signs. When they do not obey stop signs, traffic lights, and other rules of the road, crashes that cause serious injuries to bicyclists are often the tragic result.