Originally Posted by
myrridin
Availability of sensory data isn't an issue... A cyclists may have an advantage, but the issue is distractions, not information. A cyclists is as subject to the distractions mentioned, not to mention simply letting their mind wander, as a driver... Unless you are trying to claim that all cyclists are supermen capable of complete concentration while riding, but not while driving...
Idaho, is a rural state with low population and very little congestion, not really a good example... and certainly not statistically significant...
Cyclists have a bit more incentive to pay attention in these intersections. A collision between two low speed motor vehicles is just expensive and might mean whiplash. The same collision involving two cyclists, or a cyclist and a car is likely to result in injury and maybe death for the cyclist.
Congestion is a moot issue. If there's congestion at the intersection the law is meaningless: There will be someone to yield to. This is an issue on low traffic streets that are often littered with needless stop signs that cyclists ride to avoid the collectors.