Originally Posted by
PatrickGSR94
I'm pretty sure Colorado law says a cyclist can proceed through a red light after stopping, if it is safe and clear to do so. I know Idaho, Tennessee, and Mississippi have laws specifically stating so. Likewise a Stop sign can be treated as a Yield sign if it is safe and clear to proceed.
Of course that doesn't help you if you're trying to go straight across or turn left onto a busy road, with no other cars on your side of the intersection.
Not quite right.
Originally Posted by
Shimagnolo
Incorrect.
And not quite complete.
Colorado State law says
(2) A driver stopped at the required position for stopping facing a steady red traffic control signal indication may proceed in accordance with the rules for stop signs if portions of the traffic signal system at the intersection governing other lanes of travel are observed by the driver to go through two complete cycles while remaining steady red for such driver or if the lens governing the driver remains steadily red for more than four minutes
I don't think that Colorado law is unique either. There is probably something on this in the Uniform Vehicle Code which is used to standardize regulations throughout the US.
This is how I proceed at the problem intersection is question. The municipality in question has received numerous complaints about the light but have failed to act. Even with their failure to act, I stop at the light and proceed as above for several reasons. First, I stop at lights. Second, this intersection is a very complicated multi-lane road with lots of people driving stupidly. Third, I don't need a ticket or to get squished.