The common practice of turning a stop sign into a yield – a.k.a “a California stop” – actually works against drivers when a motorcycle is approaching.
As a biker, if a car doesn’t come to a complete stop and I see their wheels continue to roll, I have no choice but to continue to brake and slow down until I am sure the driver sees me and is not going to pull out.
So you wait, and then wait a little longer as I go slower and slower and slower until you eventually, actually, stop. So how about it, drivers? How about coming to a complete stop to “signal” us bikers that you actually see us? You don’t force us to slow down to a crawl to “be sure,” and we won’t make you wait while we force you to come to a complete stop. Cars, meh! Go ahead and pull out.
If I’m in my old Chevy truck, I’d be glad to let you pay for a new front bumper, hood, fenders and shiny new paint job because of your refusal to actually stop and look both directions.
Wade Nelson
Arboles
