"Dead Red" Gets the Go-Ahead



Photo courtesy of the Oregon Department of Transportation

Good news: If you're on a bicycle or motorcycle and a red light won't change for you, you can run it!

Oregon bicycle and motorcycle riders on Wednesday won the right to go on a "dead red" light following the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 533. The bill now heads to Gov. Kate Brown's desk for her signature. Don't do it yet, though, bikers, because it doesn't take effect until Jan. 1, 2016, according to Portland attorney and motorcycle enthusiast Christopher Slater.

"The effect of this law will be that when any (two-wheeled vehicle) comes to a sensor-operated signal, and it becomes clear to the operator that the sensor is not recognizing them, they can treat the signal as if it's a stop sign," Slater says. "When going, you should always act as if you do not have the right of way."

The bill allows two-wheelers to go on a red stoplight if it won't change for them after one full cycle where other lanes are given a green light. Many detectors do not recognize bikes and motorcycles because the materials they're made from.

Much like with all the cool ideas (legalized weed, Seattle's $15 minimum wage law, same-sex marriage), Washington beat us to the punch last month when Gov. Jay Inslee signed a "dead red" law into effect. Oregon is the 17th state to enact a law, though each state's restrictions are a little different.

Be careful out there, bikers!