Bill Would Allow Bikers to Run Red Lights

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A proposed law would make it legal for some drivers to run red lights.

Most motorcyclists can't wait to cruise, but waiting for red to turn green can be aggravating to them.

"Sometimes it seems like an eternity," one driver said.

The wait often leaves bike riders stalling with a difficult decision of waiting, or breaking the law by running the red light.

"You wait until you have a clear path, then you determine the light's not going to turn green, and then you go," said motorcyclist Larry Hill.

The lights turn based on magnetic sensors in the ground that measure metal mass. Often times, bikes don't have enough to trigger between stop and go.

The idea to give cyclists the go during a stop doesn't sit well with Don Browning, a retired police officer, a motorcycle enthusiast, who teaches cycle safety for the Rider Education Program.

"This type of statute scares me because it encourages violation of good driving habits," Browning said.

If the proposed law passes, bikers would treat red lights like a stop sign by coming to a complete stop. Then, making sure traffic is clear at a reasonable distance before accelerating through the intersection.

Critics argue everyone's judgment can't be trusted.

"I don't think they should pass the law," motorcyclist Eric Grounds said. "You'll just get people running red lights all the time."

Grounds believes something should be done to change the sensors in the city.

The proposed law would not allow drivers to use it as a defense for bad or reckless behavior.

A similar version has passed in at least seven other states.

Oklahoma's version, House Bill 1795, has passed the House and is now in the Senate.

The bill's author said most motorcyclists want to be safe, because they know they'll likely suffer significant injuries or even death if they crash into a car.

Studies show motorcycle accidents did not increase in those states that have passed the law, which also encompasses bicycles.