Feet down at stop signs
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I went through a residential stop sign at 25 mph in Sturgis several years ago. The police stopped me and checked for alcohol,drugs and many many questions about what I was doing.
They must have felt sorry for the sober non drug taking senior citizen who couldn't see a stop sign at night because they let me go. I guess at 3 am they were looking for hardened dopers and drunks and not a foolish old guy on a Harley who had lost his two sons in the crowd and was trying to find his way back to the camp grounds.
Not my sons fault as they were looking for a white haired old dude in a black motorcycle themed t-shirt and black denim pants and a goatee. That was only about half the crowd.
They must have felt sorry for the sober non drug taking senior citizen who couldn't see a stop sign at night because they let me go. I guess at 3 am they were looking for hardened dopers and drunks and not a foolish old guy on a Harley who had lost his two sons in the crowd and was trying to find his way back to the camp grounds.
Not my sons fault as they were looking for a white haired old dude in a black motorcycle themed t-shirt and black denim pants and a goatee. That was only about half the crowd.
Last edited by lh4x4; May 15, 2013 at 09:35 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Enid, OK
BTW, putting a foot down doesn't mean the bike is stopped (roll and tap) but I get it, all municipalities want a stop and some may want a foot down. But both feet mandatory? Laughable bunk. Ok, flat out stupid. For example, some states DO NOT require older or custom bikes to have front brakes. You're on a hill, how the hell does a rider hold the bike if both feet are required?
That said, I've rarely do the "suspended animation" stop and sitting at stoplights I use both feet. Simple physics, 4 points on the ground is better than 3 and taking time to pause will give us a second should cagers roll their 4-way stop sign.
Last edited by Ride Ultra; May 15, 2013 at 10:19 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
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From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
And I thought stop signs run from Chuck Norris.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 3
From: California
I live in California and have asked the local enforcement that question a few times. The reply I've always been given is that as long as the bike has come to a complete stop, that's the only legal requirement. But... it's up to the officers' discretion if he/she felt you came to a complete stop and in court, it could be argued that if you didn't put at least one foot down, you didn't make a complete stop.
From 'Answers':
The California Vehicle Code does not state that a motorcyclist must put both feet down at a stop sign. The only provision it has it that you must come to a complete stop and proceed when safe to do so.
22450. (a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection, or railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway or railroad grade crossing.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety.
From 'Answers':
The California Vehicle Code does not state that a motorcyclist must put both feet down at a stop sign. The only provision it has it that you must come to a complete stop and proceed when safe to do so.
22450. (a) The driver of any vehicle approaching a stop sign at the entrance to, or within, an intersection, or railroad grade crossing shall stop at a limit line, if marked, otherwise before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection.
If there is no limit line or crosswalk, the driver shall stop at the entrance to the intersecting roadway or railroad grade crossing.
(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a local authority may adopt rules and regulations by ordinance or resolution providing for the placement of a stop sign at any location on a highway under its jurisdiction where the stop sign would enhance traffic safety.
The wife and I were out for an evening ride in the country and pulled a stop n balance and ride on at a deserted road. The CHP hiding in the bushes lit us up and claimed I didn't stop so after being real sorry the guy let me go with a warning to always put my foot down. Real jerk but he didn't write us up.
Reminds me of my buddy - he got a ticket for a rolling stop, the judge said I want to see both wheels stopped at a stop sign. The next week my buddy was back in court for another stop sign ticket and the judge says I told you both wheels stopped and my bud says but they were your honor......he skidded through the stop. Judge had no humor.
Reminds me of my buddy - he got a ticket for a rolling stop, the judge said I want to see both wheels stopped at a stop sign. The next week my buddy was back in court for another stop sign ticket and the judge says I told you both wheels stopped and my bud says but they were your honor......he skidded through the stop. Judge had no humor.
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Joe Kucinski
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
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From: DOWN SOUTH
I always put left foot down, right foot on rear brake. Once stopped 2 fingers covering front, put right foot down, make sure she is in 1st, cover my sides and rear then go. You never know when someone is comming to take you out when you pull out. I try to ride like everyone is out to get me (which they are and knock on wood) so far I have been extremely lucky only a few close calls but deep down I know its just a matter of time before I get got, thats why I ride the way I do. When I get back from sucking sand I plan on taking my 9yo daughter out for her first adventure on back roads and not over 55. I am glad that I live in the country and traffic is low, otherwise she would not ride.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
I don't get the "put the foot down" thing. In CA if you come to a complete stop then it's a "stop". Putting your foot down isn't the standard, it's making a complete stop at the limit line or crosswalk.
Does the driver of a car have to stick his foot out and touch the ground? Why not? Did he make a complete stop? Silly right? Well that's how I see it with motorcycles. If a rider can STOP without putting his foot down, then it's a STOP.
Does the driver of a car have to stick his foot out and touch the ground? Why not? Did he make a complete stop? Silly right? Well that's how I see it with motorcycles. If a rider can STOP without putting his foot down, then it's a STOP.