Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7670

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Requires bicyclists to slow or stop at a stop sign and yield to vehicular traffic.

Impact

The passage of HB 7670 would significantly impact existing state laws regarding how bicycles are operated at intersections, aligning their rules more closely with vehicle traffic laws. By mandating that cyclists must adhere to stop signs and yield to cars, the bill aims to reduce accidents between bicycles and vehicles, which can result in serious injuries. This legislation could lead to increased safety for cyclists as well as motorists, fostering safer interactions on the road.

Summary

House Bill 7670, introduced by Representative Rebecca M. Kislak, aims to amend the current laws regarding the operation of bicycles in Rhode Island. The bill stipulates that cyclists must slow down and stop at stop signs, yielding the right-of-way to vehicles in the intersection. This emphasizes the safety protocols required for bicycle riders when intersecting with vehicular traffic, especially as biking becomes more popular in urban areas. The proposed changes are intended to clarify the obligations of cyclists and enhance road safety for all users.

Contention

While the bill appears to promote road safety, it may face opposition from cycling advocates who argue that existing bike traffic laws already provide enough flexibility for cyclists. They may perceive the requirement to stop at all stop signs as restrictive and potentially discouraging for bike riders, particularly in less trafficked areas where stopping may not be necessary for safety. Thus, discussions surrounding HB 7670 might revolve around balancing the need for safety with the practicality and encouragement of biking as a viable transportation choice.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0540

Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds.

RI H5183

Allows lane filtering, the act of passing stopped or slow-moving vehicles proceeding in the same direction, for motorcycles at low speeds.

RI H5444

Defines slowing a vehicle for purposes of the “move over law” (§ 31-14-3) to mean twenty miles per hour (20 mph) under the posted speed limit.

RI H6318

Requires every school bus, including buses used exclusively for to transport students receiving special education, to be equipped with a live digital video school bus violation detection monitoring system and retractable stop sign.

RI H5563

Requires hotel employees and short-term rental property operators to annually receive human trafficking awareness training.

RI H5881

Provides specific language for signs to be posted at certain establishments notifying people of contact information to the national human trafficking resource center.

RI S0689

Create the “Embryo Safety and Storage Act of 2025.” Also requires the department of health to regulate and license embryo storage facilities.

RI H5192

Requires anyone using a bicycle trail or path to stay to the right on the path and would always pass on the left when safe to do so.

RI S0904

Establishes the commercial sex buyer’s accountability program which consists of an instructional program on prostitution and human trafficking schemes.

RI S0810

Decriminalizes certain commercial sexual activity. It would also include human trafficking as a racketeering activity and would allow expungements of certain convictions in § 11-34.1 after one year.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.